In a global context marked by geopolitical instability, four major Quebec universities - Université Laval, McGill University, Université de Montréal and Université de Sherbrooke - are joining forces to launch a series of ambitious initiatives aimed at making Quebec a key destination for top-tier researchers. Co-ordinated steps will also be undertaken at the national level to strengthen Canada's scientific sovereignty and attract the world's brightest minds.
An opportunity to seize
As political and social tensions weaken the global research ecosystem, Quebec and Canada have a unique opportunity to position themselves as havens for rigorous and independent research. A recent survey published by the journal Nature revealed that 75 per cent of researchers now working in the United States are considering leaving the country.
"In these uncertain times, we cannot simply wait to be called upon - we must step up. Our universities are ready to lead," said Dominique Bérubé, McGill's vice-principal of Research and Innovation. "We are putting forward bold, well-structured proposals to support the entire research ecosystem."
"We are calling on governments to act swiftly so they don't miss the opportunities that this moment of instability presents - for the benefit of both Quebec and Canada," added Eugénie Brouillet, vice-rector of research, creation and innovation at Université Laval. "Other countries, particularly in Europe, have already committed significant resources to their universities to attract top talent from around the world."
Concrete, complementary and flexible measures
Grouped under the name Polaris, the proposed initiatives include both federal and Quebec-specific components and are designed to produce translational impacts for both Quebec and Canada by:
- creating new research chairs in strategic sectors such as artificial intelligence, health, and biodiversity - including chairs jointly funded by universities and philanthropic initiatives;
- offering targeted scholarships to recruit talented PhD students and postdoctoral fellows at critical junctures in their careers;
- supporting early-career researchers to build a critical mass of expertise in vital sectors and help drive government priority initiatives; and
- investing in the modern research infrastructure essential to welcoming world-class talent.
These initiatives are designed to complement existing government programs. Some scholarships would enhance current provincial and federal programs, while others would help accelerate early-career researchers' projects or foster international collaborations.
A strategic investment
Fully aware of current pressures on public finances, the universities are proposing a range of scalable initiatives, giving governments a set of well-considered investment options. They believe the time is right for decisive action - just as has occurred at other pivotal moments in Quebec and Canadian history.
"We firmly believe the current context represents a strategic opportunity that Quebec and Canada must seize," said Jean-Pierre Perreault, rector of Université de Sherbrooke. "A clear and positive signal from governments could have an immediate impact on how Canada is perceived as a top destination for research."
An inclusive and global vision
While some of the proposed measures target researchers based in the United States - including Quebecers and Canadians pursuing careers there - the overall goal is to attract talent from across the globe. The initiatives aim to offer a space for unparalleled intellectual freedom, scientific rigour, innovation and creativity to advance their work.
"Together, our universities are home to seasoned research teams across numerous fields, and these teams maintain strong international networks," said Vincent Poitout, vice-rector of research and innovation at Université de Montréal. "We are well-positioned to welcome top minds who are seeking to thrive in an open, dynamic environment where science can flourish freely."
Université Laval, McGill University, Université de Montréal and Université de Sherbrooke are among the most research-intensive institutions in the country. Collectively, they host half of all undergraduate students in Quebec and more than two-thirds of graduate students.
The full proposal document has been submitted to governments and is available upon request.
