As many research institutions around the world face rising tensions disrupting the practice of science, Université de Montréal today announces a $25-million funding drive backed by generous sponsors that aims to recruit top researchers and promising young talents to its campuses.
"This initiative, part of our Brave the Way philanthropic campaign, demonstrates our commitment to welcoming the brightest talents from near and far to our research community and providing them with a vibrant space for free thought, scientific rigour, innovation and creativity," said UdeM rector Daniel Jutras.
"What we are announcing today will support recruitment, enable us to take advantage of opportunities as they arise, and help strengthen our leadership in our areas of excellence, including healthcare, public policy, biodiversity, artificial intelligence and new materials," Jutras said.
"More than ever, the message of 'Brave the Way' resonates as a call to action for our community."
Already, almost half the $25-million objective of the new drive - $12 million - has been raised, including $8.7 million from the Courtois Foundation, a steadfast ally of UdeM.
"I thank the Courtois Foundation for supporting what we hold most dear: the freedom to explore and to push back the limits of knowledge for the benefit of society," said Michael Pecho, UdeM's vice-rector of alumni relations and philanthropy.
"The Courtois Foundation's generous donation will fund postdoctoral fellowships and the recruitment of top-level researchers to the Faculty of Arts and Science and the Faculty of Medicine," he said. "But we will need more help to achieve our goals and support more projects in all our faculties."
"Université de Montréal already has world-class research teams in many fields and they are connected to their peers around the world," added Vincent Poitout, UdeM's vice-rector designate for research and innovation.
"We are well-placed to bring in some of the best talent-people seeking an open, dynamic environment where science can flourish in freedom," said Poitout. "The initiative we are launching today will attract new resources to advance our research mission."
The $1-billion Brave the Way campaign calls on philanthropists big and small to step up and join forces to help build the world of tomorrow, starting at Université de Montréal. To make a donation, please visit our website (in French).
