Next generation research leaders from Canada and low- and middle-income countries to pursue innovation and community-building projects

OTTAWA – More than 450 researchers at the doctoral, postdoctoral and early-career levels will undertake global research projects as part of the new Canadian Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Advanced Scholars Program, contributing to improved global talent exchange between Canada and other nations. This expanded second round of the Queen Elizabeth Scholars program will fund winning projects at 23 Canadian universities, thanks to a $10 million contribution by Canada’s International Development Research Centre and a $2.5 million contribution from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council. This additional funding has allowed the Queen Elizabeth Scholars program to expand its reach to more low- and middle-income countries, and fund researchers at multiple stages of their careers to become the next generation of innovative leaders and community builders. For a complete list of the winning proposals, please visit www.queenelizabethscholars.ca/winning-proposals. Details of the Queen Elizabeth Scholars’ travel and research are also shared on the #QEScholars tagboard. The winning projects span diverse subject areas ranging from agriculture and food security to climate change, employment and growth, and maternal and child health. Successful projects were selected by an independent selection committee representing research and funding communities from around the world. The Canadian Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Advanced Scholars Program is managed through a unique partnership between Universities Canada, the Rideau Hall Foundation, Community Foundations of Canada and Canadian universities. It is made possible with financial support from the International Development Research Centre and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council.     About Queen Elizabeth Scholars Program The Queen Elizabeth Scholars program aims to activate a dynamic community of young global leaders across Canada and the Commonwealth to create lasting impacts both at home and abroad through cross-cultural exchanges encompassing international education, discovery and inquiry, and professional experiences. To learn more visit www.queenelizabethscholars.ca. About Universities Canada Universities Canada is the voice of Canada’s universities at home and abroad, representing the interests of 97 Canadian public and private not-for-profit universities. To learn more visit www.univcan.ca. About Community Foundations of Canada Community Foundations of Canada is the national network for Canada’s 191 community foundations. We are a philanthropic movement working across sectors to help Canadians invest in building strong and resilient communities. To learn more visit www.communityfoundations.ca. About Rideau Hall Foundation The Rideau Hall Foundation works in close collaboration with the Office of the Governor General and many external partners to support initiatives that strengthen our national identity, build capacity and promote the advancement of a smart and caring nation through learning, leadership, innovation and giving initiatives. To learn more visit www.rhf-frh.ca. About International Development Research Centre Part of Canada’s foreign affairs and development efforts, IDRC invests in knowledge, innovation, and solutions to improve lives and livelihoods in the developing world. Bringing together the right partners around opportunities for impact, IDRC builds leaders for today and tomorrow and helps drive large-scale positive change. Learn more at www.idrc.ca. About Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council The Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada is the federal research funding agency that promotes and supports postsecondary research and research training in the humanities and social sciences. By focusing on developing talent, generating insights and forging connections across campuses and communities, SSHRC supports world-leading initiatives that reflect a commitment to a better future for Canada and the world. To learn more visit: www.sshrc-crsh.gc.ca   Media Contacts: Universities Canada Brenna Baggs Communications manager Tel.: (613) 563-3961 ext. 255 bbaggs@univcan.ca Twitter: @UnivCan @QEScholars Community Foundations of Canada David Venn Director of communications Tel: (613) 236-2664 ext. 302 dvenn@communityfoundations.ca Twitter: @CommFdnsCanada Rideau Hall Foundation Melanie Bechard Communications officer Tel: (613) 914-0651 melanie.bechard@rhf-frh.ca Twitter: @RideauHallFdn International Development Research Centre Ghislain Desjardins Senior media relations advisor Tel: (613) 696-2177 Gdesjardins@idrc.ca Twitter: @IDRC_CRDI Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council Yoan St-Onge Communications Advisor Tel: (613) 947-6560 yoan.st-onge@sshrc-crsh.gc.ca Twitter: @SSHRC_CRSH