$79M investment to bring five world-leading researchers to University of Manitoba
Posted August 29, 2026 12:10 pm.
A $79-million federal investment will bring five international researchers to the University of Manitoba, supporting new research programs in areas ranging from public health and Arctic navigation to sustainable mining, energy and biodiversity.
The university says the funding will establish five research chairs and help attract researchers from around the world to Manitoba to develop long-term programs.
The money comes from the federal government’s Eddie Goldenberg Research Chairs Program, which is aimed at attracting leading international researchers to Canada.
Winnipeg South MP Terry Duguid says attracting top researchers is essential to Canada’s future.
“Talent follows talent, and innovation comes from talent. Those are products, the services that we’re using to build our future, create jobs and boost our economy,” said Terry Duguid, Winnipeg South MP.
The funding will support research focused on public health, Arctic navigation and defence, sustainable mining, energy and food security, and biodiversity.
Mario Pinto, the University of Manitoba’s vice-president of research and international, says the university spent months identifying researchers who fit its priorities.
“These individuals are global leaders. They’re well aware of the oppurtunities across Canada, but they chose us. So it speaks volumes to the reputation of this university,” said Mario Pinto, vice-president of research and international at the University of Manitoba.
One of the researchers joining the university is Peter Reiners from the University of Arizona.
Reiners will study underground fluid and rock systems, with the goal of finding more environmentally sustainable ways to address Manitoba’s mineral, energy and national security needs.
The university says the investment will also support research infrastructure, PhD fellowships and postdoctoral positions as part of an effort to train the next generation of researchers.
The university says the new chairs are intended to build ambitious, long-term research programs while strengthening Manitoba’s role in international research.
