Why this expert on severe weather risk is leaving the U.S. for Western University
Canada is investing $541 million to recruit top international research talent, successfully attracting 64 professors, including severe-weather expert Seth Guikema from the University of Michigan. This initiative aims to bolster Canadian scientific research and economic growth.
Why it matters
The aggressive recruitment of foreign academics highlights a global competition for scientific expertise and Canada's strategic focus on climate risk and resilience.
Western University is among the Canadian universities benefitting from the federal government's $541 million effort to attract top research talent, including from the United States.
On Thursday, the government announced it had brought in 64 professors to lead scientific research at universities across Canada, 48 of whom are from south of the border.
Canada recruited 64 professors with new research fund. Three-quarters are from U.S. schools
Seth Guikema is one of them. He's leaving the University of Michigan to join Western University as the first Eddie Goldenberg Research Chair of Canada in Climate Risk and Resilience Analytics.
The civil and environmental engineer is receiving $8 million from Ottawa, with his research focusing on using data, AI and risk analysis to help communities prepare for severe storms, wildfires and other natural hazards, university officials said.
Guikema spoke with interim Afternoon Drive host Nav Nanwa a short time after Thursday's announcement.
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