[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/Wood_Chris1.jpg” caption=”Chris Wood, Canada Research Chair in Environment and Health. File Photo. “]McMaster has a long tradition of research collaborations that span the globe. Now, two of McMaster's Research Chairs, Chris Wood and John Lavis, have been partnered with colleagues in developing countries to tackle pressing issues of international impact.

Their expertise has been recognized by the International Research Chairs Initiative (IRCI), a leading-edge program that is sponsored by Canada's International Development Research Centre in collaboration with the Canada Research Chairs Program.

“There were eight research teams chosen from across Canada and around the world for the IRCI, and of those eight, McMaster garnered two prestigious International Research Chairs partnerships, said Mo Elbestawi, vice-president of research and international affairs. “I can't say enough how satisfying it is for the University to have such phenomenal success and it speaks volumes – not only to Drs. Lavis and Wood's research talent – but also to the ongoing research excellence that places McMaster at the forefront of global discovery.”

Biologist Chris Wood, Canada Research Chair in Environment and Health, is paired with Adalto Bianchini of Brazil and will receive up to $1 million over five years to battle increasing pollution in Brazil's coastal areas. From what they learn at the Brazil site, they will determine what is applicable to the Hamilton Harbour cleanup.

John Lavis, Canada Research Chair in Knowledge Transfer and Exchange. File Photo.

John Lavis, associate professor in the departments of clinical epidemiology & biostatistics and political science, is Canada Research Chair in Knowledge Transfer and Exchange. Lavis is partnered with Dr. Nelson Sewankambo, principal of the College of Health Sciences at Makerere University and a global leader in the fight against HIV/AIDS in Africa. They will also receive up to $1 million over five years to study how to turn health research into policy, which can mean the difference between life and death in Africa

“Whether it's addressing the adherence to tuberculosis medications in Cameroon or the implications of male circumcision in Kenya as an HIV prevention strategy, we hope to address the top concerns in each of the eleven countries,” says Lavis.

The formal announcement was made February 25 by the Honourable Gary Goodyear, Minister of State (Science and Technology).