Four York University researchers have been named Canada Research Chairs (CRCs), receiving federal support to lead transformative work in youth well-being, Indigenous health, disability innovation and neuroscience.
The Government of Canada announced the new and renewed CRCs on Oct. 23, recognizing outstanding scholars across the country. The CRC program invests in research excellence and supports the development of knowledge that benefits society, the economy and the environment.
At York, the newly appointed and renewed Chairs reflect the University’s commitment to research and social impact.
“These Canada Research Chairs exemplify York’s leadership in research that is socially conscious, interdisciplinary and deeply engaged with communities,” said Amir Asif, vice-president research and innovation. “From youth well-being and Indigenous health to neuroscience and disability innovation, their work tackles real-world challenges turning knowledge into action that benefits people across Canada.”
Kate Dunn – Canada Research Chair in Indigenous Context and Innovations on Wellbeing (Tier 2)
Faculty of Health
Dunn leads Indigenous-led research focused on improving hepatitis C care and liver wellness in First Nation communities. Her work addresses systemic barriers rooted in colonial histories and ongoing inequities. Using a Two-Eyed Seeing approach – which integrates Indigenous Knowledge with biomedical perspectives – her team co-creates culturally connected resources to guide equitable, community-driven health strategies.
The research aims to strengthen self-governance, build capacity and guide equitable, community-driven strategies for testing and treatment, contributing to the elimination of hepatitis C as a public health threat for Indigenous Peoples.
Aimi Hamraie – Canada Research Chair in Technology, Society and Disability (Tier 1)
Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies
Hamraie’s research challenges conventional narratives of assistive technology by centring disability communities as designers and innovators.
Their work examines how people with disabilities create tools, platforms and environments that reflect lived experience and cultural knowledge – such as DIY wheelchair ramps or community-built digital systems. Using historical analysis, ethnography and creative design methods, Hamraie’s team explores how disability-led design responds to global challenges like climate change, artificial intelligence and pandemics.
The research reframes accessibility as a transformative force in technological and social systems.
Eline Kupers – Canada Research Chair in Computational Neuroscience (Tier 2)
Faculty of Health
Kupers’ research explores how the brain processes visual information and how this affects perception. Her interdisciplinary approach combines behavioural testing, neuroimaging and computer modelling to identify the limits of perception and their impact on cognitive performance.
This work deepens understanding of healthy brain function and informs interventions for conditions such as dyslexia and schizophrenia, with the long-term goal of restoring or enhancing vision for Canadians with visual impairments.
Kate Tilleczek – Canada Research Chair in Youth, Education and Global Good (Tier 1, renewal)
Faculty of Education
Tilleczek’s research explores how youth navigate digital technologies and ecological challenges. Her team works with vulnerable youth to co-develop education and policy that support well-being in a rapidly changing world.
Tilleczek’s renewed appointment reflects her continued leadership in youth-centred research that bridges education, technology and social equity. Her work investigates how young people navigate emerging digital landscapes – including artificial intelligence, persuasive design and social media – while facing ecological degradation and weakened social supports.