Dr. David Barber

Canada Research Chair in Arctic System Science: Tier 1 - seven years

Dr. Barber's CRC work involves field and theoretical research to expand scientific knowledge of the effects of global warming on sea ice in the Arctic, and to develop more effective tools to predict, and deal with, its potentially harmful effects. Throughout his work, Dr. Barber wants to expand scientific knowledge about both the physical and biological processes at work in the ocean-sea ice-atmosphere system. He also hopes to develop innovative modelling tools to predict changes in the system, both in space and over time, and to share his discoveries with key stakeholders, such as the Aboriginal peoples of the Arctic and private sector industry. Read more about David Barber.

Dr. Søren Rysgaard

Canada Excellence Research Chair in Arctic Geomicrobiology and Climate Change - seven years

Research in Arctic geomicrobiology and climate change will allow us to further existing knowledge in this important field and help scientists gain a better understanding of our climate and our environment. Dr. Rysgaard's CERC research will explore microbial activity and chemical transformations within sea ice and ocean sediments as they occur. His team will be the first to intensely investigate the Arctic at the micro-scale. Dr. Rysgaard's work will also provide tools for assessing Arctic resource development, sustainable development of these resources, and impacts on northern peoples. Read more about Søren Rysgaard.

Dr. Gary Stern

Department of Fisheries and Oceans Chair in Arctic Contaminants and Ecosystem Health - five years

Dr. Stern's DFO research involves the study of environmental pathways of contaminants, including their delivery, transport, and elimination from Arctic marine and freshwater ecosystems. In particular, research is directed toward linking contaminant levels in Arctic marine food webs to oceanographic provinces, inputs from land and the atmosphere, and ultimately, climate variation, which has been shown to alter food web structure and and foraging of top trophic level feeders such as beluga and ringed seals. This research is important to Northerners as it explores the causes of marine mammal contamination in the Arctic and how a changing Arctic ecosystem could affect contaminant pathways and cycling in Arctic ecosystems. Read more about Gary Stern.