Dr. Shelley Craig among FIFSW scholars named Canada Research Chairs

January 12, 2022 • From Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work

Three researchers from the Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work are among the University of Toronto’s 33 Canada Research Chairs (CRC) announced today by Federal Government.

Associate Professor David Burnes is a new Canada Research Chair in Older Adult Mistreatment Prevention, while Professors Barbara Fallon and Shelley Craig had their CRC positions renewed for a second term. Dr. Fallon holds the Canada Research Chair in Child Welfare, and Dr. Craig holds the Canada Research Chair in Sexual and Gender Minority Youth. (Associate Professor Carmen Logie, whose CRC position is ongoing, is a Canada Research Chair in Global Health Equity and Social Justice with Marginalized Populations.)

The Canada Research Chairs Program is part of a national strategy to position Canada as one of the world’s top countries in research and development.

“That U of T is now home to four Canada Research Chairs from the Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work is a testament to the high-quality research happening within the social work field and the important societal challenges it is addressing,” says Charmaine Williams, FIFSW’s Interim Dean. “The findings and interventions developed by our faculty have and will strengthen both policy and practice — and ultimately help improve the lives of individuals, families, and communities for years to come.”

Ranked number one among peer institutions in North America for number of social work publications and number two for number of social work citations, U of T’s social work research is highly recognized internationally.

“FIFSW’s Canada Research Chairs demonstrate the University of Toronto’s leadership in connecting equity, social justice, health and well-being, says David Brennan, FIFSW’s Associate Dean, Research. “Our researchers’ commitment to disseminating knowledge across disciplines and to the next generation of social workers and social work scholars strengthens our ability to address urgent needs both in Canada and across the globe.”