We are delighted to share that Dr. Catherine Poh has been appointed a Tier 1 Canada Research Chair (CRC) in Oral Cancer Research. Dr. Poh is the third female CRC at UBC Dentistry, following the appointments of Dr. Joy Richman (Tier 1) in 2023 and Dr. Jessica Rosin (Tier 2) in 2022.
After working as a dentist for many years, Dr. Poh enrolled in UBC Dentistry’s PhD program and became passionate about oral cancer research. Today, she runs a robust research program studying the full spectrum of the disease—from the cellular level all the way to treatment. Research from her laboratory has resulted in a breakthrough way of removing oral cancer via surgery using fluorescence visualization technology.
Dr. Poh is among the 14 UBC researchers announced as new and renewed CRCs in the latest round of appointments, representing an investment of $11.1 million through the Canada Research Chairs program.
The CRC program enables Canadian universities to achieve the highest levels of research excellence and become world-class research centres. Chairholders improve our depth of knowledge and quality of life, strengthen Canada’s international competitiveness and help train the next generation of highly skilled people through student supervision, teaching and the coordination of other researchers’ work.
Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) Funding to Newly Appointed UBC Canada Research Chairs
The CFI is awarding funding through its John R. Evans Leaders Fund (JELF), in partnership with the CRC Program. The JELF funding allows The CFI is awarding funding through its John R. Evans Leaders Fund (JELF), in partnership with the CRC Program. The JELF funding allows universities to recruit and retain exceptional researchers by investing in the cutting-edge research infrastructure they need to advance their work.
JELF funding totalling almost $1.3 million was awarded to four new Canada Research Chairs at UBC: Drs. Julie Prytula, Catherine Poh, Purang Abolmaesumi and Xin Tang.