Concordia’s Rassim Khelifa is awarded a Tier 2 Canada Research Chair

Concordia’s Rassim Khelifa, assistant professor in the Department of Biology, has been awarded a Tier 2 Canada Research Chair (CRC) in recognition of his groundbreaking work in the field of biodiversity and climate change.

The project, valued at $600,000 over five years, also benefits from an additional $668,161 in funding for research infrastructure from the Canada Foundation for Innovation and Quebec MEIE.

Khelifa's research focuses on the urgent issue of biodiversity loss, specifically examining how insects respond to environmental stressors such as climate change. This work is critical for developing strategies to mitigate biodiversity loss and preserve essential ecosystem services.

"I would like to congratulate Rassim on his well-deserved appointment as a Canada Research Chair," says Faye Diamantoudi, Concordia’s interim vice-president of research, innovation and impact. "This investment highlights the university’s dedication to supporting important research that addresses critical global issues like biodiversity and its impact on climate change."

Central to this research is the creation of a state-of-the-art laboratory capable of simulating complex global change scenarios. The lab will utilize advanced growth chambers to replicate past, present and future environmental conditions, focusing on key factors such as temperature, humidity and light levels.

The project will offer exceptional training opportunities for students and researchers. Over the next five years, at least 10 highly qualified personnel will gain expertise in experimental ecology, statistical analysis and conservation biology.

This training addresses a significant skill gap in Canada, particularly in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields, and it will help develop a workforce capable of tackling pressing environmental challenges.

Learn more about research taking place at Concordia.