Dr. Bettina Callary Awarded Prestigious Tier 2 Canada Research Chair

Cape Breton University’s Dr. Bettina Callary has been named the recipient of a prestigious Tier 2 Canada Research Chair (CRC) in Sport Coaching and Adult Learning. Developed as part of a strategy to make Canada one of the world’s top countries in research and development, Canada Research Chairs are granted to exceptional emerging scholars in the social sciences, humanities, health sciences, engineering and the natural sciences. 

An emerging international leader and scholar, Dr. Callary, Associate Professor of Sport and Physical Activity Leadership, is sought out within her field for her knowledge and skill facilitating adult learning and coach development. As the CRC, Dr. Callary’s focus will be on diverse community sport engagement, enriching coach development and leading to the retention of adult Canadians engaging in sport. 

“I’m honoured to have received this award,” says Dr. Callary. “I am excited by the prospect that my research is being viewed federally as an important endeavour that will help extend our understanding of creating and maintaining quality sport experiences for healthy active aging.”

Over the next five years, Dr. Callary will conduct ground-breaking research exploring how adult-oriented coaching approaches and coach education influence sport experiences. “While research and practice have come a long way in understanding coaches who work with youth, very little is known about what is needed to support adults in sport,” explains Dr. Callary. “To ignore the possibilities for coaches to develop quality sport experiences in an adult context is negligent. Adults have the potential to gain so much from sport.” 

“We are thrilled that Dr. Callary is being recognized for her important work in the field of sport coaching and adult learning,” says Tanya Brann-Barrett, Associate Vice-President, Academic & Research, Research and Graduate Studies. “Her high-caliber research will support the retention of Canadians participating in sport for healthy active aging, wellbeing and community engagement.”   

Dr. Callary has always been a strong proponent for involving students in research opportunities and says the experience demonstrates the power of learning and the strength of our next generation to make a difference. In her role as CRC, she will be working with students as well as other researchers and members of the community to translate her research into practice through collaboration. 

Congratulations, Dr. Callary!