OTTAWA, Dec. 9 (Xinhua) -- The Canadian government on Tuesday pledged to invest 1.7 billion Canadian dollars (1.23 billion U.S. dollars) over the next 12 years to attract more than 1,000 of the world's top researchers to the country.

According to a press release from the federal government, the Canada Global Impact+ Research Talent Initiative will focus on research areas critical to Canada's sovereignty, resilience and long-term prosperity.

It will cover advanced digital technologies, such as artificial intelligence, quantum and cybersecurity, and biotechnology and life sciences in the health sector.

The priorities will also include clean technologies, environment and climate resilience, food and water security, manufacturing and advanced materials, and defense and dual-use technologies.

Research that cuts across multiple priority areas is also eligible, the release added.

This initiative represents one of the largest recruitment programs of its kind globally, uniquely designed to secure top research talent at exceptional speed and flexibility. These features will ensure Canada remains at the forefront of scientific innovation, said the release.

"As other countries constrain academic freedoms and undermine cutting-edge research, Canada is investing in, and doubling down on, science," said Melanie Joly, Canada's Minister of Industry.

Her comments are widely seen as a reference to the environment for science and immigration in the United States, marked by policies by the administration of President Donald Trump that created uncertainty for international researchers, including travel bans, increased difficulties in obtaining visas, and a de-emphasis on scientific fields such as climate change.

Analysts said Canada aims to directly enhance its competitiveness in core industries and reduce its technological dependence on its southern neighbor.

Canada faces a historic opportunity to attract world-leading researchers at a pivotal time for global innovation, said the release. Enditem