According to WADA, the chair will help develop "globally-recognised expertise in the field of anti-doping through an approach focused on advancing research and knowledge transfer".

A graduate programme in the field of humanities, to be led by the university, will also be established.

WADA will invest $200,000 (£150,000/€180,000) a year over the next five years in the chair, a contribution which will be matched by the University.

The Université de Sherbrooke, a large public French-language university with around 40,000 students, will also "work to raise additional funds from the public and private sectors".

WADA director general Olivier Niggli claimed the establishment of a research chair dedicated to anti-doping provided a "big boost" to the global watchdog.

"Over the years, WADA has invested millions in social science research that specifically measures the effectiveness of existing anti-doping strategies and interventions; and, informs more effective doping prevention strategies," said Niggli. 

"In parallel, WADA is increasing access to education and information programmes worldwide with the goal of preventing intentional or unintentional use of prohibited substances and methods.

"The Université de Sherbrooke is renowned in Canada and internationally for its capacity to create applied research programmes and chairs with a variety of partners. 

"We are confident that it is well positioned to bring unique expertise and a perspective to the anti-doping community that is supported by research; and, in so doing, contribute to making Montreal a global centre of excellence for anti-doping."