Research stories

Our investments support research that benefits Canadians

In CFI-funded labs and facilities across the country, researchers in all stages of their careers are making discoveries, supporting a robust innovation ecosystem and helping solve some of the world’s most pressing challenges. 

A launchpad to success for SmartChutes

How the Research Facilities Navigator helped one company find the liftoff they needed toward commercialization
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Two students wearing disposable gloves each hold a small metal object as they stand in front of a large TRUMPF TruPrint 2000 machine.
article
Ontario

Giving industry an additive manufacturing edge

Putting 3D printing power to work for civilian, military and dual-use applications
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podcast
Nova Scotia

Jan Rainey is untangling the mysteries of spider silks

The Dalhousie University researcher is looking to create synthetic versions of spider's silk that have the potential to help heal damaged nerves and damaged hearts
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video

Transforming research instincts into a successful business (March webinar)

Part of our Future You webinar series. This webinar features a new generation of researchers who share their challenges and successes as they made the move from researcher to entrepreneur. Watch the video to gain insights and receive valuable tips on how to start your own business.
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A compilation of a bright orange jellyfish, a pink octopus and a ship lowering a triangular-shaped yellow node to the water’s surface.
article
British Columbia

PART VII: To the depths of the ocean

Spying on sea life with an ocean floor network of sensors and cameras. University of Victoria.
A small group of people stand on a vast expanse of ice, dwarfed by the red and white ice breaker beside them.
article
Quebec

PART VI: From the top of the world

Yielding the secrets of Canada’s harshest environment with a remarkable floating laboratory. Université Laval.
A dimly-lit museum room has several display cases with colourfully painted indigenous masks.
article
Ontario,Quebec,British Columbia

PART V: It is rooted in research

Providing a critical link to history through a partnership of peoples. University of British Columbia.
A woman wearing dramatic red eye shadow poses in a futuristic garment that can change shape or colour. The dress has high, pointed shoulders and dark brown and blue patterned material.
article
Ontario,Quebec,New Brunswick

PART IV: And a desire to make things better

Revolutionizing our relationship with clothing by embedding sensors in fabric for both fashion (it moves when you do!) and function (to alert the wearer of vital signs gone haywire). Concordia University.
A man uses tweezers to hold up a small diamond. The diamond is in focus, blurring out the man’s face.
article
Alberta

PART III: And powerful discoveries

Igniting a worldwide buzz by detecting vast amounts of water in the deepest part of the Earth’s interior. University of Alberta.
A huge, circular room is entirely filled by a ring-like structure of large metal pipes. Inset is a series of colourful protein crystals photographed on a purple background.
article
Ontario,Quebec,Saskatchewan

PART II: It is built on understanding

Illuminating our world at the atomic scale with a light so bright the sun dims by comparison. University of Saskatchewan.
A simulated tornado, looking like a pillar of white mist, rushes up to the ceiling of a large, dark room. A hand-drawn sketch of a wind chamber partially covers the image.
article
Ontario,Quebec,Alberta

PART I: Innovation starts with an idea

Reinventing wind science, from sketch to engineering revolution. Western University.
A world map containing heat signatures.
article
Ontario,New Brunswick,Nova Scotia

PART XVII: It protects our planet

Racing against time to catalogue all of Earth’s species. University of Guelph.
Robert Godin sits inside a bright warehouse, playing one of the guitars made by his company, Godin Guitars. The shelves behind him are full of guitars.
video
Quebec

Made to fit: technology helps musicians find the perfect guitar

Godin Guitars partners with McGill University to bring a dream to life
A goldfish swims with a shark fin strapped to its back
article
Prince Edward Island,Ontario,British Columbia

Small but mighty research institutions

A collection of three research projects from small universities that prove that when it comes to staying at the cutting-edge, size doesn’t matter
Image of a marine creature's skeleton overlayed on an underwater background.
article
Ontario

Reconstructing the ancient Arctic

Trent University’s Paul Szpak is using animal remains from archaeological sites to reconstruct Arctic ecosystems of the past
A conceptual drawing showing the muscle structure of a human shoulder and a burst of light to indicate pain. Medical icons in the background.
article
Prince Edward Island

How healing happens

By understanding how muscle tissue repairs itself, Adam Johnston at the University of Prince Edward Island hopes to find ways to combat aging and improve athletic performance