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.

Strategic investments, national impact

Learn how innovations in areas that matter most to Canadians, including affordable housing, food sovereignty and national security, comes from the research made possible by CFI investments in cutting-edge labs and equipment.

Discover the innovations

David Jones wears protective laser glasses as he stands behind a prototype on his lab bench.

article

Oct 14, 2025 British Columbia

Zeroing in on critical minerals

New sensors can pinpoint profitable ore — and reduce the financial and environmental costs of mining

All articles

podcast

May 8, 2025 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

All podcasts

video

Mar 28, 2025

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.

All videos

All stories

podcast

Oct 1, 2018

Better molecules for better medicine

Annie Castonguay, a researcher at Quebec’s Institut national de la recherche scientifique, works to mobilize metals to destroy cancer cells and drug-resistant bacteria when traditional antibiotics and cancer treatments fall short

video

Sep 24, 2018 Ontario

Wearing his heart(beat) on his sleeve

University of Ottawa professor Benoît Lessard invents electronic sensors that can be woven into the fabric of our clothing

article

Sep 24, 2018 British Columbia

Does your social life make you happy?

The University of British Columbia’s Frances Chen uses sophisticated research tools to determine how our social lives — online and otherwise — affect how we feel and behave

PhD student Marjan Taghi Boroojerdi posing for a photo on a violet background.

video

Sep 17, 2018 Newfoundland and Labrador

Freezing on The Rock

Memorial University PhD student Marjan Taghi Boroojerdi seeks to understand the dangers posed by sea ice to ships and off-shore structures

Composite image of six researchers standing side-by-side against different coloured backgrounds

article

Sep 17, 2018

I picture my research in Canada

For a new generation of researchers, Canada is an obvious choice

article

Sep 17, 2018 Ontario

Shifting the research relationship

Lakehead University’s Christopher Mushquash’s wide-ranging work on addictions and mental health in Indigenous communities is tied by one common thread: listening to what the community needs and wants

An oversized video game controller appears to lounge on a couch looking toward a coffee table with drinks and snacks

article

Sep 14, 2018 Saskatchewan

Helping video gaming companies level up

University of Saskatchewan computer scientist Regan Mandryk has developed a testing tool to keep Canada’s booming indie video game industry thriving

Pigtailed girl stands in front of chalkboard containing many mathematical

article

Sep 13, 2018 Alberta,Manitoba,Ontario

Mathematically speaking

As young people from kindergarten to university settle back into school, mathematics researchers give a few good reasons to love the subject some students dread

Houses on Datça Peninsula in Turkey surrounded with clear blue water and a sandy beach

article

May 28, 2018 Ontario

Diving off the Datça

How one maritime archaeologist from Brock University explores ancient shipwrecks for evidence of old-world trade systems

Two hands hold a screen horizontally with a holographic image of a city skyline rising up from the screen

article

May 1, 2018 Ontario,Alberta,Newfoundland and Labrador

Goodbye two dimensional screens, hello holographics

Two research facilities at the universities of Waterloo and Alberta are crucial to a Newfoundland company’s bid to lead the charge on holographic technologies