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

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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.

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The soles of a child’s blue rubber boots, caked in mud

article

Feb 13, 2017 British Columbia

Let them eat dirt

The University of British Columbia’s Brett Finlay demonstrated that microbes might protect children against asthma, more evidence that exposure to bacteria keeps us healthy

An conceptual image of a finger touching a free-floating screen, with action icons streaming out the back.

article

Dec 21, 2016 Quebec

It’s clear as glass

By integrating microscopic ducts into the glass that screens are made of, researchers have developed an amazing interface

A tiny baby's dark eyes and nose peak out from the blanket she's swaddled in, her little fingers grip the edge.

article

Dec 21, 2016 Quebec

Combating premature births

Births before 37 weeks are linked to early intrauterine inflammation. Researchers have developed a molecule that inhibits this.

A graphic of a blue gear containing the male symbol and a pink gear containing the female symbol.

article

Dec 20, 2016 Quebec

For sex equality

Until now, experiments to understand chronic pain used mostly male mice. To scientists’ surprise, however, females react differently. Our way of understanding pain circuitry is changing...

Lightning arcs between two skyscrapers in a nighttime city scape

article

Dec 20, 2016 Quebec

Taming lightning

A physicist has mastered one of nature’s most impressive forces in his laboratory, setting the stage for multiple applications

Andrew Pelling, wearing a microphone, points to a slice of apple in a petri dish.

article

Nov 28, 2016 Ontario

Growing body parts from plants

Inspired by movies like Little Shop of Horrors and The Matrix, Andrew Pelling’s University of Ottawa lab is all about taking the most audacious ideas and turning them into reality

article

Sep 1, 2016

The Canada Foundation for Innovation: an origin story

This is the origin story of the Canada Foundation for Innovation, an organization dedicated to the future, that was born at a time when the country was heavily burdened by its past

article

Feb 9, 2016 British Columbia,Newfoundland and Labrador,Ontario

Canadian research luminaries

The work of the Canada Research Chairholders supported by the John R. Evans Leaders Fund spans all disciplines, from exploring the deep ocean for mineral riches, to the search for an HIV vaccine, to the quest for quantum computing