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. 

An outdoor scene at dusk with a stone pavilion and several tipis arranged in a circle with bleachers.

Wildlife ecology done “in a good way”

Researcher Jesse Popp works alongside Indigenous communities to understand their most pressing questions about biodiversity and the plants and animals on the Land
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An outdoor scene at dusk with a stone pavilion and several tipis arranged in a circle with bleachers.
article
Ontario

Wildlife ecology done “in a good way”

Researcher Jesse Popp works alongside Indigenous communities to understand their most pressing questions about biodiversity and the plants and animals on the Land
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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
All podcasts
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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Illustration of four men in business suits rowing a vessel shaped like an arrow. A fifth man, standing in front of them, shouts from a megaphone.
podcast

Episode six: The way forward

The final episode of our podcast series takes stock of where the CFI is today and where innovation in Canada needs to be 20 years from now
Floor to ceiling solar panels simulate a sunny day in a concrete research facility.
video
Quebec

Off-the-wall energy for self-sufficient buildings

Concordia University researcher Andreas Athienitis’ thermal solar wall technology can provide enough heat and electricity to take whole buildings off the grid
Three rows of round icons display a variety of bacteria and virus illustrations.
podcast
Ontario

Keeping antibiotics ahead of infectious diseases

Gerry Wright talks about the problems with promiscuous bacteria and how antibiotics resistance could affect the future of medicine
Illustration of a group of men and women running up a mountain. The leader is waving a Canadian flag.
podcast

Episode five: A new research strategy for Canada

A continuation of our podcast series that traces the Canada Foundation for Innovation’s unlikely origin story
A young boy peers through the bars of a playground structure
article
Ontario

Finding new markets for monkey bars

Lambton College labs help develop the next generation of playground equipment to give a southwestern Ontario company a boost into the adult fitness market
A rainbow of light emanates from two human forms side by side
article
Alberta

Making regenerative therapies reality

The University of Alberta’s Cell Therapy Manufacturing facility will take new therapies for diabetes and cancer from the hypothetical to the viable
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
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
A dark blue cityscape overlain with rings of white digital icons
article
British Columbia

Seeing the future in augmented reality

Maria Lantin at Emily Carr University of Art + Design creates environments that are enhanced by technology to predict how virtual realities will change how we interact with each other and the space around us
Graphic representation of radio transceiver hardware
video
Quebec

Digital radio technology more reliable than Wi-Fi and Bluetooth

Researchers developed a new wireless transceiver that reduces our smartphones’ energy consumption
A graphic of many white dots connected by blue lines, arranged in the shape of a brain
article

How remembering happens

Sheena Josselyn at Toronto’s SickKids hospital is figuring out how one memory triggers another, with important implications for treating things like post-traumatic stress disorder and schizophrenia