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
SuperDARN antennas with aurora borealis in the sky above.
article
Saskatchewan

Securing Canada’s Arctic sovereignty with early warning radar tech

How a research project designed to study aurora borealis is set to transform Canada’s Arctic surveillance capability
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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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A starburst of pink, yellow and gray dots, partially connected by curving lines, is meant to represent the relationships between gay liberation activists in Canada.
article
British Columbia,Alberta

PART XII: To what makes us human

Finding patterns in the history of how we understand gender and sexuality. University of British Columbia Okanagan.
A close up shot of a woman’s hands on her pregnant stomach.
article
British Columbia,Quebec,Newfoundland and Labrador

PART XI: To what is closest to our hearts

Safeguarding the health of pregnant women and their unborn babies by zeroing in on prescription drug exposure. Université de Montréal.
A compilation of the Milky Way as seen from space, a tall, circular building containing the telescope and a powerful space camera, which looks like a large blue box.
article
British Columbia

PART X: From the outer reaches of our universe

Peering into the distant cosmos to answer questions about the origins of galaxies, stars and planets. University of British Columbia.
Three diagrams of human heads, generated from data, show areas of the brain lit up with different colours. A series of lines criss-cross above each head – connecting one area to another.
article
Ontario

PART IX: To inside our head

Using mindful medicine to communicate with patients in a vegetative state. Western University.
A large steel sphere in a darkened room.
article
Ontario

PART VIII: From inside the earth

Answering fundamental questions about our universe from two kilometres under the Earth. Queen’s University, Carleton University, Laurentian University, Université de Montréal and University of Alberta.
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.