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.

All videos

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A transport truck on a snow-covered road in a blizzard.

article

Feb 28, 2019 Manitoba

Avoiding the storm

A Winnipeg company generates sophisticated weather reports to save trucking companies and farmers tens of thousands of dollars

Young woman resting her face in her hand stares out a window through open shutters looking bored

article

Jan 14, 2019 Ontario

Boredom is complicated

Feeling bored is more than a modern day irritant. It can be a source of significant distress, particularly for people with ADHD

A group of mannequins in a window display.

article

Nov 30, 2018 British Columbia

Figuring out what makes shoppers buy or walk away

The choices you make at the mall aren’t always rational. They’re steeped in emotion, from envy to self-esteem. A University of British Columbia lab is taking a closer look at how consumers behave.

Three men with crossed arms sit in shadow

article

Nov 7, 2018 Alberta,British Columbia

Common cancer, uncommon approach

Not all prostate cancer research is the same, even if it is the most common cancer affecting men

article

Nov 7, 2018 Ontario

Refurbishing the hen house

Research is helping egg farmers transition toward new requirements for housing their hens, and minimize their losses along the way

A fractured view of people in a public space

article

Nov 7, 2018 Ontario

How improving accessibility can boost the bottom line

Businesses can open their doors to thousands more customers by offering tools to assist people with language impairments

article

Nov 7, 2018 Ontario

Transforming Northern Ontario’s forest product sector

New applications for forest by-products are helping to reinvent an industry and boost employment in remote regions of Ontario

article

Nov 7, 2018 Ontario

Growing Ontario’s billion-dollar greenhouse industry

Genomics research stands to curb losses of high-value crops to disease

Image of Regan Thompson holding a fish with his two arms.

article

Nov 7, 2018 Ontario

Scouring the scum to save a lake worth millions

Tackling harmful algae blooms in Lake Nipissing is critical to preserving the local industries that rely on it

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

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