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. 

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All stories

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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
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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
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Ontario
Reconstructing the ancient Arctic
Trent University’s Paul Szpak is using animal remains from archaeological sites to reconstruct Arctic ecosystems of the past
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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
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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
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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

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Quebec
Forecasting future forest fires
Université Laval’s Steven Cumming uses sophisticated computer models to predict how a warming climate will influence forest fires in southern Quebec. The results aren’t what you might expect.
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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
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Quebec
It’s clear as glass
By integrating microscopic ducts into the glass that screens are made of, researchers have developed an amazing interface
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Quebec
Combating premature births
Births before 37 weeks are linked to early intrauterine inflammation. Researchers have developed a molecule that inhibits this.
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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...
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Quebec
Taming lightning
A physicist has mastered one of nature’s most impressive forces in his laboratory, setting the stage for multiple applications