Tag: Horizon Europe and Canada

Nolan Quinn, Minister of Colleges and Universities for Ontario, details plans to accelerate research and innovation in Ontario to compete on a global scale.

In the southernmost Canadian province of Ontario, advancing research and innovation is high on the agenda. The research sector is a vital source of innovation and commercialisation in the province and is a leading contributor to Ontario’s global competitiveness and productivity.

In May 2024, the Ontario government announced an investment of almost C$200m over the next three years to support the advancement of Ontario-made research and innovation at six leading research institutes. The funding will help keep ideas, expertise and intellectual property in the province and support long-term economic growth.

To find out more about how Ontario is advancing its research and innovation sector, The Innovation Platform spoke to Nolan Quinn, Minister of Colleges and Universities, Ontario.

How important is innovation in Ontario? What is Ontario doing to accelerate its research and development space?

Ontario is proud to be leading the way in innovation across a variety of vital industries. Our government remains committed to leveraging critical investments that foster an environment where the economy can thrive.

Since 2018, Ontario has invested C$740m in 1,301 research projects through its competitive research programmes, leveraging more than C$1.18bn in funding from federal and third-party contributions.

From 2018 onwards, the Ontario government’s competitive research programme investments have supported the creation of more than 120,000 training opportunities for researchers, and students across the province.

The research investments have contributed to 40,900 publications that were cited more than 557,000 times, 421 patents being granted, 76 spin-off companies being created and 594 new jobs at those spin-offs.

The Ontario government has this year committed to invest almost C$200m in Ontario-made innovation over the next three years. Why is this so important?

Ontario is home to some of the brightest and most innovative minds – and the world is taking notice. This investment will not only lead to growth in Ontario-made innovation on the global market, but it will also create more high-paying jobs in our own backyard. This investment will support Ontario’s research capacity in talent, infrastructure, and operations, which will help train the next generation of skilled workers. This investment also provides funding for basic, applied, and experimental research across disciplines that lead our province to significant scientific breakthroughs.

Not only do these scientific advancements and discoveries improve the lives of Ontarians, but they also transform the lives of people across the globe. Our ministry recognises that, in order to make these profound scientific discoveries, research must be properly supported, and we are proud to do so.

What are the biggest issues that research and development in Ontario is trying to tackle?

Our government is committed to building the Ontario of tomorrow – one with advanced medical care, efficient vehicles, adaptive technology, and so much more so our province can continue to thrive. In light of this, our ministry has identified a few priority areas for innovation. These include life sciences (e.g., cancer, rare diseases); genomics; medical devices; automotive, including electric vehicles (EVs); critical minerals; artificial intelligence (AI), including advanced computing; and quantum technology.

In addition to the priority areas, the government also provides funding for basic and applied cutting-edge research across all fields of inquiry, ranging from STEM disciplines to social sciences, arts and humanities, to ensure both economic and societal benefits to the province.

How important is international collaboration and financial support for Ontario’s innovation space?

Ontario is leading the way in innovation – not only in Canada, but across the globe. Facilitating connections between the post-secondary sector and industry both domestically and abroad is critical to ensuring that Ontario remains a leader of scientific and technological advancement on the global stage. Our strong international relationships also allow us to leverage the knowledge from the brightest minds across the world to improve the lives of Ontarians.

We are working with post-secondary institutions, research institutes, research organisations and industry around the world to foster an innovative environment for a prosperous Ontario.

That said, our government’s priority is to ensure that the social and economic opportunities that result from homegrown innovation benefit Ontarians and the Ontario economy first and foremost.

Canada has recently joined the Horizon Europe programme under Pillar II. What does this mean for Ontario?

Ontario has a strong record of engaging with our European partners to advance critical innovation and research opportunities. We welcome federal engagement with the European Union to further strengthen these endeavours.

Please note, this article will also appear in the 20th edition of our quarterly publication.

Marco Blouin, Director General Science and Partnerships, Ministère de l’Économie, de l’Innovation et de l’Énergie, Québec government, explains how international collaboration is accelerating Québec’s research, development, and innovation.

Research and innovation has long been at the forefront of Québec’s economic landscape. Over many years, Québec has established a scientific research base of international calibre and has built strong relationships with stakeholders in the research and innovation ecosystem across the globe. Québec is positioning itself as a leader in innovative fields such as artificial intelligence (AI) and quantum technologies. In 2024, Canada officially joined the Horizon Europe programme under Pillar II, opening up ample opportunity for Québec to propel its research and development (R&D).

The Innovation Platform spoke to Marco Blouin, Director General Science and Partnerships, Ministère de l’Économie, de l’Innovation et de l’Énergie, Québec government to discover more about Québec’s research and innovation landscape and find out what the new Horizon Europe partnership could do for the province.

What role can Québec play in the global innovation landscape?

We like to think of ourselves as punching above our weight when it comes to science and innovation globally, especially on the research side. Our overall R&D spending is significantly higher than the Canadian average. In terms of academic publications, between 2010 and 2021, the share of joint publications that involve both a Québec-based researcher and an international partner has grown from 45% to 61% of the total. We maintain two universities in the top 200 of the main international rankings. We also have two university incubators in the top ten of the UBI Global Ranking.

However, because we are relatively small, when it comes to turning this research expertise into innovations, we also need to set some strategic priorities. There are several sectors that are key to our innovation capabilities: aerospace, artificial intelligence (AI) and quantum, life sciences, energy transition and electrification, for example. These are sectors in which our research and innovation is recognised internationally, and where we have an industrial base that can support the transfer of our research into commercial products.

We know that this expertise has value to our partners, and we need to push our ambition further to remain attractive collaborators on the global stage.

We aim to leverage some of these key sectors through strategic initiatives. To give you an example, our government supports the development of innovation zones in some of these key areas, and across our province. For now, we have four of them – digital technologies, quantum technologies, energy transition, and aerospace – and there might be more to come. Innovation zones concentrate, within a specific geographic area, our expertise in a particular sector. It brings together researchers, industries, and investors in attractive living environments so that we have a critical mass that allows us to develop our innovation capabilities further in these sectors. Our innovation zones are also meant to serve as a showcase for international partners.

Our geographic position and our identity as a province also have an impact on how we view our contribution to global innovation. I will give you two very different examples to illustrate this.

On technological innovation, because of our location and our networks, we tend to act as a bridge between Europe and North America. For example, in the southern part of the province, close to the US border, we have created our innovation zone on digital technologies, Technum Québec. The zone notably features the Miqro Innovation collaborative center (C2MI) – the largest R&D centre in Canada focusing on the manufacturing of electronic systems, including semiconductors. Our investments in this centre and this zone are part of a broader joint commitment between Canada and the US to develop a cross-border innovation corridor for semiconductors. At the same time, though, this digital technology ecosystem is active in the development of partnerships with European collaborators in the quantum and photonics industry – for example, in the Netherlands. We try to use this bridge-building position between Europe and North America to our advantage.

If I zoom out, we are also very active in terms of science diplomacy. In Québec, we have a dedicated Québec Research Fund, headed by our Chief Scientist, Professor Rémi Quirion. It is an explicit mandate of our Chief Scientist to contribute to the reputation and outreach of our research expertise and excellence abroad. In 2024, Professor Quirion acts as a president of the International Network for Governmental Science Advice (INGSA), which is present in 110 countries. For us, this is a unique opportunity to voice some of our science priorities and concerns globally, such as the responsible use of AI technologies, for example.

How important is international collaboration and support to Québec’s research and development sector?

As I said, given that we are a small nation, we need to rely on international collaborations to grow our research and innovation. If we want our research to have an impact in fields that are of global relevance and interest to solve big societal challenges – such as, energy transition and climate change, digital transformations, medical and biomedical research, just to name a few – it is crucial that we join our efforts and funding capacity with partners outside of Québec.

This is also true of innovation, if we think of our start-ups in the technology sector. We have a very solid ecosystem in Québec to raise and support them, but our domestic market is too small to allow them to grow. In our current Québec Research and Innovation Investment Strategy – which covers the years 2022-2027 – we have defined a series of actions to accelerate the transition of our most promising start-ups and scale-ups to the international market.

To help us, we are also fortunate to count on a diplomatic network that is rather unique for a provincial entity. We have 34 diplomatic representations in 19 countries across the globe, and about half of them include specialised policy advisors that focus on research and innovation, in key territories and markets such as London, Paris, Munich, Seoul, Los Angeles, etc.

Can you provide an example of a successful project supported by international funding?

One interesting example I can think of is the Horizon 2020-funded ICE_GENESIS project, which focused on advanced simulation means and tools to address icing problems on aircrafts. As I mentioned above, the aerospace industry is central to our economy, and a lot of our industrial R&D takes place in this sector.

The total amount of the project, whose first phase started in 2019, is €21m. In addition to EU funding, many industrial and institutional partners have contributed to this funding, including Bombardier on the Québec side, as well as our government, via our programme for international research collaborations that helped our industrial research consortium CRIAQ to take part in the project. Our financial contribution to the overall project has been rather modest (around €400,000), but it had a fantastic leverage effect that secured the participation in the project of some of our best local experts on the modelling of aircraft aerodynamics – I am thinking of Professor Éric Laurendeau at Polytechnique Montréal, and his team of researchers and students. It also contributed to convincing Bombardier to join this collaborative effort alongside other major industry partners like Airbus and Dassault. Ultimately, the benefits are huge both for our industry, as we develop new modelling tools, and for our research community. On the research side, for example, Professor Laurendeau’s team is developing numerous research exchanges and collaborations with some of the best institutions in this area in Germany (T.U. Braunschweig) and France (ONERA Toulouse), such as joint doctoral theses.

ICE_GENESIS is a great example of the type of international collaboration that we aim to support in the context of Canada’s association to Horizon Europe. We will leverage our research expertise, bring our industry into successful consortia thanks to our intermediary organisations like CRIAQ, whose job it is to create these connections, and tie these projects together with our strategic initiatives like innovation zones.

Why is the new partnership between Canada and Horizon Europe an important development for Québec?

Europe is a very natural partner for our international research and innovation collaborations. If we look at our in-house data, US-based researchers are our main partners in joint academic publications. However, France, the UK and Germany then follow. I already mentioned above why Europe is an important component of our innovation and research and innovation strategy. More broadly, it also reflects the reality of our inward and outward research mobility flows, which predominantly occur with Europe, and which ultimately contribute to the establishment of strong research networks. This also matters for our capacity to compete for talent attraction and retention.

With regards to Horizon Europe more specifically, we know that under the previous programme, Horizon 2020, 30% of the funded projects involving Canadian partners had a participating Québec-based institution. Even before Canada’s association to the programme, we were already well-positioned, even though of course in most cases our participation to Horizon projects was self-funded. Now that association provides us with the possibility or receiving direct funding for our researchers and companies, we want to take advantage of our existing networks and develop new partnerships. It is certainly a major opportunity!

We are particularly interested in the fact that association covers Pillar II of the programme – with a strong focus on collaborative research between the public and private sector – and in six clusters that roughly match the domestic structure of our ecosystem. Years ago, we created what we call our industrial research sector groups, whose mission is to support companies in our strategic sectors by facilitating collaborations with researchers. We have nine of them, on aerospace (CRIAQ – which I mentioned before), aluminium (CQRDA), industrial bioprocesses (CRIBIQ), biopharmaceuticals (CQDM), energy and electric transportation (InnovÉÉ), advanced materials (PRIMA), information and communications technology (PROMPT), medical technologies (MEDTEQ+), and metals transformation (CRITM). Some of them are already well-connected to European partners, but we think that they could greatly benefit from the opportunities of association, and that they will help consolidate our domestic expertise to join Horizon-funded consortia.

Please note, this article will also appear in the 20th edition of our quarterly publication.

Research propels innovation and discovery at Thompson Rivers University (TRU). Located in the picturesque city of Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada, TRU is pioneering research to address critical global and local issues.

With a commitment to collaborative, impactful research, TRU is dedicated to creating solutions that matter. Through initiatives that span population health, cultural preservation, and environmental resilience, TRU’s research centres are making meaningful strides towards a better future.

This commitment is most clearly exemplified by three of TRU’s research centres: the Population Health and Aging Rural Research Centre (PHARR), the All My Relations Research Centre, and the Institute for Wildfire Science, Adaptation and Resiliency. Each of these centres reflects the university’s values and brings together faculty, students, and community partners to drive progress on issues affecting Canadians and beyond.

“At TRU, our researchers, faculty, students, and community partners work together to push the boundaries of knowledge and create solutions to the pressing challenges we face,” says Shannon Wagner, Vice-President Research at TRU. “By fostering partnerships and collaboration, we are not only addressing today’s societal needs but are also preparing for the future.”

The All My Relations Research Centre: Empowering Indigenous wellbeing

As a leader in Indigenous research, TRU hosts one of the largest Indigenous student populations in British Columbia and reflects its commitment to bettering Indigenous health and wellbeing through the All My Relations Research Centre.

The All My Relations Research Centre at TRU acts as a national Indigenous family and community health research and training centre, designed to identify, research, further develop, and implement best practices in Indigenous family and community health and healing. This centre prioritises research that is both culturally relevant and community-driven, working closely with Indigenous groups to address their priorities and promote Indigenous health and wellness.

The Centre also guides the Knowledge Makers Undergraduate Circle, a programme launched in 2016 that has guided nearly 100 Indigenous students in publishing their first peer-reviewed articles. These students share their perspectives in the Knowledge Makers Journal, enriching the academic landscape with Indigenous knowledge and insight.

In a recent collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, the All My Relations Research Centre brought to life a pivotal international Indigenous Women’s research cohort. Celebrated at TRU’s IDays 2024, this unique gathering marked the culmination of a multi-year initiative involving Indigenous Women scholars from 16 countries, focused on pressing global issues related to Indigenous Women, Indigenous knowledge and food systems, as well as climate action.

This cohort’s work, soon to be published in the Special Edition Knowledge Makers Journal, showcases original research that brings Indigenous perspectives to the forefront of climate resilience and food security dialogues. Co-led by TRU faculty Dr Rod McCormick, Director of the All My Relations Research Centre, this collaboration not only amplifies Indigenous voices but reinforces TRU’s mission to foster equity and sustain Indigenous knowledge in global policy discussions.

“This collaboration underscores the power of Indigenous knowledge in addressing global challenges, with the cohort of Indigenous Women scholars bringing invaluable insights into food systems, climate resilience, and cultural preservation—knowledge that is not only grounded in heritage but also crucial for sustainable futures,” says Dr Rod McCormick, Director of the All My Relations Research Centre. “At TRU, we are committed to elevating Indigenous voices and supporting research that drives meaningful, community-centred change.”

For many Indigenous communities, this research is essential for reclaiming heritage, protecting traditions, and nurturing a vibrant and prosperous future.

Transforming rural health with the Population Health and Aging Rural Research Centre

Launched in June 2024, TRU’s Population Health and Aging Rural Research Centre (PHARR) focuses on improving healthcare outcomes in rural and ageing communities. With an ageing population in Canada, particularly in rural regions, there is an urgent need to address the unique healthcare challenges these communities face. PHARR’s mission is to understand and tackle these challenges by working directly with people with lived experience, community leaders, and policymakers.

Dr Juanita-Dawne Bacsu, Canada Research Chair in Nursing and Population Health and Assistant Professor at Thompson Rivers University, leads research at PHARR to improve dementia care and health equity of older adults in rural areas, with a focus on reducing stigma, promoting cognitive health, and using a social determinants of health approach to address the unique challenges in rural communities.

By conducting in-depth community-based studies, PHARR’s research team works in partnership with rural communities to develop evidence-based strategies to improve the health equity of rural older adults. This work not only helps local residents lead healthier lives but also informs policy, programmes, and practice, ensuring that the unique needs of rural Canadians are recognised. Through partnerships at the individual, community, and policy levels, PHARR is translating its findings into real-world solutions that make a measurable difference.

Advancing wildfire resilience at the Institute for Wildfire Science, Adaptation and Resiliency

As climate change intensifies globally, so do the risks and impacts of wildfires. TRU’s Institute for Wildfire Science, Adaptation and Resiliency was established to address these challenges by researching and developing strategies for wildfire prevention, adaptation, and community resilience. In partnership with the BC Wildfire Service, the Institute collaborates with community members, firefighters, and industry leaders to pioneer innovative solutions that enhance safety and environmental sustainability.

A key project underway at the Institute, led by Dr Lauchlan Fraser, core researcher at TRU’s Institute for Wildfire Science, Adaptation and Resiliency and NSERC Industrial Research Chair in ecosystem reclamation, focuses on revolutionising post-wildfire ecosystem reclamation through innovative drone-deployed seedpods. The initiative is currently developing methods to rapidly restore forests and vegetation in remote and fire-damaged regions. Partnering with Tree Track Intelligence, his team is using drone technology to distribute specially designed seedpods, targeting areas that are otherwise too dangerous or inaccessible for traditional replanting methods.

“At the Institute for Wildfire Science, Adaptation and Resiliency, we’re rethinking how we approach ecosystem recovery,” says Dr Fraser. “Drones allow us to safely reach remote sites following a wildfire, delivering custom seedpods that are optimised for quick germination. This technology provides an opportunity to reclaim large areas faster and more effectively, creating stronger ecosystems that can withstand future challenges.”

The seedpods used are designed to meet the specific needs of each environment, containing native species that are essential for ecosystem balance, and which hold cultural significance to Indigenous communities. The project is further testing methods to increase germination rates, reduce growth time, and boost the survival of newly planted vegetation—laying the groundwork for a faster, more sustainable approach to wildfire recovery across BC.

By integrating academic research with real-world applications, the Institute for Wildfire Science, Adaptation and Resiliency is paving the way for a future that is not only more resilient but also adaptable to the increasing threats of wildfires while empowering communities with the tools they need to face the increasing wildfire threat.

Collaboration for real-world impact at TRU’s research centres

TRU’s research extends beyond its campus through strategic collaboration with government agencies, Indigenous organisations, peer institutions, and local community partners. These collaborations allow the university to bring its research directly into communities, ensuring that discoveries and advancements are easily accessible and create meaningful impact. By building strong relationships with local and global partners, TRU ensures that its research contributes to tangible improvements in policy, community wellbeing, and environmental health.

At Thompson Rivers University, research acts as a powerful catalyst for change. By advancing knowledge across various disciplines, TRU addresses local challenges and contributes to global progress. Thompson Rivers University is proud to lead research that fosters collaboration, drives advancements, and meets the challenges of today and tomorrow.

To learn more about Thompson Rivers University’s research centres, visit tru.ca/research

Please note, this article will also appear in the 20th edition of our quarterly publication.

Clinical research that changes patients’ lives: From genomics and mechanisms to clinical trials and practice.

MHI’s Research Centre is composed of approximately 700 people, including basic and clinical researchers, who author more than 700 scientific articles per year.

Innovation is at the core of our mission

The missions of the Research Centre of the Montreal Heart Institute (MHI) are to:

1. Make major discoveries in the cardiovascular field that will ultimately contribute to the improvement of patient care and population health.
2. Contribute to the advancement of knowledge in the cardiovascular field.
3. Provide an exceptional environment for the training of highly qualified personnel.
4. Ensure the transfer and application of knowledge to improve patient care and population health.

The focus of our research on important cardiovascular problems, as well as the balance and synergy between basic and clinical research, are demonstrated by our flagship projects and our research matrix composed of main (vertical) scientific axes and cross-sectional approaches (Fig. 1). This synergy between clinical and basic research results in a model of translational and bidirectional research going from the study of genes to large-scale clinical trials and from the patient to fundamental studies.

Cutting-edge research approaches, infrastructures and platforms

We have developed and integrated cutting-edge cross-sectional scientific approaches (e.g. genomics and pharmacogenomics (PGx), proteomics, metabolomics, discovery and development of biomarkers, the study of important processes (e.g. inflammation), state-of-the-art medical and molecular imaging) with the development of major research platforms including:

1. A hospital cohort of 20,000 finely phenotyped and genotyped patients.
2. A coordinating centre for clinical trials (phases 1 to 4) with an international reputation.
3. A GLP-grade Pharmacogenomics Centre (CAP-CLIA certified).
4. Exceptional platforms for the discovery, development and validation of biomarkers.
5. Medical and molecular imaging platforms for pre-clinical and clinical research.
6. A large-scale bank of medical images fed by more than 200 clinical centres. We also lead large-scale clinical trials and clinical research networks, thus underscoring our multiple national and international partnerships.

Our Centre targets these main strategic perspectives in accordance with its missions and assets:

1. Cardiovascular precision medicine
2. Cardiovascular flagship projects
3. Innovative clinical trials
4. Cutting-edge cardiovascular imaging.

Cardiovascular precision medicine

Our cardiovascular precision medicine initiative was launched in 2004 and aims to discover, develop and validate precision therapies guided by different approaches, including pharmacogenomics, diagnostic genetic and non-genetic biomarkers, and biomarkers for the stratification of cardiovascular risks.

Our initiative benefits from a critical mass of researchers in genomics, statistical genetics, pharmacology, metabolomics and bio-informatics; our   Pharmacogenomics Centre; our statistical genetics group StatGen; our Centre of Excellence in Personalized Medicine (CEPMed), our platforms for the discovery of biomarkers, our hospital cohort, and funding totalling $500m for precision medicine targeting pharmacogenomics, proteomics, metabolomics, microbiomics, and artificial intelligence.

Cardiovascular flagship projects

Our Centre’s flagship projects target important cardiovascular problems and require the expertise of multi-disciplinary groups working at the Montreal Heart Institute and supported by major technological and financial resources:

Curb atherosclerosis

This is an ambitious programme aiming to reduce the burden of atherosclerotic cardiovascular events by the identification of patients at risk or with early coronary disease, by improved evaluation of risk through the utilisation of biomarkers in development, and by the development of new treatment approaches involving pharmacogenomics, drug repurposing, and new therapeutic targets and medications. Various projects target inflammation, lipoproteins, diabetes, and lymphatic vessels.

Target brain-heart interactions

This is a project holding the potential of fundamentally changing our understanding of these interactions. This project encompasses several types of brain-heart interactions. Ultimately, these project studies aim at allowing for the development of new therapeutic tools to slow or prevent cardiovascular and brain diseases.

Optimise the treatment of heart failure

This is a project based on the Canadian Alliance in Heart Failure led by the Montreal Heart Institute with the objective of improving the prediction, prevention, diagnosis and management of heart failure. The four targets of the translational research subgroup of the network are the following:

1. New biological pathways, heart failure phenotypes and targeted therapies.
2. Inflammation in heart failure.
3. Nutritional and environmental exposome.
4. Ageing, co-morbidities and heart failure.

Cure broken hearts

This project targets patients with congenital heart diseases and aims to improve their survival through excellence in research, care and teaching. The research objectives include:

1. Identifying the genetic and non-genetic causes of heart failure.
2. Developing experimental models to understand the roles of scar tissue, hypoxic areas, and ionic channel abnormalities in arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death.
3. Developing minimally invasive, hybrid, and image-guided approaches to treatment.
4. Identifying populations at risk of sudden death through population studies that include genotype-phenotype correlations, proteomic analyses, imaging, and electrophysiological evaluations.
5. Conducting clinical trials to evaluate strategies for preventing sudden death, as well as pharmacological and interventional therapies for heart failure.

Innovative clinical studies

We lead at MHI innovative clinical studies:

1. Multicentre studies integrating pharmacogenomics, biomarkers used to stratify populations, and multi-modality imaging.
2. Clinical trials utilising adaptive designs.
3. Decentralised (or virtual) clinical studies.

Our Academic Research Organization (ARO) possesses all the required expertise and services for the coordination of clinical trials, as well as a network of 4,500 clinical sites in 35 countries. The synergies between our ARO and our Pharmacogenomics Centre allow the Research Centre of the Montreal Heart Institute to take an international leadership role in clinical studies focused on precision medicine. Furthermore, our ARO is a world leader in decentralised clinical trials (with no visits to the hospital or clinic) with the development of our platform called MeTRO and the conduct of the largest decentralised trial called COLCOT-T2D.

Please note, this article will also appear in the 20th edition of our quarterly publication.

As the largest bilingual research centre in America, the CHU de Québec-Université Laval is advancing its health research in Canada across seven programmes supported by advanced scientific platforms.

 The Chu de Québec-Université Laval is one of the largest and most comprehensive healthcare institutions in Canada, with over 17,000 employees dedicated to delivering advanced care and medical expertise to the population of Eastern Québec. Guided by a mission to provide exceptional healthcare services, conduct pioneering research, and contribute to education and training, the CHU is committed to improving the health and well-being of communities throughout the region.

At the heart of the CHU’s operations are its core values: compassion, innovation, collaboration, and excellence. These values are the foundation of the organisation’s True North, a strategic compass guiding every decision and action. By prioritising patient-centred care and the continuous pursuit of improvement, the CHU strives to create an inclusive, respectful environment that values the needs and voices of patients, families, and employees alike. This commitment to excellence extends across the CHU’s five hospital sites, making high-quality, specialised, and ultra-specialised care accessible to residents across Eastern Québec.

As an integral part of the Réseau Universitaire Intégré de Santé et de Services Sociaux de l’Université Laval (RUISSSUL), the CHU de Québec-Université Laval serves a critical role in this vast network, covering more than 2 million residents. The RUISSSUL promotes close collaboration across healthcare, research, and educational initiatives, thereby strengthening the delivery of care throughout the region. This collaborative structure ensures the availability of specialised expertise across the continuum of care, from primary to ultra-specialised services.

Renowned nationally and internationally for its exceptional research teams and state-of-the-art facilities, the CHU de Québec-Université Laval Research Centre has built an enviable reputation through its outstanding achievements. The largest French-language research centre in America and one of the ten largest in Canada, the institution is at the forefront of translational research, where laboratory discoveries are rapidly translated into concrete clinical applications, directly benefiting patients and the general population.

Seven research programmes, dedicated to exploration and innovation

With its seven research programmes, the CHU de Québec-Université Laval is the only centre in Québec whose work spans the entire continuum of life sciences, from conception to end-of-life care.

Endocrinology and Nephrology: Hormones at the heart of body regulation

Kidney, liver, prostate, thyroid, bones… So many vital organs whose unresolved mysteries drive our research teams to develop innovative treatments that improve the quality of life for people with hormone-sensitive diseases.

Infectious and immune diseases: Understanding, preventing, and curing infectious and immune diseases
Bringing together experts in microbiology, immunology, rheumatology, and public health, our division works to combat pathogens and understand autoimmunity in rheumatological disorders to better protect populations.

Regenerative medicine: Repairing, regenerating, and replacing human body tissues

Pushing the limits of the human body, our researchers develop innovative treatments for patients with eye diseases, cancers, vascular diseases, or severe burns. Laboratory-reconstructed tissues using biomaterials or cells allow for testing new drugs, regenerating defective tissues, and restoring organ functions.

Neurosciences: Better understanding our brain

The brain is the favorite subject of study for neuroscience researchers who seek to uncover its secrets to better understand how diseases like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and multiple sclerosis appear and to find treatments for them.

Oncology: Searching for new ways to counter cancer

One of the great scourges of our society, cancer, leaves no one indifferent. Thanks to the work of our researchers, who demystify its mechanisms, we are able to develop new treatments and ways to prevent it.

Reproduction, maternal and child health: Ensuring our future

From planning a pregnancy to childbirth, from birth to adolescence, the health and improvement of care and quality of life for families is the primary concern of our researchers.

Population health and optimal health practices: Addressing current and future population health issues

Our researchers in public health and other medical specialties, such as nursing, pharmacy, economics, administration, and social sciences, contribute to improving population health and adopt innovative practices and care and science-based health policies.

Cutting-edge scientific platforms for health research in Canada

The research teams and students at the CHU de Québec-Université Laval Research Centre have
access to seven scientific platforms equipped with state-of-the-art devices. Managed by experts, they offer services and support for the completion of various research projects.

Genomics Centre

Providing personalised health services in Canada through the sustained activity of its integrated proteomics and genomics platforms, supported by a bioinformatics platform and validation technologies.

Medical chemistry

Developing new drugs and creating innovative molecular research tools.

Regenerative medicine

Bringing together services such as 3D printing, cellular reprogramming, histology, and production of models through cell culture or tissue engineering and tissue analyses.

Bioimaging and cytometry

Offering high-throughput image analysis, cytometry, and bioimaging, as well as a cellular imaging unit with advanced technologies.

Animal models

Facilities designed to meet the highest standards of animal welfare, offering a secure and well-suited environment for the specific needs of each strain, as well as imaging and irradiation services.

Clinical and evaluative research platform

Supporting clinical research with services such as quality assurance, methodological and biostatistical support, and blood sample collection services; promoting the well-being of staff involved in clinical research; and optimising the centre’s clinical research potential.

SCIENTA: Data valuation and utilisation centre

Facilitating the exploitation and enhancement of health and social services information from the CHU de Québec-Université Laval through expertise in data science, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and modern technologies.

An inclusive and welcoming environment

The CHU de Québec-Université Laval Research Centre is an exceptional training ground where innovation and excellence come together to help you develop your skills and achieve your goals.

Every year, we welcome over 1,000 students from undergraduate to doctoral levels, as well as postdoctoral trainees from various scientific backgrounds and academic programmes.

With students from over 85 countries and representing more than 100 languages and dialects, the CHU de Québec-Université Laval Research Centre is a true crossroads of exchange and collaboration.

The Innovation Office of the CHU de Québec-Université Laval: A pillar for healthcare across Eastern Québec

At the forefront of CHU’s innovative efforts is its Innovation Office, which is dedicated to advancing medical and technological solutions tailored to the unique needs of the region. This office is pivotal in fostering a culture of innovation within the RUISSSUL, enabling the development and integration of new healthcare models, technologies, and practices that enhance both patient experience and service efficiency.

Through groundbreaking initiatives in fields such as oncology, neurology, and surgical techniques, the Innovation Office brings the latest advancements to the healthcare sector, ensuring that patients in Eastern Quebec benefit from cutting-edge treatments and improved quality of life.

Medscint: A revolution in radiation therapy

A significant example of this innovative approach is the development of Medscint, a groundbreaking technology designed to enhance radiation therapy in a more precise and effective way, offering patients a safer alternative to traditional methods. Medscint utilises advanced scintillator dosimetry to accurately measure radiation doses, ensuring optimal treatment while minimising exposure to surrounding healthy tissues.

Developed within the cutting-edge environment of the CHU Research Center, this technology allows healthcare professionals to deliver radiation therapy with unprecedented precision, significantly reducing the risks of complications and improving patient outcomes. Unlike traditional dosimetry methods, Medscint provides real-time feedback and high-resolution measurements, promoting a more targeted and efficient treatment process.

This project reflects the Innovation Office’s commitment to integrating state-of-the-art technologies into medical care. The goal is to enhance the accuracy of radiation treatments, reduce side effects, and improve the overall quality of life for patients undergoing radiation therapy.

Kalego Solutions: creating a positive impact through cutting-edge technologies

Founded by two graduate students at CHU de Québec-Université Laval Research Center, Kalego excels in modifying the surface of materials at the nanoscale using plasma technology. Combining a passionate scientific mind in plasma technology and a doctoral student in infectious diseases, they aim to create a positive impact through cutting-edge technologies.

With products such as plasma reactors and industrial coatings, Kalego’s vision is to enhance society’s health and well-being by harnessing the versatility of plasma technology. From the lab to the market, Kalego’s team shows how graduate students can become entrepreneurs.

Synergy between research and care: Meeting local and global needs

These innovations, stemming from the collaboration between the Innovation Office, researchers, employees, and students at the Research Centre, as well as clinicians at the CHU de Québec-Université Laval, underscore the importance of synergy between research and care in improving healthcare services.

By integrating cutting-edge technologies and multidisciplinary expertise, these collaborative efforts not only accelerate the development of new treatments but also enhance patient outcomes.

Through initiatives like these, the CHU is establishing itself as a key leader in health research, addressing the needs of populations in Eastern Québec while having a global impact. This proactive approach ensures that the latest advancements in healthcare reach patients swiftly and effectively, creating a model of care that balances both local relevance and international excellence.

Please note, this article will also appear in the 20th edition of our quarterly publication.

Université du Québec en Outaouais (UQO) invites international research collaborations.

The Université du Québec en Outaouais (UQO) is a small regional university and member of the Université du Québec Network. With our nine sister universities, together we form the largest French-language university in the Americas. Our accessible and innovative network of universities is building the society of tomorrow. Through training, research and creation, we transform lives, and we are changing the world. We are a preferred partner of communities and First Peoples across the province of Québec.

Created 40 years ago, UQO is today counting on the expertise of over 260 full-time professors affiliated in 13 departments. Altogether, they cover several disciplines in the fields of natural sciences and engineering, health sciences, and human and social sciences. UQO hosts on its three campuses more than 7,000 students (including 1,200 international students), as well as a myriad of research projects and initiatives. This short paper offers a general overview of our international research ecosystem and areas of excellence, while showcasing how many of these areas intersect with the second pillar of the Horizon Europe programme: ‘Global challenges and European industrial competitiveness’.

Areas of expertise and strategic fields of international research at UQO

Multidisciplinarity is the essence of international research at UQO. We bring together various expertise and disciplines to concretely advance science by contributing innovative solutions to society. Ecology, particularly forest ecology, as well as natural sciences, are one of our most significant areas of research in terms of funding and impact.

Many of our researchers in this sector work in areas that directly connect with the ‘Food, bioeconomy, natural resources, agriculture and environment’ cluster of Horizon Europe’s Pillar II, as well as the ‘Climate, energy and mobility’ cluster. For instance, we are very proud to see our Institute of Temperate Forest Sciences (ISFORT) collaborating across Canada and abroad, to preserve and enrich forest ecosystems locally, nationally, and internationally. Applying an economical approach to sustainable development has also fostered strong connections and projects involving collaborations between our departments of natural sciences, social sciences, health sciences, and arts. For example, a multidisciplinary project, CRABE (i.e. Centre de recherche appliquée sur la biodiversityé et les écosystèmes) chaired by Professor Jérôme Dupras supports subnational governments, the private and financial sectors, and other stakeholders across Québec on issues of biodiversity and adaptation to the environmental crisis. This research partnership is financed by the Fonds de recherche du Québec (FRQ). Our talented researchers work on important, world-changing research, that has a real impact on society.

Research on the many facets of cybersecurity is a second area in which our researchers excel, and which is highly strategic for the global society and for our university. We collaborate with many industrial partners and universities across Canada to better understand the social implications of cybersecurity on both individuals and organisations. In this area, several of our researchers conduct research that addresses challenges raised in the ‘Civil security for society’ and the ‘Digital, industry and space’ clusters of Horizon Europe’s Pillar II. Our FRQ-funded interdisciplinary Center for research and Innovation on Cybersecurity and Society (CIRICS), for instance, is a hub for research at the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI), software development, cyberpsychology, and organisational management. UQO is also very proud to be the first member of the Université du Québec network to hold a Fulbright-Canada Research Chair in Cybersecurity. Another research hub on aspects of cybersecurity, the INRS-UQO joint research Unit in cybersecurity brings together a number of world-class researchers in the development of digital technologies. UQO is a member of CyberEco, the National Consortium of Cybersecurity and INSECM.

Strong, impactful and sustainable community and regional development is another field of expertise we are proud to foster through our international research initiatives. Thanks to our many partnerships with community actors, UQO actively contributes to regional economic development. We also have strong ties with commercial partners, notably in the battery and innovative transport sector in our Laurentides region. In this area, much of our work intersects with the ‘Culture, creativity and inclusive society’ cluster of Horizon Europe’s Pillar II, but also the ‘Health’ cluster. Notably, UQO is the first university of the Network of the Université du Québec having institutionalised an Observatory for Regional Development (ODO). ODO helps the policymakers, especially the municipal and provincial administrations, by providing them various sources of research data and results that support the decision-making process. We are affiliated to regional health and social services administrations (CISSSO and CISSSLAU). Very recently, UQO and the City of Gatineau created a municipal scientific advisory council that is composed of five UQO professors who will support the municipality planning and decision-making on societal issues and challenges faced by the citizens and the municipality authority.

State of research and active projects

As a small institution, UQO is managing annually approximately C$20m of research funds. Our Office of Research and Creation oversees the activity of our research institute, 17 research chairs, 14 networks or centres of research, 27 labs and three observatories. As a place of creation, we are also very proud to promote arts and culture. UQO has developed the first Canadian undergraduate programme specialised in graphic storytelling. Our School of Arts and Culture is offering a graduate programme in museum management which is another field of our research expertise. As a living lab, the Galerie UQO is an institution which organises five exhibitions a year in collaboration with local artists and cultural organisations.

UQO obtained a sixth Canada Research Chair in 2023-2024: the Canada Research Chair in the socioecology of conservation and management of fish and wildlife, directed by Professor Katrine Turgeon. The chair aims to develop tools and knowledge to better understand the interactions between humans and nature. It adopts a transdisciplinary approach and collaborates with various stakeholders to propose conservation solutions adapted to social and environmental realities.

Professor Christian Messier, from ISFORT, and his team benefit from $7.5m in funding from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) through the ‘Alliance’ programme, in collaboration with the MITACS programme and several forest products companies, First nations communities, private and non-profit organisations in Canada. Bringing together seven universities and 40 collaborators on 22 Canadian sites, it is one of the largest forest research projects ever undertaken in the country, aiming to improve the resilience of forests in the face of climate changes and to promote sustainable management of forest resources.

Professor Marie-Laure Dioh, in the Department of Administrative Sciences at UQO, became head of the Social and Solidarity Economy Research Network, accompanied by three other professors and alongside around 50 co-researchers and collaborators in Québec and internationally. The network seeks to promote the social and solidarity economy in Québec by increasing collaborations, exchanges of ideas and innovations, drawing inspiration from current initiatives and future research.

The ‘Réseau Inondations InterSectoriel du Québec’ (RIISQ), which is now co-directed by Professor Nathalie St-Amour of UQO, saw its mandate and funding renewed in 2023-2024. The RIISQ focuses on advanced research to manage flood risks and their impacts in the context of climate change. It aims to provide solutions to affected communities and to strengthen Québec’s preparation and protection against these events.

What’s next? Upcoming research opportunities at UQO

As a rapidly growing research institution, we are observing the emergence of new research hubs and systems. The following strategic areas are garnering increasing attention at UQO.

Sustainable development and environment protection are central concerns in our 21st-century society. Studying sustainable development and ecosystem adaptation to climate change requires a deeper understanding of ecosystem resilience and protection, as well as societal resilience to global changes (e.g., climate). In addition to contributions from ecological sciences and natural science approaches, building our knowledge must benefit from multidisciplinary collaboration to address economic issues (e.g., green jobs, circular economy) and social issues (e.g., access to clean water, reducing inequalities, eco-anxiety). By partnering with societal actors who share these concerns, our researchers can advance innovative projects with significant impact for Québec and global society. In this area, we strive to foster new collaborations within the ‘Food, bioeconomy, natural resources, agriculture and environment’ and ‘Climate, energy and mobility’ clusters of Horizon Europe.

Digital transformation and energy transition are two key issues for Québec and Canada, and they are closely interrelated. At UQO, this theme is particularly relevant to our computer science and engineering researchers, who are working on both the thermal physics of computer micro-components and the dematerialised digital processes that underpin the transformation of our use of information and communication technologies. To adequately address the emerging issues of the new digital society, our approach must be intersectoral and interdisciplinary. Our researchers can thus push the boundaries of knowledge by innovating jointly in the fields of technical cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, organisations management, and human behaviour. By accelerating our research on new energies while ensuring their safety and security, UQO can position itself as a preferred partner for several industry players and propel innovation. In this area, we strive to foster new collaborations within the ‘civil security for society’ and the ‘Digital, industry and space’ clusters of Horizon Europe.

Health, wellbeing, and social inclusion are priorities at the national and provincial levels. Population health depends on the concerted action of several actors, particularly in physical health (e.g., nursing, medicine), psychosocial health (e.g., family health, prevention initiatives), and social economy (e.g., solidarity economic models, reducing homelessness). The principle of ‘One Health’ proposes adopting an integrated approach based on the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. By adopting this principle, researchers at UQO can create new research collaborations that transcend disciplines, ranging from law to environmental sciences, education to administrative sciences, engineering to the arts. In this area, we strive to foster new collaborations within the ‘Culture, creativity and inclusive society’ and ‘Health’ clusters of Horizon Europe.

If you are interested in our international research ecosystem and wish to develop, among other things, Horizon Europe collaborations with our researchers, we invite you to visit us on the web and to contact our Office of Research and Creation at: [email protected].

Please note, this article will also appear in the 20th edition of our quarterly publication.