Tag: North America

Cutting-edge research and innovation at USask

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Located in Canada’s Prairies, the University of Saskatchewan is at the cutting edge of research and innovation.

Innovation is the lifeblood of cutting-edge research, and the University of Saskatchewan (USask) is home to groundbreaking innovation – from the smallest subatomic particles, all the way to outer space.

World-renowned research hub

Situated in the heart of the Canadian Prairies, USask attracts researchers and scholars from across the world. Since its establishment in 1907, the university has been foundational to higher education in Saskatchewan and Canada – training world leaders in agriculture, health sciences, business, engineering, art, and more.

The main USask campus along the South Saskatchewan River in Saskatoon is home to world-renowned research facilities. The Canadian Light Source (CLS), Canada’s only synchrotron light facility, provides beamline research resources to USask faculty and national and international collaborators. The Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO) has been at the forefront of developing vaccines for humans and agricultural animals and played a major role in Canada’s COVID-19 pandemic response.

Major USask institutions, such as the Global Institute for Water Security (GIWS), the Global Institute for Food Security (GIFS), and the Sylvia Fedoruk Canadian Centre for Nuclear Innovation, have placed USask as a leader in providing both infrastructure and expertise needed to address modern-day questions around the world.

USask is also the proud home of the Gordon Oakes Red Bear Student Centre dedicated to Indigenous student achievement and cultural gathering. USask’s Indigenous Strategy was gifted to the university by Indigenous peoples from Saskatoon and Saskatchewan and was informed and developed by representatives of those peoples along with Elders and Knowledge Keepers.

Peter Stoicheff, President of USask, said: “USask researchers continue to develop new technologies to improve the lives of people around the world.

“The university’s many research and innovation strengths, including superb faculty and students and unique-in-Canada infrastructure, enable our mission to be what the world needs.”

In the 2023/24 fiscal year, USask set a record high in the university’s history by attracting C$417m in awarded research funding – showcasing the immense and continuing growth of its research landscape.

Baljit Singh (PhD), USask’s Vice-President Research, said: “This success is a testament to the researchers, staff, and faculty who have worked hard in our pursuit of innovation in the heart of Saskatchewan.

“The sky is truly the limit for both new and existing research, scholarly, and artistic work on this campus and in this province, and I am excited to keep this momentum moving forward into the years to come.”

Research for a better future

The university has identified nine key Signature Areas of Research as critical avenues for research, scholarly and artistic works that will catapult USask into the future. The Signature Areas are Agriculture, Communities and Sustainability, Energy and Mineral Resources for a Sustainable Future, Health and Wellness, Indigenous Peoples, One Health, Quantum Innovation, Synchrotron Science, and Water.

USask researchers are constantly creating and innovating. Below are just a few prominent examples:

Revolutionary robotics for remote healthcare

In a province as large and widespread as Saskatchewan, accessible healthcare is critical. USask researchers are pioneering new and innovative solutions for remote healthcare – solutions that will benefit populations around the globe.

Dr Ivar Mendez (MD, PhD) is internationally renowned for spearheading advances in virtual healthcare. A professor emeritus of Neurosurgery in USask’s College of Medicine and the Director of the Virtual Care and Remote Presence Robotics Programs, Mendez was appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada for his revolutionary telemedicine and robotics advances.

Mendez’s program at USask has expanded the use of robotics in healthcare throughout the province, Canada, and internationally. Telehealth systems implemented by Mendez and his team have allowed healthcare practitioners to deliver long-distance ultrasounds, provide critical mentoring for the treatment of medical emergencies in remote areas, and provide primary care to patients during the COVID-19 pandemic.

USask’s Virtual Care and Remote Presence Robotics Programs have become exemplary of creative healthcare solutions for remote care around the world, and USask researchers continue to devise new technologies with robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), and virtual connectivity to be what the world needs for modern healthcare.

Vaccine research for creatures large and small

USask’s VIDO facilities are uniquely suited for the development of new vaccines for both humans and animals as Canada’s Centre for Pandemic Research.

VIDO is Canada’s largest and most advanced Biosafety Level 3 Agriculture facility in Canada and is designed for the study and creation of illnesses and vaccines for livestock animals, placing the facility and its researchers at USask among the most advanced in the world for animal vaccine development.

During the heights of the COVID-19 pandemic, VIDO researchers led critical vaccine research and developed two Canadian-made COVID-19 vaccines.

But VIDO’s innovations are not limited to COVID-19. Researchers like Dr Angela Rasmussen (PhD) and Dr Alyson Kelvin (PhD) have received federal funding to study the highly virulent mpox (formerly referred to as monkeypox), both to better understand its transmission but also to develop therapeutics to treat the illness.

Canada is banking on the future of VIDO at USask as well, with the most recent federal budget committing C$30m to complete infrastructure developments to include large animal housing for vaccine testing and upgrading VIDO to containment Level 4.

Once completed, VIDO will be Canada’s only non-government containment Level 4 facility – a unique and incredible institution housed at USask.

Unlocking the wheat genome and advancing crop science

The Canadian Prairies are home to some of the largest and most advanced agricultural production in the world – and USask’s Crop Development Centre (CDC) is helping make Saskatchewan producers the most effective on the planet.

Part of the College of Agriculture and Bioresources, the CDC contributes to the research and development of crop varieties to meet the needs of growers and consumers across Canada and around the world. More than 500 commercially available varieties across 40 kinds of crops have been developed and released by the CDC since the institution’s start in 1971.

World-class researchers at the CDC are also taking the lead on worldwide projects with massive ramifications for food production and security. Dr Curtis Pozniak (PhD), Director of the CDC, led an international project which sequenced the genomes for 15 varieties of wheat, providing an invaluable roadmap for researchers and crop breeders around the world to breed wheat with improved yields and stronger resistances.

But it’s not only wheat where USask and the CDC are setting the standard. According to a recent economic report, crop varietals produced at the institute have led to billions of dollars and thousands of jobs for the Canadian economy.

USask is an institution producing revolutionary research, scholarly, and artistic works in the heart of Canada on behalf of the entire world – and the centres and faculty across USask continue to strive to be what the world needs.

Please note, this article will also appear in the 19th edition of our quarterly publication.

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August 22, 2024
FAA allocates $291m to propel sustainable jet fuel adoption

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In a significant step towards reducing the environmental impact of the aviation industry, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has announced $291m funding to develop clean aviation fuel technologies.

These funds, provided via the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), are aimed at fostering the development and adoption of sustainable jet fuel and other low-emission aviation technologies.

The overarching goal is to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions from aviation by 2050, a target set by the nation’s Aviation Climate Action Plan.

A commitment to a greener aviation industry

“The Biden-Harris Administration is committed to enhancing the safety, sustainability and efficiency of our national air transportation system—and reaching our mid-century target of net-zero emissions,” stated Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg.

“These grants will help put the world on a path toward decarbonising aviation while fostering domestic economic growth and ensuring the US retains its global leadership in aviation.”

The FAA’s Fueling Aviation’s Sustainable Transition (FAST) grants are divided into two main categories.

The first category allocates $244.5m for 22 projects that focus on the production, transportation, blending, or storage of sustainable aviation fuel.

The second category awards $46.5m to 14 projects dedicated to developing, demonstrating, or applying low-emission aviation technologies.

Major investments in sustainable jet fuel

Sustainable aviation fuel is at the heart of this initiative. Made from renewable sources, it is designed to reduce carbon pollution significantly over its lifecycle compared to conventional jet fuel.

Importantly, it can be safely used in existing aircraft and engines, making it a viable short-term solution to the aviation industry’s carbon problem.

Among the notable projects receiving FAST grants is a $16.8m award to Gevo, Inc. This funding will enable the conversion of an existing fuel facility in Luverne, Minnesota, into a fully integrated alcohol-to-jet production facility for sustainable aviation fuel.

Another project includes a $240,000 grant to the City of Atlanta to study the regional supply chains and infrastructure needed to deploy SAF at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, one of the busiest airports in the world.

The benefits of sustainable jet fuel

The shift towards sustainable jet fuel offers several environmental and economic benefits. First and foremost, sustainable jet fuel drastically reduces the carbon footprint of aviation.

Traditional jet fuel is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, accounting for a large portion of global carbon dioxide emissions.

Green fuel, produced from renewable feedstocks like agricultural waste, algae, or even municipal waste, can reduce lifecycle carbon emissions significantly compared to conventional jet fuel.

Moreover, the use of sustainable aviation fuel supports energy security and independence. By reducing reliance on fossil fuels, it helps diversify the energy sources used in aviation, making the industry more resilient to fluctuations in oil prices and supply disruptions.

This is particularly important for a sector that has historically been vulnerable to oil market volatility.

Economically, the development and deployment of green jet fuel create jobs and stimulate innovation within the US.

By investing in production facilities and supply chains, the FAST grants are driving growth in a sector that is poised to become increasingly important as global demand for sustainable energy solutions rises.

Accelerating towards net-zero emissions

The FAST grants are not only a critical component of the FAA’s strategy to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 but also serve as a catalyst for innovation and collaboration across the aviation industry.

Grant recipients range from established fuel producers and supply chain companies to startup enterprises and academic institutions, all working together to push the boundaries of what is possible in sustainable aviation.

As Laurence Wildgoose, FAA Assistant Administrator for Policy, International Affairs, and Environment, noted: “The projects are instrumental in advancing our environmental and economic sustainability goals by facilitating the development and implementation of sustainable aviation fuels.”

With these investments, the US is taking a leadership role in the global effort to decarbonise aviation, setting the stage for a more sustainable future in air travel.

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August 20, 2024
US project aims to revolutionise floating offshore windfarms

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A groundbreaking US research collaboration is set to transform floating offshore windfarms, helping to reap the benefits of the country’s abundant renewable resources.

In an effort to advance floating offshore windfarms in the United States, researchers from Johns Hopkins Whiting School of Engineering (WSE) and Portland State University (PSU) are set to improve our understanding of how wind, waves, and turbines interact.

This new initiative seeks to address a critical challenge in wind energy by enhancing the efficiency and accuracy of simulations and experiments related to floating wind turbines.

Harnessing deep ocean wind energy potential

Floating offshore windfarms offer the potential to harness wind energy in deeper waters, where approximately two-thirds of the US offshore wind resources are located.

Unlike traditional wind turbines anchored to the sea floor, floating turbines are mounted on buoyant platforms tethered to the ocean bed by mooring lines.

This design enables deployment in deeper waters but introduces complexities in accurately predicting energy output due to the dynamic nature of the floating platforms.

Innovative computational and experimental integration

The collaborative project, funded by the US National Science Foundation (NSF) and the DOE’s Wind Energy Technologies Office (WETO), aims to bridge the gap between computational models and experimental methods.

The researchers are focusing on enhancing Large Eddy Simulations (LES), a computational technique used to model wind fields around floating turbines, to better account for the interaction of wind with moving waves.

Project Co-Principal Investigator Dennice Gayme, a mechanical engineering professor at WSE, highlighted the challenges associated with floating offshore windfarms.

“One of the challenges to floating offshore windfarms is we don’t have test beds. You can’t go out to sea, build a test windfarm, and see how it performs. It’s just too expensive,” said Gayme.

“Most studies focus on LES simulations or lab experiments and don’t look at how to bridge the gap between the two, which is key to developing a complete understanding of the system.”

The project represents a pioneering effort in combining advanced computational techniques with experimental research.

By refining LES methods and using a sophisticated wind tunnel and wave tank facility at PSU, the team aims to create more precise models for designing and optimising floating windfarms.

Ron Joslin, director of the NSF fluid dynamics programme, emphasised the importance of the NSF-DOE partnership in advancing renewable energy research. “NSF and DOE often have complementary roles in fostering US research and innovation, and together, we move discoveries from the academic lab to commercial implementation.

“NSF has partnered with WETO to co-fund groundbreaking research in wind renewable energy to increase the US capacity for renewable energy. This partnership gives us greater flexibility to award new projects with the funds available at each agency.”

Revolutionising wind flow representation

The project will also explore new computational methods for representing wind flow over moving water.

Conventional approaches either use a general’ roughness length’ for quicker but less accurate results or employ complex, adaptable grids that are time-consuming to develop.

The new method proposed by Charles Meneveau, Principal Investigator and professor of mechanical engineering at WSE, aims to merge the strengths of both approaches.

“We can get accurate results using this model by combining the better features of both the faster, less accurate method, as well as the slower, more exact one,” Meneveau said.

“Our model reflects different moving waves with peaks and troughs but does so quickly and accurately. It can also factor in a moving platform with a turbine on top of it. It works quickly but provides the critical details.”

Cutting-edge experimental techniques

On the experimental side, Raúl Bayoán Cal, a PSU professor of mechanical and materials engineering, will lead the practical research using a state-of-the-art wave tank.

His facility, which includes a test length of five metres, allows for simultaneous testing of multiple turbines and their interactions with waves.

With this ambitious research initiative, the partnership between WSE and PSU is poised to make significant strides in optimising floating offshore windfarms, potentially transforming the landscape of renewable energy production in the US.

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August 16, 2024
US announces $50m funding to boost domestic EV manufacturing
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The US Government has announced it will invest $50m to advance EV manufacturing capacity across six key states.

Funded via the Department of Energy (DOE) as part of the $2bn Domestic Automotive Manufacturing Conversion Grant program, the funding will enable small- and medium-sized suppliers to adapt their manufacturing facilities to support the EV supply chain.

Funding will be focused on six states with historically significant automotive workforces, helping to drive high-paid union jobs in the EV manufacturing sector.

US Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm commented: “By helping states and manufacturers navigate the emerging EV manufacturing industry, today’s announcements will help ensure the workforces that defined America’s auto sector for the last 100 years will have the opportunity to shape the next 100 years.”

Expanding domestic manufacturing is imperative for the US

Reinforcing domestic EV manufacturing capabilities is essential for the US to maintain global competitiveness, secure economic growth, and meet environmental goals.

As the global automotive industry pivots toward electric vehicles, the US must scale its manufacturing capacity to avoid reliance on foreign suppliers, particularly in critical areas like batteries and semiconductors.

Strengthening domestic EV production not only ensures supply chain resilience but also positions the US as a leader in the emerging green economy.

Investing in EV manufacturing creates high-quality jobs and revitalises communities, particularly in regions historically dependent on traditional automotive industries.

Moreover, boosting EV production aligns with national environmental objectives, helping the US reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change.

As other countries ramp up their EV capabilities, the US risks falling behind without substantial investment and policy support.

By reinforcing its domestic EV manufacturing infrastructure, the US can lead in this transformative industry, drive economic prosperity, and achieve energy independence while also ensuring that the benefits of the green economy are widely shared across all communities.

EV manufacturing: State allocations and federal support

The DOE announced state allocations following an April 2024 Request for Information (RFI).

The RFI sought feedback from various entities on potential state-federal partnerships to enable federal funding for automotive suppliers transitioning to serve electric, hybrid, or fuel cell vehicle supply chains.

Eligible grantees must be a state, territory, or the District of Columbia, with a workforce that includes at least 0.5% in the automotive sector.

They must also qualify for a minimum of $4m in grant funding. The following six states meet this criteria:
- Michigan: $18,406,420.45
- Ohio: $9,373,236.32
- Indiana: $8,770,249.81
- Kentucky: $4,876,458.57
- Tennessee: $4,513,688.68
- Illinois: $4,059,946.17
Applications are due by 15 October 2024 at 5:00 pm ET.

Advancing America’s clean energy workforce

The DOE is also awarding $1.5m to three technical assistance teams under the expanded ITAC program.

Led by Purdue University, the University of Michigan, and the University of Illinois, these teams will develop a Small Supplier EV Transition Playbook, in collaboration with Argonne National Laboratory.

This playbook aims to guide internal combustion engine suppliers in transitioning their business models to serve the EV manufacturing market.

The ITAC program is designed to build a diverse, skilled clean energy workforce and strengthen America’s EV manufacturing base to lead the global clean energy transition.

It provides assessments to small- and medium-sized manufacturing firms, identifying efficiency upgrades that reduce costs and enhance national manufacturing capabilities.

These initiatives by the DOE represent a critical step in driving the transition to EV manufacturing while supporting the growth of a skilled clean energy workforce.

By investing in state partnerships, technical assistance, and equitable energy solutions, the DOE is laying the groundwork for a more sustainable and competitive automotive industry that benefits all communities across the nation.
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August 16, 2024
US invests $10m into critical minerals and materials production
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The US has announced it will finance over $10m to reinforce domestic supplies of critical minerals and materials.

Funded via the Department of Energy (DOE), the $10.2m funding will support four innovative projects aimed at developing cost-effective and environmentally sustainable methods for producing and refining critical minerals and materials within the United States.

These minerals and materials are essential for manufacturing clean energy technologies, including solar panels, wind turbines, electric vehicles, and hydrogen fuel cells—key components in achieving climate goals.

Enhancing domestic supply chains

The demand for critical minerals and materials is expected to rise sharply as the US accelerates its transition to clean energy.

Currently, the US depends heavily on foreign sources for these essential materials. According to the US Geological Survey, more than 95% of the nation’s rare earth elements and over 50% of most critical minerals are imported, with at least 12 of these minerals exclusively sourced from abroad.

This dependency poses a significant risk to the country’s energy security and economic stability.

In response, the DOE’s ‘Critical Material Innovation, Efficiency, and Alternatives’ funding opportunity announcement (FOA) will allocate up to $150m across multiple project rounds.

These projects will focus on creating a secure and sustainable domestic supply chain by utilising recycled materials, mine and industrial waste, and ore deposits found within the US.

The first four projects selected for negotiation are particularly focused on developing alternatives and substitutes for critical minerals and materials.

Pioneering projects across the US

The four selected projects represent cutting-edge advancements in critical minerals and materials:
- Idaho National Laboratory: This project aims to create a fully domestic, decarbonised pathway for producing high-purity synthetic graphite and other durable carbon-based materials from carbon dioxide-based feedstocks.
- Iowa State University of Science and Technology: Researchers will integrate the conversion of copper waste from permanent magnet recycling with energy-efficient processes to produce hydrogen, contributing to more sustainable production practices.
- The Pennsylvania State University: This project will explore boron nitride’s potential as an alternative semiconductor material, reducing reliance on gallium, which is scarcely produced in the US.
- Aspen Aerogels, Inc.: The company plans to scale up lithium iron phosphate-based battery technology for electric vehicles, offering an alternative to lithium-ion batteries that depend on foreign-sourced nickel and cobalt.
Broader critical minerals and materials objectives

These projects are part of the DOE’s broader efforts to enhance the nation’s critical minerals and materials supply chains.

Since January 2021, the DOE’s Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management (FECM) has committed approximately $161m to projects that support exploration, resource identification, production, and processing in traditional mining and fossil fuel-producing communities.

As part of the application process, the selected project teams were required to submit Community Benefits Plans, outlining their commitments to job creation, diversity, equity, and inclusion, particularly in disadvantaged communities.

These initiatives align with the Justice40 Initiative, ensuring that 40% of the benefits from certain federal investments flow to marginalised communities.

The DOE plans to make further selections under the FOA’s remaining areas of interest in the future, continuing to bolster the nation’s critical minerals and materials supply chain while supporting sustainable development and job creation.
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August 9, 2024
UBC secure federal funding to tackle lung health challenges

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UBC Faculty of Medicine researchers Dr Christopher Carlsten and Dr Janice Leung have received new federal funding to address major lung health challenges affecting Canadians.

Mark Holland, Canada’s Minister of Health, announced nearly $4m in funding for these UBC-led teams through the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) Team Grants in Lung Health.

Long-term effects of wildfire smoke

Carlsten’s team will study the long-term health effects of wildfire smoke, which is increasingly pressing due to more frequent wildfires from climate change.

“As wildfires become more common in Canada due to climate change, it is more important than ever to address the health effects caused by exposure to wildfire smoke,” said Holland.

“These research teams’ initiatives will protect people’s lungs against poor air quality and other threats, including cancer, vaping, asthma, and inflammation.”

Investigating the effect of wildfire smoke on lung health

The project, ‘Lungs on Fire: Wildfire Smoke, Incident Diseases, Susceptible Populations, and Community Values in Canada,’ aims to optimise public health guidance and advance interventions to mitigate harm.

The team will examine how wildfire smoke exposure affects people based on factors like age, sex, genetics, exercise habits, and socioeconomic status.

“We are thrilled to have support for our work on understanding the long-term effects of wildfire smoke,” said Dr Carlsten.

“Unfortunately, these particulate-rich exposures are anticipated to increase and we need knowledge about how our communities will be affected in order to best target interventions to protect them.”

This multidisciplinary team includes experts in respiratory research, care, epidemiology, Indigenous lung health, and individuals with lived experience. Their findings will guide public health advice during wildfire emergencies.

Impact of vaping on Canadians

Leung’s team will explore vaping’s impact on youths and adults across Canada using advanced techniques. With vaping widespread, understanding its long-term effects on lung health is urgent.

The Canadian Lung Outcomes in Users of Vaping Devices (CLOUD) study aims to provide detailed lung evaluations for people who vape, helping Canadians make informed decisions.

“Many Canadians are asking about what vaping does to their lungs,” said Leung. “We are honoured to help answer these questions to keep their lungs healthy.”

The team includes physicians, nurses, scientists, Indigenous representatives, people with lived experience, and public health advocates. Their research seeks to inform Canadians about vaping’s impact from cellular to societal levels.

Nationwide effort to improve lung health

The federal government has committed $19.3m to nine research teams across Canada, partnering with the Canadian Cancer Society, the Canadian Lung Association, the Cancer Research Society, GSK, Heart & Stroke, and Mitacs, and collaborating with the Canadian Thoracic Society, Children’s Healthcare Canada, Cystic Fibrosis Canada, and Health Canada.

By addressing the health effects of wildfire smoke and vaping, these UBC-led projects aim to safeguard lung health for all Canadians, paving the way for a healthier future.

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August 6, 2024
US boosts battery recycling and smart manufacturing with $63m funding

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The United States Department of Energy (DOE) has announced it will inject $63m in funding to advance domestic battery recycling and smart manufacturing.

The investment will enable the expansion of battery recycling capabilities at state and local levels while increasing access to smart manufacturing technologies such as advanced sensors and modelling.

Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm commented: “America’s revolutionary clean energy future requires a modernised manufacturing sector, and the Biden-Harris Administration is helping us get there.

“The funding announced today will equip small- and medium-sized manufacturers with cutting-edge technologies to improve operations efficiency and expand battery recycling, removing barriers to advancement and bolstering the nation’s competitive standing.”

Battery recycling initiatives

Batteries are integral to our daily lives, and recycling them is crucial for sustainability.

Recovering minerals like cobalt, lithium, and graphite from spent batteries is both cost-effective and eco-friendly.

This initiative aims to collaborate with state and local governments to establish accessible battery recycling programmes at retail locations and community sites such as libraries.

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law allocates $50m for state and local battery recycling programmes, with $41m designated for the second phase.

The first phase saw the selection of projects expected to generate over $14.4m in public and private investments.

The second phase will further empower state and local governments to enhance or create new battery collection, recycling, and reprocessing projects. This effort also emphasises community awareness and education.

Advancing smart manufacturing

Alongside battery recycling, the DOE is partnering with states to modernise the manufacturing sector through smart manufacturing technologies.

These advanced technologies improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance product quality, making American firms more competitive globally.

Despite these benefits, many small and medium-sized manufacturers (SMMs) face barriers such as high initial costs and a lack of training resources.

The State Manufacturing Leadership Program, funded with $22m for its second phase, addresses these challenges.

In the first phase, the DOE supported 12 state-led projects to help over 3,500 SMMs implement smart manufacturing practices, including high-performance computing.

The second phase aims to extend this support to more SMMs, providing resources like technical assistance, training, facility assessments, apprenticeships, and direct financial aid.

State entities can receive competitive funding awards of up to $2m per project over three years, with a required cost share of at least 23.1%.

This comprehensive approach ensures that both battery recycling and smart manufacturing initiatives are poised to deliver significant economic and environmental benefits.

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August 2, 2024
Quantum technology is the future. Will it be Canada’s?

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The United Nations has just proclaimed 2025 as the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology. Here, Paul Smith from the Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics asks what it will take to bring the long-promised quantum technology revolution to fruition.

Quantum science will change the world. This is no exaggeration – it is happening. But where it will happen remains an open question. One thing, however, is clear: It will be where leaders make it a priority. Good things happen to those who commit. Canada, among other countries, has taken the first steps in this direction, but seeing it to fruition will be a big challenge.

The International Year of Quantum Science and Technology

It is safe to say that the whole world knows the quantum revolution is coming. The United Nations (UN) just declared 2025 as the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology. It will be a celebration of the progress scientists and innovators have made in the last century, from Schrödinger’s cat to the invention of the laser, the LED, the solar cell, the MRI, and more. But it will also be a call to action: to bring about new communications techniques, cybersecurity protocols, powerful computers, and advances in material science. All of it is at humanity’s fingertips, and the UN has aptly observed that we will need it to reach a sustainable future.

However, this is easier said than done. This will take investment. It will take passion. It will take a thriving knowledge economy, and a society that values fundamental research. It will take a commitment to laying the groundwork today, for tomorrow’s benefit. Canada could do all these things. We know it can, because it’s already started.

Canada’s role in the quantum revolution

At Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics, we have an insider’s view of this process in action. Perimeter researchers are, amongst other things, actively exploring ways to improve quantum error correction (how to keep quantum computers from making mistakes). This is one of the key barriers to a full-blown quantum computing free-for-all. At the same time, we are pioneering new quantum materials, where unusual phase transitions occur – like water to ice – but with magnetism and quantum states. Quantum physicists are devising materials that act like a single atom on a macroscopic scale. They are creating matter with emergent properties, where the whole material demonstrates behaviours that the constituent particles within do not show on their own. In these magnificent materials, the sum is literally greater than its parts.

© shutterstock/Vink Fan

The world of quantum physics sounds a lot like science fiction. It produces concepts with names like ‘quantum spin liquids’ and ‘time crystals.’ It promises to do calculations 100 million times faster than a supercomputer. It doesn’t sound real, but it is and it’s incredible.

Some of those breakthroughs in theoretical science become experimentally testable, at places like the University of Waterloo’s Institute for Quantum Computing, just down the road from Perimeter.

Those successful experiments can become commercially viable and enter our lives through innovative quantum computing companies like Toronto’s Xanadu, Vancouver’s Photonic, or Nord Quantique in Sherbrooke, to name just a few. It’s a pipeline: from theory, to experiment, to reality. We must invest in all three to make progress. There is no getting around any of these steps.

International investment in quantum computing

Other countries also recognise the importance of this investment process.

China has, to date, put $15.3bn in public investments into quantum research. The EU has put in more than $7bn. The United States has put in nearly $2bn.

Canada hasn’t been left behind. In fact, it punched above its weight by investing more than $1bn over the last decade, and launching a National Quantum Strategy in 2023. That was a promising sign.

What’s next for quantum science and technology?

If you’re not yet convinced that quantum research should be a priority, remember that humanity has seen the fundamental research pipeline change the world before. One example is the research at the famous Bell Labs in New Jersey in 1947 which led to the development of the transistor. That breakthrough paved the way for the microchip now inside every computer, smartphone, and electronic device you’ve ever encountered. It has connected the world like never before and underpins the enormous growth of today’s biggest tech successes like Nvidia, whose chips are powering the Artificial Intelligence (AI) boom.

There’s no reason to believe that today’s quantum research pipeline won’t do something similar. New insights into quantum entanglement in the second half of last century kicked open the doors for practical quantum applications (and, incidentally, earned quantum researchers the 2022 Nobel Prize).

The next phase is underway. We’re seeing the groundwork being laid.

By choosing 2025 as the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology, the UN has made a visionary choice. It means that we all get to stand at the frontier of science, and watch it unfold in real time.

Securing Canada’s quantum future
But we only get our slice of the pie if we put in the work. Canada took an early lead in quantum research – we shouldn’t let that get away from us. If you’re as keen as we are to earn Canada’s place in the quantum future – and you probably should be if you value a thriving tech industry and a skilled workforce here at home – then let’s get to it.

The quantum future is bright. Our place in it will be exactly what we make it.

Please note, this article will also appear in the 19th edition of our quarterly publication.

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August 2, 2024
ArcticNet: Advancing Arctic research
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Canada’s ArcticNet aims to advance knowledge of the Arctic and provide innovative solutions to its challenges through scientific excellence, self-determined research, and collaboration.

Over the past two decades, Canada’s ArcticNet has built a vast network of strategic partners and alliances and established a proven national and international track record of scientific excellence with real-world impacts and outcomes. ArcticNet, initially a Network of Centres of Excellence of Canada (2003-2025), is a non-profit organisation recognised as Canada’s northern research network.

ArcticNet aims to mobilise the expertise and resources of science and research organisations to advance knowledge of the Arctic and provide innovative solutions to change. ArcticNet has developed a new vision to connect and leverage all national knowledge assets to better understand and prepare for a changing Arctic, with the ultimate research results supporting a healthy, self-determined, and dynamic Arctic.

ArcticNet-funded teams train a diverse pool of Arctic specialists to meet the needs of a vibrant development and society.

A collaborative and strategic Arctic research plan

Since 2024, ArcticNet has been partially funded by the Strategic Science Fund of Canada (ISED).

Moving forward, ArcticNet has co-developed a vision with key partners (Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, Inuit Circumpolar Council Canada, Polar Knowledge Canada) to support and enable discovery science and Indigenous-led self-determined research.

Building on a long tradition of success and accomplishments, the next iteration of ArcticNet convenes three key leaders of Canada’s evolving northern research ecosystem: The federal government, Indigenous Peoples (organisations and governments), and academia (universities and post-secondary institutions).

With the strong support of partners, ArcticNet continues to revolutionise the way in which Arctic challenges are being identified, addressed, and faced by following a co-developed strategic research and training plan that deploys:
1. Partnered research and training programmes that can nimbly leverage resources and assets to support science on priority challenge areas both domestically and internationally;
2. North-by-North training and research programmes in the North, by the North, and for the North, that unleash capacity and support the self-determination of Indigenous Peoples in research;
3. Leveraging and convening an established and extensive network of experts and knowledge holders from across Canada and the world to share and advance knowledge;
4. A redesigned approach to training and mentorship of the next generation of Arctic experts that aims to enrich competencies, maximise skills, and enhance Canada’s skilled job force;
5. Rapid scientific assessments to inform policy, adaptation, and decision-making in the circumpolar Arctic.
© ArcticNet/Cloe Fortin

World-class knowledge and expertise

ArcticNet combines rigorous scientific methodology with Indigenous knowledge to create a better understanding of the changing Arctic landscape and its impacts on Canadians and global society.

Through ArcticNet, research results and knowledge translation are accelerated and shared broadly with local communities, industry, government and our international partners. Interpreted through a contemporary lens, the results are evidence-based and applicable to real-world challenges.

ArcticNet-funded projects span a diversity of disciplines, from sea ice dynamics, permafrost thaw, coastal erosion, food and water security, wildlife disease and population dynamics, plant ecology, shipping, marine and terrestrial biodiversity, Inuit health and education, fisheries development, and so on.

Funded teams must be composed of experts from diverse institutions and disciplines and must represent various career stages. This ensures inclusive research applying holistic and diversified perspectives.

Since 2004, ArcticNet has trained over 4000 Highly Qualified Personnel, funded over 200 research projects composed of over 400 researchers, and published over 10,000 articles. ArcticNet-funded research projects span every northern geographic region and ecosystem, from coast to coast to coast.

Arctic research projects

ArcticNet-funded projects aim to address ongoing global concerns felt most severely by Northerners. For example, in the Canadian North, permafrost thaw induced by climate change directly impacts the lives and livelihoods of Northerners by damaging infrastructure and transportation networks, affecting food security by reducing access to subsistence hunting, changing natural landscapes, and more.

Supporting Humans in a Thawing Landscape project

Despite the significant costs associated with technological and cultural adaptations, permafrost thaw and its impacts on society are unclear. Led by Dr Fabrice Calmels (Yukon University), the ‘Supporting Humans in a Thawing Landscape’ project addresses Northerners’ concerns about permafrost thaw in various Northern communities across Canada. The team is composed of researchers and Highly Qualified Personnel from three universities from across Canada, including Yukon University, University of Alberta, and Université Laval.

In March 2023, it was announced the National Trade Corridors Fund would be invested towards the ‘Enhancing Yukon trade corridor resilience to northern geohazards’ project at Yukon University as a part of Dr Calmels’ ArcticNet funded research. This funding paired with ArcticNet funding will contribute to the installation of monitoring stations along Yukon highways to identify factors contributing to permafrost thaw. Ultimately, this information can direct solutions to eliminate risks associated with permafrost thaw (e.g. road erosion) and mitigate the disruption of the transportation of goods to remote Northern communities.

© ArcticNet/Tyler Wizenberg

The North-by-North Program

The North-by-North Program is ArcticNet’s northern-led, directed, and governed research programme. The Inuit Qaujisarnirmut Pilirijjutit (IQP) and the Northern Research Leaders Program constitute the North-by-North Program, led by the Inuit Research Management Committee and supported by the Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami (ITK), Inuit Circumpolar Council (ICC), and the Territorial Advisory Committee of ArcticNet, respectively. One of the approaches we have seen to be most effective in ArcticNet is applying the principles of the National Inuit Strategy on Research to our projects.

The Northern Research Leaders Program

The Northern Research Leaders Program supports research leaders, chairs, postdoctoral fellows, and research associates across Yukon University, Aurora College, Nunavut Arctic College, and the Labrador Institute’s new School of Arctic and Subarctic Studies (SASS). These positions strengthen the capacity of the northern post-secondary institutions.

This programme focuses on building science capacity at the northern institutions. It provides access to accredited university education in northern regions while providing opportunities for high-quality post-secondary education for Indigenous students.

Additionally, this programme and these institutions provide opportunities for northerners with PhDs to return home or to live in the North, develop new research programmes for future generations, and build local capacity for northern research.

The IQP

The IQP, the world’s first Inuit-led research programme, has released two Calls for Proposals, which funded 21 projects and supported over 160 researchers, research assistants, and highly qualified personnel. The IQP projects stretch across all four of the Inuit land claims regions of the Inuvialuit Settlement Region (ISR), Nunavut, Nunavik, and Nunatsiavut. The projects are interdisciplinary and are the pilot projects for defining what Inuit-led research truly is, as defined by the regional Inuit research leaders.

Results from the IQP inform Canada’s local and national funding bodies on how to define, fund, and promote self-determined Inuit-led research. This programme is creating this standard not only within our own country but internationally. Canada is piloting this type of funding, and it establishes ArcticNet as an international leader in how to value, fund, and incorporate traditional knowledge systems into the scientific process.

One of the main pillar activities of the IQP is to train Inuit to research their land in Inuit Nunangat. A prime example is the Marralik Estuary Beluga Project, which is immersed in Nunavik Inuit communities and uses a unique approach to conducting research on belugas by involving local Inuit youth.

© ArcticNet/Paulatuk Beluga Drone Team

For the past two years, project leader James May has hosted a youth camp to share Inuit knowledge and train local youth on research techniques. Camp attendees are trained in observing beluga, collecting environmental DNA (eDNA) samples, and learning about wildlife management.

A particularly exceptional outcome of this project is an Inuk high school student and camp attendee who presented a poster at ArcticNet’s 2022 Annual Scientific Meeting (ASM) in Toronto on ‘Sharing Inuit and Scientific Knowledge to Promote Change in Wildlife Health and Management’ with the knowledge she gained at this research camp. The student was awarded the Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami Inuit poster award. This untraditional yet effective approach to research was featured in a blog post in June 2023 on the ArcticNet website.

© ArcticNet/Douglas Nobet

The future of Arctic research

The conduct of research in the North is complex due to harsh climatic conditions, intense travel logistics and costs, and the need for engagement with Indigenous communities for the co-development of projects and their active participation throughout the research process. Giant strides have been taken to engage more meaningfully with Indigenous partners and to support reconciliation through self-determined research. Therefore, ‘how’ we do research is just as important as ‘what’ we research in the Canadian North.

ArcticNet’s mission is to support a healthy and vibrant Arctic, with increased science literacy across the globe, and training a new generation of independent thought leaders and experts on Arctic research. Arctic experts continue to provide evidence-based information from several knowledge systems to support decision-makers and policymakers, using Western science and Indigenous knowledge together to uplift global society.

Please note, this article will also appear in the 19th edition of our quarterly publication.
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August 1, 2024
Sylvain Charbonneau named president and CEO of CFI

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The Canada Foundation for Innovation has announced that Sylvain Charbonneau will be appointed its sixth president and CEO.

Sylvain Charbonneau will succeed Roseann O’Reilly Runte, who has served as CFI president and CEO since August 2017.

He will take up his position on 1 October this year.

“Sylvain Charbonneau is held in very high esteem in the research community, both in Canada and abroad,” said Ingrid Pickering, Chair of the Board of Directors of the CFI.

About Sylvain Charbonneau

As vice-rector for research and innovation at the University of Ottawa, Mr Charbonneau has championed interdisciplinary research in Canada and helped create a dynamic environment.

This has made it possible to attract talented scientists and partners from the academic, public, hospital and private sectors.

Most recently, he led the university team in making the largest capital investment in the institution’s history: the Center for Advanced Medical Research, whose mission is to catalyse discoveries in health care and encourage their marketing.

Pickering said: “Thanks to his experience as a researcher, entrepreneur and research administrator, Mr Charbonneau will be able to encourage collaboration between various sectors, in order to allow our researchers to have access to cutting-edge research infrastructures.”

In addition to his duties at the NRC, Mr Charbonneau has been an associate professor at six Canadian universities. He trained several postgraduate students, published more than 180 articles and filed numerous patents.

He also co-founded with three colleagues a spin-off company dedicated to new optical communication technologies: Optenia Inc.

About the Canada Foundation for Innovation

With its bold mandate and strategic vision, the Canada Foundation for Innovation gives researchers the means to be world leaders in their field and to respond to major societal issues.

The FCI helps fund cutting-edge tools, equipment and laboratories. This infrastructure is necessary for fundamental research and makes it possible to undertake research missions that transcend disciplines and mobilise all sectors.

The research infrastructures funded by the CFI promote the mobilisation of knowledge, stimulate innovation and commercialisation and provide an exceptional environment for training the new generation.

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June 26, 2024