From responsible AI to carbon capture to Indigenous-centred healthcare, Canada is putting more than $308 million into research that could change how we live, work, and tackle global challenges.
The federal government has announced a $308 million investment in science and research, backing projects designed to tackle some of today’s most pressing issues.
“We know that the science of today is the economy of tomorrow,” said François-Philippe Champagne, former minister of innovation, science and industry.
“With these investments, we are empowering our brightest minds to push the boundaries of discovery, tackle complex global challenges, and create real solutions that will improve lives and the world we live in.”
(Note: François-Philippe Champagne served as minister of innovation, science and industry under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who resigned from his position in January. Champagne has been appointed minister of finance under the new Prime Minister Mark Carney, while Anita Anand takes over the innovation, science and industry portfolio.)
Big bets on breakthrough ideas
Of the total funding, more than $142 million is going into the New Frontiers in Research Fund’s (NFRF) Transformation stream, which is designed for large-scale, Canadian-led interdisciplinary projects.
Some of the projects getting funded include:
- Indigenous-led brain health assessments
- Smart wearables designed to assist people with disabilities
- Carbon capture technology to help fight climate change
Another $153 million will support 179 new and renewed Canada Research Chairs at 38 institutions. These researchers are tackling everything from responsible AI and multigenerational trauma in First Nations communities to nanomaterials for regenerative medicine and RNA-targeted drug discovery.
Ted Hewitt, chair of the Tri-agency Institutional Programs Secretariat Steering Committee, says funding like this is what keeps Canada at the forefront of global research.
“For over 20 years, the Canada Research Chairs Program has encouraged and enabled its researchers to make greater discoveries, reach for bigger breakthroughs, and foster transformative innovations,” Hewitt said in a statement.
“Investments in science and research are critical for supporting Canada’s world-leading academics as they continue to make diverse and profound impacts on health, environmental, economic, and social policies that will benefit Canadians for years to come.”
Getting young Canadians excited about science
Research isn’t just about the big institutions. More than $9 million will go to programs that help young Canadians engage with science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), and to individuals and organizations making science more accessible to the public.
“This announcement highlights the critical importance of investing in all areas of research and innovation,” said Alejandro Adem, president of the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada.
“Whether through large-scale research initiatives or community-focused science outreach, the funding announced today will support those dedicated to inspiring interest in STEM fields and those working to bring innovative solutions to communities across Canada.”
Building the labs and tools researchers need
None of this research happens in a vacuum — it requires infrastructure. Nearly $4.3 million from the Canada Foundation for Innovation’s (CFI) John R. Evans Leaders Fund will help equip researchers with the tools and facilities they need to push boundaries.
“Canada is in a solid position to attract and retain top-tier researchers because it places a priority on ensuring they have access to the state-of-the-art facilities and equipment they need to drive world-changing discoveries,” said Sylvain Charbonneau, president and CEO of CFI.
With this funding, Canada is making it clear: research is more than an academic exercise — it’s about solving real-world problems, driving innovation, and shaping the country’s economic future.
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