Furthering Canada's leadership in foundational research
It is foundational research—the scientific explorations in areas like astronomy and measurement science—that often paves the way for breakthroughs in other fields. We undertook many such explorations in 2024–2025, contributing to discoveries with implications for research within Canada and around the world.
A rare update to the Periodic Table of Elements, informed by NRC metrologists
Every element in the periodic table has a defined atomic weight. Those weights have important implications for research in areas like physics, chemistry and materials science—and as measurement science improves, they are also subject to change.
Revisions to the standard atomic weight of an element is a rare occurrence that happens, on average, every couple of decades as advancements in measurement science make more precise weighing possible. In 2024, work by experts in our Metrology Research Centre contributed to the revised standard atomic weights for 3 elements: lutetium, gadolinium and zirconium.
That work involved advanced isotope ratio measurements in our world-class multi-collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry laboratory—studies that were part of the literature review carried out by the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry Commission on Isotopic Abundances and Atomic Weights to determine the revised weights.
The 3 elements included in the most recent revision are vital to technologies that have applications in healthcare, aerospace and other sectors important to Canada's future. Gadolinium, for instance, is a vital component of MRI technology, where precision is important, but the measurements used to set its standard atomic weight previously dated back to the 1940s. Our high-precision measurements inform the periodic table, which supports international collaboration, trade and commerce, while also helping enable Canada's supply chain for critical minerals.
"What captivates me about this work is the mix of cutting-edge science and international diplomacy required to turn a scientific finding into a globally accepted standard. By aligning Canada with one of the most iconic symbols of science, the Periodic Table of the Elements, we reinforce our reputation as a trusted leader in science and technology, while research into the fundamental properties of lutetium, gadolinium and zirconium strengthens Canada's role in technology-critical mineral research."
"The most exciting aspect of this work for me is solving longstanding challenges in isotope ratio measurements, and providing more precise and accurate measurements. It is incredibly rewarding to provide the scientific community with validated methodologies for isotopic analysis and high-quality isotopic certified reference materials, supporting research worldwide in this area."
Canadian support for the SKA Observatory
Currently under construction, the SKA Observatory (SKAO) will operate the 2 largest radio telescope arrays in the world, located in South Africa and Australia. It aims to answer some of the biggest remaining mysteries in astrophysics.
Canada has been a key partner in the design and construction of this ambitious scientific facility. To ensure researchers across the country have full access to the SKA telescopes and their data, we launched the Canadian SKA Scientist Program in 2024–2025. The program funds early-career, postdoctoral researchers who will form a network across Canadian universities.
While carrying out independent cutting-edge research, the funded researchers will also support the Canadian astronomical community in developing world-class science programs centered on the SKAO.
Brown dwarf revealed to be twins
In 1995, scientists observed a brown dwarf, a celestial object that is larger than a planet but lighter than a star, for the first time. Known as Gliese 229B, this brown dwarf puzzled astronomers due to its unexpected dimness. Nearly 30 years later, a team of international researchers made an observation that solved the decades long mystery: it was not 1 brown dwarf but 2 orbiting tightly around each other.
Dr. William Thompson, the Herzberg Instrument Science Fellow at our Herzberg Astronomy and Astrophysics Research Centre, was part of the international team that made the observation that proved the long-standing theory. This surprising discovery is further evidence of Canada's capacity to contribute new knowledge and helps maintain our position as a world leader in astronomy and astrophysics.
New optical technique to quantify harmful elements in wildfire smoke
NRC researchers are developing a technology that will allow the first in-field measurements of light absorption by aerosols, without the need for laboratory calibration.
Aerosols are made up of tiny nanoparticles less than one-hundredth of the width of a human hair. Black carbon aerosols are a major component of carcinogenic diesel exhaust, and major contributors to climate warming due to their strong light-absorbing ability. They are found in forest fire smoke, combustion-engine emissions and industrial emissions.
Detecting and measuring light absorption by these nanoparticles is difficult in real-world conditions and especially challenging while monitoring wildfire smoke due to a lack of appropriate reference techniques. The new optical technique developed by the NRC will address this measurement challenge. The ultimate goal is to commercialize a black carbon monitoring device that is more accurate than current devices and that can be integrated in networks of low-cost sensors.
A digital impedance bridge for better metrology
In partnership with the Canadian company Measurements International Limited, experts at our Metrology Research Centre are developing a new digital system to measure impedance, a parameter that quantifies how much an electrical circuit element resists the flow of electricity.
Impedance is fundamental in many technologies, especially for the electronics industry. Compared to its analogue counterparts, this new digital and fully automated version will offer lower measurement uncertainties, shorter measurement times and a wider frequency range. It is an important tool when designing any modern electronics, like smartphones.
This NRC-invented system will be available on the market worldwide, offering highly accurate, reliable automated measurement capabilities and versatility to national metrology institutes or any industrial or research laboratory dealing with complex electrical measurement tasks.