Foundational research that paves the way for exciting new breakthroughs
Exploring new frontiers in areas such as astronomy and metrology can lead to innovative solutions to global challenges. Precise measurements drive the development of the trustworthy international standards needed to accelerate the adoption of emerging technologies such as quantum technologies, while looking to the stars can generate novel approaches to manufacturing and engineering that ultimately benefit people and businesses here on Earth.
Uncovering the secrets of the universe, one antenna at a time
In a valley south of Penticton, British Columbia, construction of the Canadian Hydrogen Observatory and Radio-transient Detector (CHORD) is getting closer to completion. The most ambitious radio telescope project ever built on Canadian soil, it will give astronomers an unprecedented opportunity to study the evolution of the universe, probe the nature of dark energy and uncover the secrets behind mysterious cosmic events such as fast radio bursts.
What began as an idea from a small group of creative astrophysicists is now becoming reality thanks to the hard work and innovation of researchers, production workers and engineers across the country.
"As I looked down the rows of recently installed and precisely aligned radio antennas, I was struck by the architectural beauty of these sophisticated structures," says Brian Hoff, the NRC's CHORD project manager. "In the afternoon light, they reflected the sun and cast a pattern of shadows along the rows, creating a scene of Futurist art set against the backdrop of the Okanagan Hills. Seeing the antenna mounts I helped refine and bring into production filled me with appreciation for the hard work of those involved in designing, manufacturing and assembling these incredible and unique antennas."
A more affordable and efficient way to make dish antennas
In the face of supply chain complexities and trade uncertainty, keeping CHORD's costs within margins has been Hoff's big challenge. The innovative composite dish technology at the heart of CHORD was conceived and developed by NRC engineers. The CHORD antennas, fabricated on site by NRC production staff, combine a low-cost dish design with simple mounts and pivots. This enables the use of affordable materials and efficient manufacturing processes, delivering world-class antenna reflector performance at a fraction of the cost of most modern observatories.
The next challenge will be to scale up on-site production to 8 antennas per week. This is essential to staying on track, in terms of both budget and schedule, as the team progresses toward completing the 512-antenna core array, which is expected to be built out to full capacity in 2027.
CHORD Pathfinder: A major milestone for Canada
In the meantime, the team is proceeding with the CHORD Pathfinder, a test run using the first 64 antennas. Last year, thanks to our outstanding progress, CHORD partners were able to begin installing receivers and analog electronics on some of the Pathfinder antennas. This was followed by commissioning the digital systems that will process radio signals into images of the radio sky and observations of processes invisible to the human eye.
"Delivering enough antennas to commission the CHORD Pathfinder demonstrates that our production facility is fully operational and we have successfully recruited and trained a skilled workforce. It also shows that we have overcome significant challenges related to the antenna design, procurement and manufacturing processes," says Hoff. "With more than 64 antennas already deployed, this a defining moment in Canada's leadership in developing low-cost, high-precision radio astronomical arrays."
Beyond unravelling the mysteries of the universe, CHORD is making a meaningful impact here on Earth for people in the interior region of British Columbia. The arena-sized production facility will create employment opportunities for up to 27 people, many of whom have little science or engineering experience. Our antenna production team reflects a strong commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion. We also actively engage with the local community on the site. That includes building relationships with local First Nations and offering regular tours to schools and groups, inspiring them as they witness this remarkable scientific instrument take shape.
"I think of myself as a small cog in a much larger, intricate wheel—one powered by the creativity and commitment of astrophysicists, engineers, production staff and industry, all working together across Canada to bring CHORD to fruition."
Making sense of deep space radio signals
The SKA Observatory (SKAO) is building the world's 2 largest radio telescope arrays. This year, Canada reached a major milestone when the first version of its most significant technical contribution to the project was deployed in South Africa. The NRC, in collaboration with MDA Space, designed the correlator beamformer, a powerful data processing engine that collects and processes large volumes of data from the telescopes. The Canadian technology helped the SKAO achieve an important project milestone called "first fringes," observing a radio galaxy estimated to be around 2.6 billion light years away.
Mentoring the next generation of astronomy experts
To ensure Canada has the talent, expertise and leadership to unlock the full potential of this instrument, we launched the Canadian SKA Scientist Program, which supports early-career scientists conducting cutting-edge research and shaping Canada's role in the SKAO. In June 2025, we announced the program's first cohort: Dr. Alice Curtin and Dr. Fengqiu (Adam) Dong. Benefiting from strong mentorship from our astronomy experts and a local mentor at the host Canadian university, they are forming a network of SKAO experts across Canada. A second call for applications was issued in fall 2025.
Solving a cosmic paradox with the James Webb Space Telescope
How can comets born in the coldest regions of space contain minerals that form only in extreme heat? A paper published in Nature in January 2026, co-authored by the NRC's Dr. Doug Johnstone, revealed the answer. Using new observations from the James Webb Space Telescope, scientists mapped the jets, outflows and winds from the planet-building disk surrounding an actively forming star. They found that crystalline silicates—particles smaller than a grain of sand—were created in the super-hot inner portion of the disk. The silicates were then flung outward by powerful winds, catapulting them to the cold outer edges of the star's disk where they might end up in comets. This research is another example of how the NRC is contributing to our fundamental understanding of the universe.
Working across borders to develop trusted quantum standards
Quantum technologies have the potential to transform society, but they must be based on reliable, comparable and objective measurement data and specifications. That is what the NMI‑Q initiative aims to create. Established in October 2025, it brings together the national metrology institutes (NMIs) like the NRC from all G7 countries and Australia to advance the testing work needed to develop international standards for quantum technologies.
The creation of NMI‑Q comes at a critical time when many quantum technologies are in the early stages of development. With our world-renowned metrology expertise and trusted leadership in measurement science, we are positioning Canada to play a defining role in setting the standards that will help turn quantum breakthroughs into real-world computing, sensing and communication applications.