ARCHIVED - Corporate Overview

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The National Research Council of Canada

Canada's largest federal research and development organization
February 2020

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We are the Government of Canada's largest research and development organization with over 100 years of experience

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Long description of slide 3

This page features a graph illustrating a timeline of the NRC's activities in relation to how Canada has evolved, from 1916 to today.

The graph is broken down into 6 sections to illustrate key themes during the NRC's (and Canada's) evolution: Starting from 1916, on the left, with section 1 being Nation Building, section 2 being War Time, section 3 is Boom Time, section 4 is Space Race, section 5 is Digital & Global and the final section, section 8 is Climate Change.

The graph shows that the NRC started providing advice during the Nation Building Stage (1916), which it continues to do to this day.

The graph shows that in 1928, the NRC began conducting applied and industrial R&D, which it continues to do to this day.

The graph shows that in 1946, the NRC was conducting basic science and providing support for small and medium‑sized enterprises through its Industrial Research Assistance Program called IRAP.

The graph shows that in 1986, the NRC had industry‑oriented institutes, which continues to this day.

The graph shows that by the year 2000, the NRC was marked by regional expansion and cluster initiatives.

The graph shows that in 2012, the NRC became a Research and Technology Organization (RTO).

Finally, 2016 saw the NRC renew its focus on excellence and engagement.

 

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Long description of slide 4

The illustration on page 4 of the presentation is entitled A century of innovation. Building on the information contained in the illustration on the previous page, this illustration shows a timeline of NRC‑driven innovation over the past century.

1916 – The NRC is created
1920s – Concrete for a harsh climate
1930s – Redesigned steam locomotive
1940s – Wartime innovations: radar, atomic energy
1950s – Pacemaker, electric wheelchair
1960s – Canadian flag red colour
1970s – Anti‑counterfeiting technology, Canola
1980s – Canadian Astronaut Program, Canadarm
1990s – Synthetic meningitis C vaccine
2000s – Simulated brain surgery
2010s – 100% biofuel test flights
2020s – Arrow pointing towards next pages in the presentation

 

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The NRC delivers value to Canada in two ways:

• National network of researchers and facilities: performing research and technical services with partners
• Delivers national funding program: the Industrial Research Assistance Program

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What we do:

• We advance scientific and technical knowledge
• We support government policy objectives
• We support business innovation

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Long description of slide 7

The illustration on page 7 of the presentation shows the NRC's organizational structure, as well as its reporting relationship to the Government of Canada.

At the top, the illustration shows that the NRC, as a government agency, reports, through its President, to the Canadian Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development.

Reporting directly to the NRC President are the Chief Science Officer and the President's Research Excellence Advisory Committee.

Also reporting to the NRC President are the following 5 branches: Human Resources, Audit and Evaluation, Corporate Service and Chief Financial Officer, Business and Professional Services as well as the Secretary General's office.

The NRC's research centres and teams are grouped within 5 divisional umbrellas (5 divisions): Transportation and Manufacturing, Engineering, Life Sciences, Emerging Technologies, and the Industrial Research Assistance Program. The Office of the Chief Digital Research Officer is also included in the organizational chart at the level of the aforementioned divisional umbrella.

The Transportation and Manufacturing division includes 2 research centres: Aerospace and Automotive and Surface Transportation.

The Engineering division includes 3 research centres: Construction, Energy, Mining and Environment, Ocean, Coastal and River Engineering.

Next, the Life Sciences division includes 3 research centres. They include Aquatic and Crop Resource Development, Human Health Therapeutics, and Medical Devices.

The Emerging Technologies division has 5 research centres: Advanced Electronics and Photonics, Herzberg Astronomy and Astrophysics, Metrology, Nanotechnology and Security and Disruptive Technologies.

Within the umbrella for digital research is included the Digital Technologies Research Centre.

Finally, the Industrial Research Assistance Program is organized into 7 groupings: the Pacific and Yukon Region, Prairie and Northwest Territories Region, the Ontario Region, the Quebec Region, the Atlantic and Nunavut Region, Division Services and International office.

 

Slide 8

Canada's Innovation and Skills Plan

People and skills: CanCode, PromoScience, Work‑integrated learning, Global Skills Strategy
Pan‑Canadian Artificial Intelligence (AI) Strategy

Building ecosystems: science, technology, and clusters: Innovation clusters, Intellectual Property Strategy, National Research Council, Fundamental research, Science infrastructure, Science advice

Investment, scale‑up and growing companies: Innovative Solutions Canada, NRC IRAP, Regional Growth Strategies, Strategic Innovation Fund

Program simplification and reorganization: Innovation Canada, Clean Growth Hub, Economic Strategy Tables

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The NRC across Canada

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Long description of slide 10

This page of the presentation depicts a map of Canada displayed entirely in dots (consistent with the thematic style of the NRC's corporate brand). The full map shows 31 blue dots (representing NRC IRAP offices) as well as 17 pink dots (representing locations where there are both a research facility as well as an NRC IRAP office).

 

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• 2,151 scientists, engineers, technicians, other specialists and 255 IRAP industrial technology advisors
• Specialized facilities in 179 buildings on 22 sites
• 1,577 R&D collaborations and helped 8,000 SMEs

(Data as of June 2019)

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• 1,030 publications
• 207 patents filed, 1,669 active patents
• $193 million total NRC revenues

(Data as of June 2019)

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R&D locations across Canada

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The NRC delivers value to Canada in two ways

1. National network of research centres performing research and technical services with partners¸
2. National funding program – The Industrial Research Assistance Program

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NRC IRAP
Industrial Research Assistance Program

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Industrial Research Assistance Program NRC IRAP

• Provide advice, connections, and funding to help Canadian small and medium‑sized businesses increase their innovation capacity and take ideas to market
• Serve over 8,000 clients annually (advisory services + funding) across all industry sectors and fund over 3,000 clients
• Link innovative Canadian SMES to global value chains and support their growth by providing access to current technology and business market intelligence on priority industry sectors
• Support youth with employment programs

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Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC IRAP)

• 70‑year proven track record (since 1947)
• $293M annual contribution funding to SMEs
• 8,159 firms receiving advisory services or funding

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Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC IRAP)

• 15,662 jobs supported in SMEs
• 1,294 youth internships supported
• 1,350 assessments completed for others government departments

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Industrial Research Assistance Program – nine streams

1. Core IRAP • contributions to firms
2. Large‑value contributions
3. Youth Employment Program (YEP)
4. Eureka, Eurostars
5. Canadian International Innovation Program (CIIP)
6. Third‑party SME services
7. International initiatives
8. White label • other government departments
9. CanExport • Global Affairs Canada

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Research centres

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Research centres

Digital technologies

• Digital Technologies

Emerging technologies

• Advanced Electronics and Photonics
• Herzberg Astronomy and Astrophysics
• Metrology
• Nanotechnology
• Security and Disruptive Technologies

Engineering

• Construction
• Energy, Mining and Environment
• Ocean, Coastal and River Engineering

Life sciences

• Aquatic and Crop Resource Development
• Human Health Therapeutics
• Medical Devices

Transportation and manufacturing

• Aerospace
• Automotive and Surface Transportation

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Digital technologies

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Making digital technologies smarter and more intuitive by exploring uses of data and information in innovative and meaningful ways to solve real problems

Key research areas:  Artificial intelligence • Bioinformatics • Blockchain • Computer vision and graphics • Cybersecurity • Data analysis and modelling • Human‑computer interaction • Internet of things • Natural language processing

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Why work with us

• Over 30 years of research experience in digital technologies
• New AI for Design Challenge Program to create a foundation of AI research tools
• Two new research programs to support the Artificial Intelligence‑powered Supply Chains (SCALE AI) and Canada's Digital Technology superclusters
• Four new collaboration centres with universities and institutes
• Valued partner for other government departments — data analysis
• Thought leadership and advice about ethics and accessibility of digital technologies

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Emerging Technologies

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Advanced Electronics and Photonics

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Pushing the boundaries in photonics and electronics research and the development of new communication and sensor technologies

Key research areas:  Advanced fabrication processes and organic materials • Advanced semiconductor materials • GaN electronics • Semiconductor devices • Silicon and integrated photonics

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Why work with us

• World‑class facilities such as the Canadian Photonics Fabrication Centre, North America's only pure play commercial compound semiconductor foundry that provides engineering and manufacturing services, commercial‑grade prototyping, and pilot‑run production facilities
• Sought‑after experts, research‑based advice on design and simulation, materials, fabrication, integration, and full‑scale testing

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Herzberg Astronomy and Astrophysics

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Canada's foremost authority on astronomy and astrophysics, maintaining the country's largest observatories and representing the country in some of the world's leading astronomy initiatives

Key research areas:  Astronomy technology • Optical astronomy • Radio astronomy

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Why work with us

• Provide extensive data management and analysis tools through our Canadian Astronomy Data Centre
• Support activities at international observatories
• Develop advanced astronomical instruments with industrial partners

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Metrology

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Accurate measurement underpins industrial success across all sectors of the economy

Key research areas:  Biotoxin and chemical metrology • Black carbon metrology • Electrical power measurements • Electrical standards • Frequency and time • Ionizing radiation • Mechanical metrology • Nanoscale metrology • Photometry, radiometry, and thermometry

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Why work with us

• Innovative technology and high‑performance laboratories that compete with the top minds in the industry, tackling a broad range of challenges in innovation and providing first‑rate metrology capabilities
• Canada's national metrology organization provides accurate, traceable measurements that define the national standard and are in line with international requirements
• Primary measurement services such as instrument calibration, chemical purity analysis, and certified reference materials

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Nanotechnology

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Develops nano‑enabled solutions for Canada's pressing health, environment, and agri‑food challenges

Delivers world‑leading microscopy innovations and cutting‑edge nanoscience and technology platforms

Key research areas:  Biomedical nanotechnologies • Developmental and analytical microscopy • Nano- and atom‑scale electronics • Nanomaterials deposition and characterization

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Why work with us

• Access to state‑of‑the‑art nanoscale imaging capabilities, featuring one‑of‑a‑kind instrumentation that enables experiments unavailable on commercial units
• Build world's first nanoscale instrumentation for R&D and commercial applications and devise novel techniques to solve the toughest characterization challenges
• Top multidisciplinary expertise under one roof, including nanobiology, optoelectronics, nano/microfabrication and synthesis, enhanced by solid partnerships with leading national and international institutions

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Security and Disruptive Technologies

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Collaborates with Canadian and international labs, industry, and academia to build the emerging technology platforms that will sustain Canada's industrial competitiveness well into the future

Key research areas:  Advanced materials for additive manufacturing • Quantum photonic sensing and security • Security material technologies

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Why work with us

• Provide new platforms that can be applied in a wide range of industries in technology areas such as nanotechnology, quantum technologies and electronic materials, and additive manufacturing
• Offer scientific and engineering expertise in nanomaterials synthesis, printed electronics (2D‑3D printing), nanocomposites, electronic and fibre photonic sensors, quantum information and security, quantum theory, and state‑of‑the‑art ultra‑fast spectroscopy in addition to access to unique prototyping facilities
• Strong, established partnerships with key players in Canada and internationally

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Engineering

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Construction

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Provide an integrated innovation and business environment sustained by research and technical expertise

Bring together national services, such as the Canadian Construction Materials Centre and Codes Canada, world‑class laboratories, focused strategic research and development, and flexible business arrangements

Key research areas:  Building envelopes and materials • Civil engineering infrastructure • Fire safety • Intelligent building operations

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Why work with us

• Unparalleled expertise in building, structural and materials engineering, analytics, and human factors for smart construction solutions
• Access to unique, large‑scale facilities and testing expertise to validate even the most innovative building solutions
• Compliance expertise and testing capabilities for Canadian and international standards to ensure greater market access
• Unique, recognized impartial technology performance validation to optimize technology deployment

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Energy, Mining, and Environment

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The latest innovations in clean energy, advanced mining technologies, and environmental remediation to Canadian industry

Key research areas: Bioenergy from waste streams • Clean energy materials and technologies • Contaminant detection and remediation • Energy storage • Sensor technology • Sustainable mining technologies

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Why work with us

• The NRC supports the entire technology readiness scale, from fundamental research, to technology development and scale‑up, to prototyping and field testing
• Access to one of a kind, large‑scale facilities and testing expertise to validate innovative energy, mining, and environmental solutions
• World‑leading and unbiased technology performance validation
• Collaborate to address emerging technology requirements as the energy and mining sectors tackle sustainability challenges

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Ocean, Coastal and River Engineering

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Researching engineering solutions in harsh marine environments such as ice, waves, cold, and wind

Key research areas:  Arctic research • Digital waterways • Flooding • Marine and coastal infrastructure • Ocean engineering

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Why work with us

• Expertise in physical and numerical modelling to create safe, efficient, intelligent and sustainable solutions to engineering challenges in ocean, coastal, river, and arctic environments
• World‑class facilities, technical experts and digital capabilities to help develop sustainable and intelligent technologies used in harsh marine conditions
• Solutions that improve the performance and safety of ocean, coastal, and marine operations, meet the challenges of climate change, and protect infrastructure, property, and people from severe weather events and other environmental risks

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Life sciences

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Aquatic and Crop Resource Development

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Scientific research, services, and technology development for the sustainable transformation of Canadian bio‑based resources into higher‑value products

Key research areas:  Algal technologies • Industrial biotechnology • Sustainable biomarine and agriculture biomass transformation

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Why work with us

• Collaboration with industry, academia, and government partners to develop and transform agricultural and marine bioresources into food, feed and ingredients, and other high‑value bioproducts
• One‑of‑a‑kind, industrial‑scale facilities
• Unparalleled multi‑disciplinary expertise spanning genomics, bioconversion and bioprocessing, toxicology, and manufacturing

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Human Health Therapeutics

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Aims to transform human health outcomes for the benefit of society, in collaboration with public and private sector organizations, by accelerating the discovery and development of innovative biologic medicines in Canada

Key research areas: Antibody‑based therapies against cancer and neurodegenerative diseases • Biomanufacturing platforms • Disruptive technology solutions for cell and gene therapy • Vaccines and emerging infections readiness

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Why work with us

• Largest research and development team dedicated to biologics development in Canada
• Preclinical expertise spanning all stages from target selection to manufacturing‑scale bioprocesses for technology transfer
• Global reputation for scientific leadership in the research of therapeutics for cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, emerging infections, immunobiology, vaccines, bioprocess engineering, and advanced analytics

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Medical Devices

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Create innovative medical device technologies by developing and deploying leading‑edge technology and digital platforms for prevention, diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment to aid in patient healthcare and stimulate economic opportunities for Canada

Key research areas:  Digital health and simulation technologies • Implantable biomaterials • Micro and nano fabrication of biosensors, biochips and microfluidics devices • Precision medicine

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Why work with us

• Unparalleled combination of expertise in materials, bio‑analytics, microfluidics, medical implants and simulation required for effective solutions to complex healthcare technology needs
• Benefit from key innovations in the development of new analytical tools, implantable devices, and digital health technologies
• Access to one‑of‑a‑kind, large‑scale facilities to de‑risk even the most innovative diagnostics, implantable and connected health technologies, including the Centre for Research and Applications in Fluidic Technologies (CRAFT), a collaborative venture between the NRC and the University of Toronto

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Transportation and Manufacturing

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Aerospace

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Creating a stronger Canadian and global aerospace sector through research, innovation, and collaboration

Key research areas:  Aerodynamics • Flight research • Icing • Propulsion • Structures and materials • Unmanned systems

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Why work with us

• Ability to assemble teams of scientists and engineers with deep expertise in multiple specialized disciplines to conduct research, advance innovative technologies, and solve complex problems in aeronautics and space
• Canada's national aerospace organization has a strong track record of developing advanced civil and military aircraft technologies to ensure that aviation is safer, more efficient, more eco‑friendly, and more comfortable
• Customizable research, testing, validation, and advisory service options

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Automotive and surface transportation

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Leading‑edge research, technical, and engineering services, and innovative technology solutions to help Canada be more competitive through innovations in mobility and manufacturing excellence

Key research areas:  Additive manufacturing • Connected / autonomous vehicles technologies integrating testing and validation • Defence and security vehicle technologies • Digital manufacturing • Heavy‑duty vehicle testing and evaluation • Intelligent transportation system and fleet management • Metallic polymer and composite manufacturing • Rail vehicle‑infrastructure technologies • Surface engineering • Vehicle electrification • Vehicle light weighting

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Why work with us

• Assist manufacturing industry in increasing its productivity and agility, decreasing product time‑to‑market, and advancing sustainable development strategies to better face Industry 4.0 challenges
• Customer‑driven end‑to‑end solutions provider, with expertise spanning design, prototype, simulation, lab and field testing for automotive, heavy‑duty vehicles and including over 50 years in rail R&D
• State‑of‑the‑art research and testing facilities, many with unique capabilities worldwide

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Why work with us

• Extensive advisory and performance validation services to de‑risk technology development
• New intelligent transportation systems expertise for freight/personal mobility, connected / autonomous vehicles, fleet optimization and cybersecurity
• Broad range of experts to provide smart manufacturing processes and digital capabilities for increased operational efficiencies for metallic, polymer, and composite products
• Proven technology deployment of manufacturing technologies in the fields of sustainable materials, electric motors, thermal spray coatings, materials for lithium batteries, and multi‑material joining

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Research and Development (R&D) programs

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Research and development (R&D) programs

*Multi‑stakeholder Challenge Programs

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*Multi‑stakeholder Challenge Programs

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*Multi‑stakeholder Challenge Programs

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New R&D collaboration and initiatives

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Supporting Canada's innovation superclusters initiative

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The NRC is developing programs that will build on our organization's scientific expertise to support the superclusters and foster strong collaboration with innovators in both industry and academia

Collaborations supported through grant and contribution funding

Bringing a national network of researchers and scientific facilities to bear on the most pressing immediate challenges and longer‑term innovation goals

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Long description of slide 76

The illustration on this page, a map of Canada comprised of dots, is similar to the illustration on Page 10, except that this time, 5 large dots are placed on the map to show the geographic base of NRC work in support of Canada's superclusters.

On the west coast, we see a dot representing the Digital technologies supercluster.

Moving eastward, in the prairies, we see a dot representing the Protein industries supercluster.

The provinces of Ontario and Quebec show joint activity contributing to the Advanced manufacturing supercluster and the Scale.AI (artificial intelligence) supercluster.

Finally, the Canadian east coast serves as home base for the Ocean supercluster.

 

Slide 77

Collaboration Centres

Colocating researchers and equipment with university, industry, and other government organization partners to support research excellence in areas in which Canada can excel.

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NRC and University Collaboration Centres

• Ocean science with Memorial University
• Microfluidics with the University of Toronto
• Cybersecurity with the University of New Brunswick
• Mathematical sciences with the Fields Institute
• Green Energy Material with the University of Toronto
• Artificial intelligence, Internet of things and cybersecurity with the University of Waterloo

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Addressing government priorities through seven‑year Challenge Programs • 2019 round includes:

 

Long description of slide 79

This page of the presentation captures information on how the NRC is addressing federal government priorities through 7‑year Challenge Programs.

It shows that the 2019 round of approved Challenge Programs includes the following 4 programs (and their purpose):

High‑throughput and Secure Networks
Develop and transfer innovations to industry enabling affordable gigabit per second (or better) symmetrical connectivity to end users in rural and remote communities anywhere in Canada.

Disruptive Technology Solutions for Cell and Gene Therapy
Design and develop disruptive technologies to enable affordable engineered cell and gene therapies for chronic diseases and rare genetic disorders affecting Canadians, and coordinate a national effort to increase accessibility.

Materials for Clean Fuels
Develop new materials for the conversion of CO2 and hydrogen into clean fuels and chemicals, catalyzing the decarbonisation of Canada's oil & gas and petrochemical sectors.

Artificial Intelligence for Design
A foundation of AI tools, technologies and capabilities to support the above three mission areas.

On the same page and in a bubble capturing what's ahead, the page shows that upcoming NRC Challenge Programs for 2021 will include:

• The North (focusing on infrastructure, remote health);
• Quantum (and the Internet of Things); and
• Aging in Place

 

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Collaboration: Ideation fund

To support exploratory research through two initiatives:

• New Beginnings Initiative
• Small Teams Initiative

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Connecting globally

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Connecting and convening

The NRC is recognized as a neutral connector and convenor internationally and within the Canadian innovation ecosystem

• Using facilities and in‑house expertise as platforms for R&D collaboration with SMEs, universities, and other organizations
• Providing Canadian SMEs with access to established and long‑standing international networks that enable them to penetrate foreign markets
• Co‑locating researchers and equipment with university partners through collaboration centres to accelerate research outcomes

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Connecting and convening

The NRC is recognized as a neutral connector and convenor internationally and within the Canadian innovation ecosystem

• Representing Canadian interests as Canada's affiliate on over 30 different international scientific organizations
• Managing and providing access to some of Canada's specialized, large‑scale scientific infrastructure (e.g. astronomical observatories)

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International partnerships

• The NRC is connecting Canadian and international R&D capabilities to solve global research challenges
• International partnerships accelerate the pace of innovation and SME growth
• NRC offices in Munich and Tokyo

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The NRC's international business model

Working with an extensive network of Canadian and foreign partners, the NRC helps SMEs and NRC research programs and their collaborators to:

• Identify collaboration needs
• Identify and engage potential partners
• Secure preferred access to partners
• Access resources to carry out either an exchange or collaboration or co‑innovation projects

 

Long description of slide 85

This page of the presentation depicts the NRC's international business model.

A triad of linked bubbles on the page highlights the fact that that the NRC's role includes the 3 critical functions of de‑risking partnerships and coordinating funding along with convening and/or matchmaking.

 

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Support business innovation

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Intellectual property at the NRC

• The NRC owns a portfolio of 1,669 patents
• We actively seek licensees to commercialize our patented technologies and drive benefit to Canada
• We offer a range of research and IP licensing models to meet the diverse needs of our clients and collaborators

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Why choose the NRC

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The NRC works with partners to deliver a national platform for innovation:

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We conduct research

We support SMEs to help them scale‑up and compete

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We connect Canadian innovators to leading R&D capabilities

We enable cross‑sector partnership and collaboration in Canada and abroad

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Thank you