Making a difference in the fight against COVID-19

The National Research Council of Canada (NRC) pivoted quickly to support Canada's government-wide response when COVID-19 disrupted the world in 2020. Since then, we've applied the full breadth of our skills, expertise and resources to the fight against the virus—and to help build the country's capacity to tackle future pandemics. From advancing domestic biomanufacturing capabilities to supporting innovative companies and technologies, we continue to play a vital role in Canada's pandemic recovery.

Impact stories

 
See previous stories on the NRC's fight against COVID-19

When COVID-19 disrupted the world in 2020, the National Research Council of Canada pivoted to support the Government of Canada-wide response and to help protect the health and safety of Canadians.

Learn more about how we have been working to make a difference in Canada in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

Vaccines and therapeutics

In an effort to slow and eventually stop the spread of the virus, the NRC is working with partners to advance research and technology development for therapies and vaccines to treat and prevent COVID-19.

Learn more aboout vaccines and therapeutics

Building the infrastructure

Two new facilities on the NRC’s Royalmount site in Montréal will support domestic production of vaccines and other biologics, strengthen Canada’s overall biomanufacturing capacity, and improve Canada’s pandemic preparedness.

Learn more about building the infrastructure

Testing and diagnostics

To fight the spread of COVID‑19, the Government of Canada is focussed on building capacity in Canada to develop innovative testing and diagnostic solutions, and purchase essential supplies using existing industrial and innovation programs like the Innovative Solutions Canada (ISC) program.

Learn more about testing and diagnostics

Personal protective equipment and sterilization

The NRC is working to ensure the safety and effectiveness of PPE in Canada by lending its expertise to develop PPE and the capability to test its performance, providing testing services for PPE and decontamination equipment, and funding research and development for innovative, made-in-Canada solutions to keep Canadians safe.

Learn more about PPE and sterilization

Digital health and analytics

NRC is working on new ways to use digital health technologies to help alleviate the impact of this global crisis.

Learn more about digital health and analytics

Canadian companies at the forefront

Since March 2020, the National Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC IRAP) has been mobilizing to support small and medium-sized technology and innovation businesses (SMEs) that can contribute to the collective COVID-19 effort, and protect those struggling in the face of the pandemic to ensure Canada can emerge from this global crisis with its best foot forward.

Learn more about Canadian companies at the forefront

Connecting with the community

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, many Canadian organizations looked to the NRC for expertise in medical devices, engineering, biology, and health and safety equipment, or to support them in advancing innovative COVID-19 solutions through testing, validation, and advice. To help address these needs and requests from various sectors, we created the Community Support Initiative.

Learn more about connecting with the community

Meet our people

Our world-class researchers are working around the clock to support Canada's response to COVID-19. From research to resource tools, they are proud to be able to make a difference.

Learn more about our people

Government of Canada - Vaccine Task Force

Information on the COVID-19 Vaccine Task Force (VTF) can now be found on the Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada.

Learn more about Government of Canada - Vaccine Task Force