Program Guide for Students and Fellows 2006

For Students and Fellows – Overview – Postdoctoral – Visiting Fellowships in Canadian Government Laboratories

Visiting Fellowships in Canadian Government Laboratories (VF)

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Value	Application Deadline	How to Apply
$43,724 per year (one year, renewable for up to two more years)	None	Form 200
Program Contacts

What kind of support does this program provide?

This program provides promising emerging scientists and engineers with the opportunity to work with research groups or leaders in Canadian government laboratories and research institutions. Fellowships are awarded for one year with the possibility of renewal for a second and third year, at the discretion of the government department concerned.

The number of awards varies according to the budgets of participating departments and agencies.

Fellowships are tenable in the following departments and agencies (some changes may occur in this list):

Application deadlines

There are no deadlines for application to this program; applications are processed and reviewed as they are received.

Announcement of competition results

Decisions are announced approximately three months after receipt of complete applications.

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC), with top research scientists, professionals, marketers, and many others, works to ensure the agriculture and agri-food sector has the best chance to thrive in both domestic and international markets. Its mandate is to provide information, research, and technology, as well as policies and programs to achieve security of the food system, health of the environment, and innovation for growth.

To promote growth in the sector, the department strives to develop policies, programs and services that translate into safe, nutritious food at reasonable prices to consumers while conserving environmental resources. Excellence is integral to the promotion of Canadian products and to strengthening the agri-food sector's contribution to Canada 's economic and environmental objectives.

Since 2001, federal, provincial, and territorial governments have been working with the agriculture and agri-food industry to help strengthen and revitalize the sector through a new Agricultural Policy Framework (APF). This framework brings together five key elements – Business Risk Management, Renewal, Food Safety and Quality, Environment, and Science and Innovation – to help Canadian agriculture maximize new opportunities in world markets. If Canada's agriculture and agri-food sector is to be recognized internationally as the world leader for innovative products and technologies, food safety, and environmentally responsible production, science is the foundation upon which success in these areas will be built.

The agriculture and agri-food portfolio encompasses integrated activities such as research, as well as Crown corporations and agencies such as the Canadian Grain Commission. More than 4,000 employees, including nearly 600 scientists work within the department across the country.

The role of science is clear. Whether it’s contributing to our environmental health, developing sustainable production systems, coming up with new or improved bioproducts and processes, or ensuring food safety and quality, an innovative scientific approach is key to building a solid future for Canada. AAFC’s labs are geared to providing the science to allow Canada to deliver an exciting range of innovative agriculture-based products at home and abroad.

As science increases in complexity, so does the need for a co-operative approach. Today, our scientists across the country work together with other governments, the agri-food sector, and private research institutions to achieve maximum return on investment in the areas important to Canadians, notably food safety, environmental health, and wealth creation.

Contact AAFC on the Internet at http://www.agr.gc.ca/index_e.phtml or 613-759-1000. You can learn more about AAFC’s science programs and how we work with the agri-food sector to put Canada first by visiting our Web site at http://res2.agr.gc.ca/index_e.htm.

National Science Programs

Environmental Health

There’s no denying that the practices used on about 70 million hectares of Canadian farmland have an impact on the health of our environment. With the help of research at AAFC, Canada’s 250,000 farms are becoming more innovative to ensure the protection and preservation of our natural heritage. AAFC scientists use the tools and techniques at their disposal to ensure farming activities protect our soils, water, and air, preserve biodiversity and organic nutrients, and develop alternative pest-control techniques.

The long-term success of the agricultural industry in Canada is based on the productive ability of our natural resources and the implementation of practices to this end. Our research efforts at AAFC aim to make sure farming and environmental health go hand in hand.

Contact

Dr. Wayne Lindwall
Tel.: 613-759-7808
Fax: 613-759-7770
E-mail: lindwallw@agr.gc.ca

Soil, Water, and Air Quality

Proper stewardship practices are key to the long-term productivity of the agri-food industry. Our scientists are developing knowledge to reduce risks of erosion, compaction, salinization, and loss of organic matter. As well, new technologies to assess soil resources are supporting land use decision making. Researchers focus on reducing the impact of agricultural activities on nearby water and soil, while balancing the nutrient and pesticide requirements of crops. Their studies include decreasing the environmental risks from fertilizers, organic residues, pathogens, pesticides, and other substances by implementing farming practices that reduce resource contamination. Scientists are also working to develop effective air quality measuring and monitoring systems that will give us a better understanding of the complex relationships surrounding climate change. Our experts are examining the impact of greenhouse gas emissions on agri-food sector activities.

Contact

Dr. Richard Butts
Tel.: 506-452-4802
Fax: 506-452-3212
E-mail: butts@agr.gc.ca

Biodiversity

AAFC researchers are working to understand and assess plant, microbial, and invertebrate biodiversity of interest to Canadian agriculture, industry, and the environment. Included is the development of rapid detection and identification technologies. Our experts are studying the relationship between agriculture and biodiversity to maintain healthy, more resilient ecosystems. Other research includes the long-term conservation and utilization of plant and microbe genetic resources as well as the management and use of biodiversity information.

Contact

Dr. Barry Grace (Acting)
Tel.: 250-494-6412
Fax: 250-494-6415
E-mail: graceb@agr.gc.ca

Integrated Pest Management

Our scientists are working on programs that combine a complementary array of control techniques – including traditional and alternative pesticides, genetic resistence, and other forms of biocontrol – into one, integrated approach for managing pests: insects, diseases, and weeds. Integrated pest management contributes to the well-being of Canada’s agricultural sector by providing new pest control strategies that result in a healthier environment while producing high-quality foods for consumers.

Contact

Dr. Gary Whitfield
Tel.: 519-738-2251
Fax: 519-738-3756
E-mail: whitfieldg@agr.gc.ca

Sustainable Production Systems

Crop and livestock products account for the majority of Canadian farm income. The export of agri-food products generated $26.45 billion in 2004. Canadian exports of agri-food products were forecast to grow approximately three per cent in 2005 and eight per cent in 2006. New information and improved technology related to the production of plants and animals are essential to making these sectors competitive, profitable, and viable. Diverse geography and climate challenge Canadian producers. Research to reduce risk and minimize the impact agricultural production systems have on the environment are the focus of this National Science Program.

Contact

Dr. Steve Morgan Jones
Tel.: 403-317-2000
Fax: 403-317-2197
E-mail: morganjoness@agr.gc.ca

Cultivar Development and Genetic Enhancement

At AAFC, our scientists are developing better quality, higher-yielding crop varieties using traditional breeding and molecular genetic techniques. Improved crops help Canadian farmers improve the viability of their farms and maintain demand for Canadian produce in export markets.

Contact

Dr. Jeff Stewart
Tel.: 403-317-2208
Fax: 403-317-2197
E-mail: stewartj@agr.gc.ca

Grains and Oilseeds

Best management practices help reduce the environmental impacts of cropping in Canada. AAFC experts across the country are studying ways to lower production risks and reduce pesticide use on cereals and oilseed crops. New practices and technology are helping to increase the efficiency of modern agricultural production and renew Canada’s competitiveness in domestic and international markets.

Contact

Dr. David Wall
Tel.: 306-956-7211
Fax: 306-956-7248
E-mail: walld@agr.gc.ca

Crop Production Systems

Across the country, AAFC scientists are evaluating the impact of changing crops and practices on the environment and on farm viability. New practices and technology are increasing the efficiency and reducing the risk of cereal, oilseed, field crop, forage, and pulse crop production.

The benefits of diversification into vegetables, greenhouse products, tree fruits, berries, ornamentals, and viticulture are numerous. AAFC’s research on technologically advanced production systems contributes to the sustainability of agriculture in Canada and enhances competitiveness in domestic and international markets.

Contact

Dr. Peter Hicklenton
Tel.: 902-679-5760
Fax: 902-679-5344
E-mail: hicklentonp@agr.gc.ca

High-Value Crops

The benefits of diversification in agricultural crops such as vegetables, greenhouse products, tree fruits, berries, ornamentals, and viticulture are numerous. Experts at AAFC are working on sustainable production systems to offer the sector more choices about what to produce and how. Research efforts to develop new improved crop varieties and more efficient technologically advanced production systems will contribute to the sustainability of agriculture in Canada.

Contact

Dr. Roger Chagnon
Tel.: 450-346-4494, ext. 110
Fax: 450-346-7908
E-mail: chagnonr@agr.gc.ca

Livestock Production Systems

Our livestock research at AAFC develops new technologies to reduce production costs and improve product safety. Scientists are sensitive to society’s concerns about livestock production. Our research provides workers in the livestock sector with innovations to improve animal care and increase consumer confidence. The information, technology, and programs provided by AAFC’s research help to maintain the competitiveness and ensure the renewal of Canada’s livestock industry.

Contact

Dr. Jacques Surprenant
Tel.: 819-565-9174
Fax: 819-564-5507
E-mail: surprenantj@agr.gc.ca

Animal Behaviour and Welfare

Our livestock research at AAFC includes the health and welfare of the animals. Consumer confidence has increased with the development of welfare-friendly livestock production systems. The science in our labs aims to provide workers in the livestock sector with information and innovations to improve production and animal care.

Contact

Dr. Valerie Stevens
Tel.: 604-796-2221
Fax: 604-796-0359
E-mail: stevensv@agr.gc.ca

Bioproducts and Bioprocesses

A diesel fuel additive from canola seeds that improves engine performance. A naturally occurring, environmentally friendly fungus that attacks insect pests. Natural biologically active molecules, isolated from blueberries and soybeans, that will help prevent diseases. These are just a few examples of the applications that may result from bioproducts and bioprocesses research at AAFC.

Advances in agri-food science and technology are accelerating the development of a wide range of new industrial, health, and nutritional products obtained from plants, animals, and microorganisms.

New bio-based products from agricultural commodities will contribute immensely to the advancement of Canada’s economic, social, and environmental goals over the next few decades as part of Canada’s growing, renewable bio-economy.

Contact

Dr. Gordon Neish
Tel.: 250-494-6355
Fax: 250-494-2106
E-mail: neishg@agr.gc.ca

Bio-Based Products and Processes

Scientists in AAFC’s research labs across the country conduct research that will help to develop commodity and intermediate chemicals and materials, including ethanol, biodiesel, fatty acids, bioplastics and industrial starches. Research efforts are also under way to develop specialty chemicals and microbial products such as biopesticides, pharmaceutical products, flavours, fragrances and enzymes.

Contact

Dr. Christiane Deslauriers
Tel.: 902-672-6418
Fax: 902-672-6482
E-mail: deslauriersc@agr.gc.ca

Genomics and Biotechnology

At AAFC, this area of research involves the study of genomics, proteomics, metabolomics, enabling technologies, and bioinformatics. Studies in this field of agri-food research offer many advantages for Canada.

Contact

Dr. Lianne Dwyer
Tel.: 613-759-1525
Fax: 613-759-1970
E-mail: dwyerl@agr.gc.ca

Food Safety and Quality

Above all else, food must be safe to eat. AAFC scientists across the country are helping ensure this, with research aimed at ensuring food safety while optimizing quality. Food safety and quality come into play at every level of the food production chain on the farm, during storage and distribution, and at the processing plant. At the farm level, for example, researchers are looking into alternatives for antibiotic treatments. An example at the processing level is the improvement of sterilization and preservation techniques.

The benefits of food safety and quality research should not be underestimated. First and foremost, the health of the Canadian people depends, in large part, on a reliable supply of safe, high-quality foods, whether fresh or processed. Economically, the use of scientific research to develop and implement cost-effective and technologically advanced food processing systems will promote Canada as the world leader in food safety and quality, thus giving the country’s agri-food sector a competitive edge in the global food trade.

Our research helps to support food safety and regulations, develop improved new products and processes, and meet consumer preferences and nutritional needs.

Contact

Dr. Primal Silva
Tel.: 613-759-6142
Fax: 613-759-7769
E-mail: silvap@agr.gc.ca

Food Safety and Processing

One goal of food safety research at AAFC is to develop knowledge of current and emerging pathogenic organisms implicated in human allergies and diseases. This knowledge can be used in the development of strategies such as the prevention of food contamination, traceability through the system, and rapid diagnostic testing. Our studies for safe and high-quality food in Canada continue with AAFC’s research on post-harvest handling, storage, processing, and distribution from the farm to consumers.

Contact

Dr. Primal Silva
Tel.: 613-759-6142
Fax: 613-759-7769
E-mail: silvap@agr.gc.ca

Food Quality and Nutrition

AAFC researchers are studying the maintenance and development of the quality characteristics of food, including nutrition. The target is to enable the agri-food sector to produce food products that satisfy Canadians’ need for “enjoyable” food. This encompasses convenience, microcomposition, freshness, flavour, aroma, texture, and appearance. There is also an emphasis on understanding the nutritional value of food – how it can be preserved or improved and its impact on human health.

Contact

Canadian Grain Commission

Grain Research Laboratory

The Grain Research Laboratory is the scientific division of the Canadian Grain Commission. Research objectives include:

• characterizing and measuring end-use quality of Canadian grains;
• developing improved understanding of the physical, chemical, biochemical, and technological properties of Canadian grains; and
• developing rapid methods and instrumentation to measure quality components, performance specifications, and safety of Canadian grains.

Fields of Research

Identify and characterize properties, quality components, and end-use performance of major Canadian grains: cereal grains (common wheat, durum wheat, and barley), oilseeds (canola, flaxseed, soybeans, sunflower seed, and mustard seed), and pulses (field peas, field beans, and lentils).

Specific research applications to Canadian grains include analysis and method development for detection and measurement of trace elements, pesticide residues, and mycotoxins; near-infrared spectroscopy, image analysis, high-resolution digital photography, viscosity analysis and light, fluorescence, and scanning electron microscopy for development of rapid instrumental grain analysis methods and grain quality assessment; laboratory- and pilot-scale milling of wheat into flour and semolina; laboratory- and small-scale processing and instrumentation for dough making and bread baking; laboratory-scale pasta processing of semolina for the evaluation of durum wheat quality parameters; laboratory-scale noodle processing and specialized instrumentation for the evaluation of end-product quality; pilot- and laboratory-scale systems to evaluate malting-type barleys; analysis of activity of cereal enzymes, particularly alpha-amylase; chemistry of oilseeds as studied by high-performance liquid chromatography, gas-liquid chromatography, and NIR; compositional analysis and functionality in pulses; biochemical and biotechnological methods for laboratory identification of grain varieties, including electrophoresis, immunoassay, and DNA fingerprinting; analysis, measurement, and chemistry of protein, starch, moisture, and other grain constituents; and mycology of grains, with emphasis on mycotoxigenic fungi.

Contact

Dr. Peter Burnett
Tel.: 204-983-2764
Fax: 204-983-0724
E-mail: pburnett@graincanada.gc.ca

Grain Research Laboratory
1404-303 Main Street
Winnipeg, Manitoba
R3C 3G8

Canadian Conservation Institute

The Canadian Conservation Institute (CCI) functions as a special operating agency within the Department of Canadian Heritage. The Institute was created in 1972 to promote the proper care and preservation of Canada’s cultural heritage and to advance the practice, science, and technology of conservation. CCI has worked closely with hundreds of museums, art galleries, academic institutions, and other heritage organizations to help them better preserve their collections, and has recently widened its scope of activities and now markets its services and products around the world.

CCI has played an important role in assessing and developing the processes and materials used in conservation. Recognized as a world leader in the area of preventive conservation, the Institute has developed a comprehensive framework for preserving museum collections. With a staff of about 80, the Institute has treated more than 13,000 objects for the heritage community, has published hundreds of scientific papers, and has distributed in excess of one million publications. The Institute responds to at least 2,000 requests for assistance annually. Working together in well-equipped, fully secure, climate-controlled laboratories, conservators, chemists, engineers, biologists, and other professionals handle projects ranging from information inquiries to complex treatments and research.

From leading-edge research to innovative approaches, the CCI is recognized as a pioneer in the conservation of cultural heritage.

Conservation and Scientific Services

Fields of Research

Conservation Processes and Materials Research

• paper permanence
• waterlogged wood
• adhesive research
• archaeological basketry
• parylene
• wet organic archaeological materials conservation
• archaeological objects
• ceramics and glass
• metals
• on-site field conservation
• modern media
• historic photographs
• accelerated aging of materials
• precious metals
• gilded metals
• enzyme applications and water purification systems for paper and textiles
• aqueous deacidification of paper and textiles
• mass deacidification of library materials
• detergents
• stain removals for textiles
• plastics and polymers
• chemical analysis effects of chemical compounds
• IR spectroscopy of cultural objects
• analytical development for fibrous proteins
• fibre content in paper
• historical parchment documents
• collagenous materials: Aboriginal-made skin and semi-tanned leather materials and mammalian history specimens
• laser cleaning
• thermal analysis
• polarizing thermal and fluorescence microscopy
• scanning electron microscopy
• quantitative image analysis

Analytical Research Laboratory

• rock paintings and petroglyphs
• artists’ materials
• archaeological materials
• scientific examination of museum objects
• archaeometry
• dendrochronology
• argiliite
• SEM/X-ray microanalysis
• polarized light microscopy
• art fraud studies
• radiocarbon dating
• X-ray diffraction
• X-ray spectrometry
• light microscopy
• thermal analysis
• polymers
• dyes and colorants
• coatings
• iron oxide pigments
• grinding and polishing
• Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy
• high-performance liquid chromatography
• corrosion (bronze iron)
• glass and glass beads
• arsenic and mercury in museums
• pesticides in Aboriginal collections
• X-radiography
• scientific documentation of artifacts
• photography recording of rock paintings and petroglyphs
• low-level aerial photography
• infrared reflectography
• photodocumentation
• scientific documentation photography

Preventive Conservation Services

• mechanical properties of materials
• relative humidity and temperature
• risk management
• modelling the physics of treatment processes
• shock and vibration analysis
• relative humidity control module
• silica gel
• ultraviolet filter assessments
• mould
• museums facilities planning
• collections preservation issues
• storage planning
• building envelope issues
• emergency and disaster planning
• fire protection and security systems
• integrated pest management
• pesticides
• toxicity
• biological aspects of pharmaceutical collections
• coatings
• off-gassing and pollutants
• appropriate materials for museum storage
• exhibition and travel

Contact

Gisele Thomson
Learning and Development Officer
Tel.: (613) 998-3721
Fax: (613) 998-4721
E-mail: gisele_thomson@pch.gc.ca

Canadian Conservation Institute
1030 Innes Road
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A OM5

Canadian Food Inspection Agency

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is Canada's science-based regulator of food, plants and animals. As such, the CFIA is committed to enhancing the safety of food produced, sold or imported into Canada, contributing to the health of animals and protecting the plant resource base. To meet these commitments, the Agency administers and/or enforces 13 federal acts and their respective regulations.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency provides a range of laboratory services across Canada, including: chemical, microbiological and physical analytical services related to foods, feeds, fertilizers and seeds; diagnostic testing standards, technology development and transfer, laboratory accreditation, scientific advice and analytical capability for animal, fish and plant diseases and pests; technical expertise to support the development and operation of evolving inspection practices; and responding to consumer complaints.

Visit our Web site at http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/toce.shtml.

Contact

Dr. Judith Bossé
Vice-President
Science Branch
Tel.: (613) 225-2342
Fax: (613) 228-6680
E-mail: bossej@inspection.gc.ca

Canadian Food Inspection Agency
59 Camelot Drive
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0Y9

The Agency laboratories are divided into four area networks:

Atlantic Laboratory Network

Laboratories located in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island; Dartmouth, Nova Scotia; Moncton, New Brunswick; and St. John's, Newfoundland, work in the areas of potato diseases; retrovirology; assays of marine biotoxins; fish chemistry and microbiology; sensory evaluation of fish and seafood products; foodborne pathogens; and food chemistry, including detection of mycotoxins and food allergens.

Contact

Dr. Robert Charlebois
Area Laboratory Network Director – Atlantic
Tel.: (902) 368-0950
Fax: (902) 368-0960
E-mail: rcharlebois@inspection.gc.ca

93 Mount Edward Road
Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island
C1A 5T1

Quebec Laboratory Network

Laboratories located in St-Hyacinthe and Longueuil, Quebec, work in the areas of porcine indigenous diseases, retrovirology and detection of chemical residues and foodborne pathogens in fish and food products.

Contact

Sylvye des Marchais
Area Laboratory Network Director – Québec
Tel.: (514) 773-7730
Fax: (514) 773-8152
E-mail: desmarchaiss@inspection.gc.ca

3400 Casavant Blvd. West
Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec
J2S 8E3

Ontario Laboratory Network

Laboratories located in Mississauga, Scarborough and Ottawa, Ontario, work in the areas of avian and mycobacterial diseases, brucellosis, rabies, germplasm (semen and embryos of domestic livestock); evaluation of veterinary biologics; plant quarantine pests; foodborne pathogens of fish and food; and detection of residues and adulterants in foods.

Contact

Andrew Adams
Area Laboratory Network Director – Ontario
Tel.: (613) 228-6698
Fax: (613) 228-6660
E-mail: adamsa@inspection.gc.ca

Animal Diseases Research Institute/
Centre for Plant Quarantine Pests
3851 Fallowfield Road
Ottawa, Ontario
K2H 8P9

Western Laboratory Network

Laboratories located in Winnipeg, Manitoba; Saskatoon, Saskatchewan; Lethbridge and Calgary, Alberta; and Burnaby and Saanichton, British Columbia, work in the areas of animal parasitology, bovine and equine indigenous viral diseases, foreign animal diseases, leptospirosis, anthrax, anaplasmosis, and diseases of non-traditional livestock; plant viral and phytoplasmal diseases; microbiology and chemical analyses of fish and seafood products; marine biotoxin assay; analyses and certification of seeds; analyses of foods, feeds, and fertilizers for pesticide and drug residues and for PCBs; detection of foodborne pathogens, food allergens and mycotoxins.

Contact

Dr. William D.G. Yates
Area Laboratory Network Director – West
Tel.: (403) 382-5501
Fax: (403) 381-8283
E-mail: yatesw@inspection.gc.ca

Animal Diseases Research Institute
Township Rd. 9-1
P.O. Box 640
Lethbridge, Alberta
T1J 3Z4

National Centre for Foreign Animal Diseases (NCFAD)

The foreign animal diseases laboratory is co-located with the Public Health Agency of Canada in Winnipeg. This laboratory specializes in foreign animal disease work for Canada.

Contact

Dr. Paul R. Kitching
Director
National Centre for Foreign Animal Diseases
Tel.: (204) 789-2102
Fax.: (204) 789-2038
E-mail: kitchingp@inspection.gc.ca

1015 Arlington Street
Winnipeg, Manitoba
R3E 3M4

Canadian Space Agency

Established in March 1989, the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) derives its authority from the Canadian Space Agency Act, enacted in December 1990.

The CSA is committed to leading the development and application of space knowledge for the benefit of Canadians and humanity.

Innovations in Canada's space sector are helping to promote a more competitive space industry, generate spin-off technologies here on Earth, develop high-tech expertise, and create new jobs for Canadians. Spin-offs from the Canadian Space Program leverage investments in key technologies, thereby increasing the social and economic benefits that all Canadians obtain from space activities.

Space Technology programs are helping industry develop strategic technologies in specific niches and establish links with foreign firms, improving access to international markets. The CSA is targeting numerous Canadian industries, most often in collaboration with small and medium-sized enterprises, to accelerate the transfer of space technologies to non-space applications. These industries include oil and gas exploration, geology, mining, transportation, forestry, and agriculture. Each stands to benefit from the application of space technologies to conventional methods of Earth-based operations.

In collaboration with universities, industry, research and development centres, and other government agencies across Canada, the CSA contributes to further expanding leadership in areas of critical importance to Canada.

Earth and Environment

The Canadian Space Program contributes to better understanding, monitoring and predicting of the Earth's environment and global climate change, as well as to the enhancement of the management of natural resources and disasters. This is accomplished through the application of space-based technologies and research based on unique scientific data provided by Earth observation satellites.

The major achievement in this line is without contest RADARSAT-1, used around the world, and most remarkably in disaster management. The new millennium will see the birth of its successor, RADARSAT-2.

Human Presence in Space

This includes the Canadian Astronaut Program and the Operational Space Medicine Program. The Canadian Astronaut Program was established in 1983, when the United States invited Canada to fly an astronaut on its space shuttle. This invitation led to the creation of a permanent corps of Canadian astronauts to coordinate and conduct Canadian experiments in space. This service line is actively involved in the International Space Station project, with our astronauts contributing to its construction, and ground facilities training cosmonauts and astronauts in the use of the Mobile Servicing System, The Operational Space Medicine Program has a commitment to maintain and enhance Canadian expertise in space medicine in support of the participation of Canadians in the human exploration of space.

Satellite Communications

The Canadian Space Program supports the satellite communications industry in expanding the global information infrastructure. By doing this, it is helping Canada become the most connected nation in the world.

Space Technologies

This comprises space technologies, spacecraft engineering, spacecraft payloads, technology management, software and ground segment and exploratory programs. Space technology programs are helping industry develop strategic technologies in specific niches, establish links with foreign firms, and improve access to international markets. One of our greatest achievements in space technology is the Canadarm, which is now followed by the Space Shuttle Remote Manipulator System and the Mobile Servicing System of the International Space Station.

Space Qualification Services

The David Florida Laboratory (DFL) is Canada's world-class spacecraft assembly, integration, and testing centre, maintained and operated by the Canadian Space Agency. Operated on a fee-for-service basis, the DFL is available for use by Canadian and foreign aerospace and telecommunications companies and organizations for qualifying their hardware bound for space. Since its inception in 1972, the laboratory has supported a number of major projects.

These projects include the Communications Technology Satellite (CTS, renamed HERMES); the Space Shuttle Remote Manipulator System (CANADARM); BRASILSAT S1 and S2 communications satellites; the European Space Agency's Olympus communications satellite; Telesat Canada's ANIK C-, D-, and E-series communications satellites; the MSAT M1 and M2 mobile communications satellites; RADARSAT1, Canada's first Earth observation satellite, and INDOSTAR, an Indonesian communications satellite.

Directorate of Spacecraft Engineering

Fields of Research

The Space Technologies Branch of the CSA is the functional centre for technical expertise in the development of advanced technologies for space applications. It is also mandated to lead the development of space technologies within the CSA, enhance Canadian industrial competitiveness, and support Canadian space programs.

The Directorate of Spacecraft Engineering is one of two main technical divisions of the Space Technologies Branch. It is involved in a number of key technological thrusts in the following R&D areas: robotics and intelligent systems; modelling, simulation, and real-time implementation; advanced robot control; tele-operation and autonomous robotics and ground control of space robots; contact dynamics modelling, and identification of dynamics parameters; flexible manipulators; dynamic emulation of space robots on the ground, modular control, and feedback linearization controllers; robots for planetary exploration and R&D in the areas of spacecraft attitude control systems; smart structures; novel and classical controls; vibration and shape control of flexible space structures; space-based structures and testing technologies; lightweight, deployable/inflatable structures; advanced electro/optics; MEMS packaging technologies mechanisms; advanced polymeric and metal matrix composites; testing of materials in simulated space environments; smart materials; spacecraft thermal modelling and simulation technologies; and novel passive and active thermal technologies.

Microsatellites Development

The directorate has well-equipped laboratories that support the robotics, controls, structures and materials, and thermal group R&D activities.

Contact

Dr. George Vukovich
Director
Tel.: 450-926-4660
Fax: 450-926-4695

Directorate of Spacecraft Engineering
Canadian Space Agency
6767 route de I'Aéroport
Saint-Hubert, Quebec
J3Y 8Y9

Directorate of Spacecraft Payloads

Fields of Research

Optical, microwave, and electronic technologies for space applications; active and passive sensors for Earth observation, MMIC, antenna, power systems, power amplifier, microwave design, telemetry, onboard processing, image analysis, and data compression; intersatellite links and robot vision.

Contact

Dr. G. Séguin
Director
Tel.: 450-926-4614
Fax: 450-926-4613

Directorate of Spacecraft Payloads
Canadian Space Agency
6767 route de l’Aéroport
Saint-Hubert, Quebec
J3Y 8Y9

Space Science Directorate

Within the CSA, the Space Science Program is responsible for planning, coordinating, and implementing Canada's space science activities. It provides opportunities for scientists and engineers to participate in state-of-the-art science and technology projects that are usually international in scope. These projects enable technology transfer and advance our understanding of space for the benefit of humanity.

Space Science is committed to excellence in research, mentorship, and training, broad collaboration with leading scientists in Canada and internationally, and publication of original research in peer-reviewed journals. Successful VPF candidates will also be exposed to a number of exciting projects currently being implemented and gain valuable experience in the conduct of “big science.”

Planetary Exploration and Space Astronomy

Planetary Exploration

Canadian opportunities for Mars exploration are a current focus of the program, as Mars, our closest planetary neighbour, is considered to hold the answers to many questions about the formation of our solar system, our planet, and possibly the origins of life itself. The next challenge for this community is to explore Mars and other Solar System bodies in order to attempt to answer some of the scientific questions on the topics of life in the Solar System; geology and atmosphere of other planets; human exploration; asteroids and comets; and enabling technologies.

Space Astronomy

By placing instruments on satellites above the atmosphere, scientists can observe stars and other phenomena of the universe that emit electromagnetic radiation that cannot be detected from Earth. These space-based telescopes provide scientists with an abundance of astronomical information, allowing them to discover never-before-seen features of galaxies, gas clouds, stars, and planets.

The Space Science Program provides support for studies on subjects ranging from the birth of new stars to cosmic background radiation. Among the astronomy projects led by CSA is MOST, a space telescope launched by Canada in 2003. Canada is also taking part in the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), the successor to Hubble that is to be launched in 2012. The Planck Surveyor mission to be launched in 2007 is another astronomy mission with a role for Canada; it consists of an instrument that will chart the whole sky at mm-wave frequencies.

Solar-Terrestrial and Atmospheric Sciences

The Solar-Terrestrial and Atmospheric Research (STAR) Group at the CSA has several active research scientists on staff and engages in close collaborations with a number of major research universities. The research interests of the group include solar physics, heliospheric physics, magnetospheric physics, ionospheric and thermospheric physics, middle atmospheric chemistry and dynamics (including ozone science), tropospheric chemistry (including air quality), and Sun-climate connection. Our staff scientists have access to an extremely rich dataset encompassing all aspects of the scientific inquiries listed above and are actively developing theoretical, computational, and data assimilation tools to help answer some of the most significant questions concerning the Sun-atmosphere-Earth system and understand the impacts of underlying processes on both the environment and society.

Over the last three decades, the CSA has supported more than 20 large experimental projects in the solar-terrestrial and atmospheric sciences, some of which have led to major scientific breakthroughs.

Life and Physical Sciences in Space

The Life and Physical Sciences Directorate of the CSA uses the unique environment of space to better understand chemical and physical laws and life. The goal is to use this knowledge to make space travel safer and improve life on Earth.

The space life sciences discipline brings together researchers to learn about life in space. Particular areas of interest include bone and muscle loss; adaptations of the heart and other body systems and organs to weightlessness; whether organisms mature differently in space than on Earth; measuring space radiation and its effects on living things; and multicultural and isolation psychology in a space context.

The reduced-gravity environment, technically called free-fall, gives researchers a unique opportunity to study the fundamental states of matter such as solids, liquids, and gases and the forces that affect them without interference from gravity driven flows. By reducing or eliminating sedimentation and buoyancy-induced effects in fluid sciences, we can better understand liquid-vapour interface geometry, evaporation, condensation, and surface tension. Materials science research in free-fall clarifies how buoyancy-driven convection and sedimentation affect the solidification of materials and enhances the study of diffusion and surface kinetics. Finally, certain studies of combustion processes and flame propagation can be done that are difficult or impossible to study on Earth.

Contacts

http://www.space.gc.ca/asc/eng/sciences
http://www.space.gc.ca/asc/eng/exploration

Planetary Exploration and Space Astronomy

Alain Berinstain
Director
E-mail: alain.berinstain@space.gc.ca

Solar Terrestrial and Atmospheric Sciences

Réjean Michaud
Director
E-mail: rejean.michaud@space.gc.ca

Life and Physical Sciences

Nicole Buckley
Director
E-mail: nicole.buckley@space.gc.ca

Space Science Directorate
Canadian Space Agency
6767 route de l'Aéroport
St-Hubert, Quebec
J3Y 8Y9

Environment Canada

Environment Canada's mandate is to improve the quality of life of Canadians through the preservation and enhancement of the natural environment, including water, air, and soil quality, renewable resources, migratory birds, and other wildlife, as well as weather forecasting and warnings.

Environment Canada's mission is to make sustainable development a reality in Canada by helping Canadians live and prosper in an environment that needs to be respected, protected, and conserved.

To this end, Environment Canada undertakes and promotes programs to:

• protect Canadians from domestic and global sources of pollution;
• conserve biodiversity in healthy ecosystems; and
• enable Canadians to adapt to weather and related environmental influences and impacts on human health and safety, economic prosperity, and environmental quality.

The evolving mission of Environment Canada is to provide leadership and play an advocacy role in making sustainable development a reality in Canada.

There is no specific funding allocated to this program.

Environment Canada's Science and Technology

Environment Canada's research and development is conducted principally in seven research institutes with a wide range of partners.

The Science and Technology Branch conducts research in many areas, specifically atmospheric and hydrological sciences related to climate, meteorology, water quantity, air quality, and associated environmental impacts and adaptation. The Science and Technology branch also conducts research in the aquatic and ecosystem sciences related to water quality, ecotoxicology, and wildlife ecology, including endangered species and conservation. There is also research related to the development of technologies for measuring air pollution and toxic chemicals, for managing industrial and municipal wastes, including wastewater treatment, and for preventing and managing pollution emergencies.

As environmental issues continue to evolve, the department's capacity to understand, interpret, and forecast on the basis of scientific knowledge will remain of central importance to its work in policy, regulation, and services. Science and technology (S&T) makes it possible to develop environmental technologies that can remediate the problems of the past, forecast the problems of the future, and offer ways to prevent, mitigate, or adapt to the environment of the future.

Departmental Web site: http://www.msc.ec.gc.ca/contents_e.html

Atmospheric Science and Technology Directorate

Climate Research Division

Fields of Research

Climate processes and earth observation – The focus of this research is cold-climate processes in the climate system. The research aims to improve our capability to observe, model, and validate components of the energy and water cycles in cold climates through field and modelling studies and knowledge and effective use of conventional and remotely sensed information. Areas of research include energy and water cycles, placing particular emphasis on the link to surface processes; land surface process modelling and the coupling to the Canadian Global Climate Model and Regional Climate Model (Canadian Land Surface Scheme model); development and validation of climate processes in hydrological and atmospheric models; climate/cryosphere interactions and processes; remote sensing of climate variables, especially passive microwave remote sensing of the cryosphere; and assessment of errors in in-situ measurements and their compatibility over time.

Key projects include the Canadian Global Energy and Water Cycle Experiment (GEWEX) Program and associated investigations of the energy and water cycles; use of the Cryospheric System to Monitor Global Change in Canada (CRYSYS); and analysis of Boreal Ecosystem Research and Monitoring Sites (BERMS) data.

Climate system modelling – The focus of this research is to develop an improved understanding of climate systems, including the general circulation of the atmosphere and ocean and its interaction with the cryosphere, land surface and biosphere. The goal is to provide a physical and biogeochemical basis for the treatment of climatic problems, including the assessment of natural and man-made perturbations to the climate system, and to develop climatic prediction techniques to the extent possible. The methods employed include numerical modelling of the general circulation of the atmosphere, ocean, land surface, cryosphere, and climatically important biogeochemical cycles; statistical-dynamical modelling of the climate system; and diagnostic studies of observed data and model output. Special interests include parameterization of "sub-grid scale" processes, the middle atmosphere, modelling the ocean circulation, regional-scale climate systems and oceanic and terrestrial biogeochemical cycles. The modelling work makes extensive use of the Meteorological Service’s super computing facility.

Climate monitoring, analysis and prediction – The goal is to characterize and understand natural climate variability so the severity and impact of both natural and anthropogenic climate change can be placed in their proper context. This research is conducted with both observed data (including extensive archives of instrumental and analysed climate data and less extensive proxy data for past climates) and climate models of present, past and future climates. A related goal is to investigate the relationship between atmospheric circulation and weather, and develop a predictive capability on climatic time scales, based on statistical and statistical-dynamical models of climate. Particular attention is given to monitoring and assessing trends in the Canadian and global climate with respect to extreme events, and investigation and explanation of climate anomalies, especially those experienced in Canada. Expertise is also applied to the design of optimal system observing networks in Canada. Specific activities include study of trends and cycles of extreme rainfall, investigation of variability and trends in surface marine wind fields and storms, use of borehole ground temperatures as indicators of surface air temperature, and use of canonical correlation analysis for seasonal climate prediction.

Contact

Dr. D.M. Whelpdale
Tel.: 416-739-4869
Fax: 416-739-5700
E-mail: douglas.whelpdale@ec.gc.ca

Climate Research Division
Environment Canada
4905 Dufferin Street
Downsview, Ontario
M3H 5T4

Web site: http://www.msc-smc.ec.gc.ca/acsd/index_e.html

Meteorological Research Division

Fields of Research

Numerical weather prediction research – Research in numerical modelling of the atmosphere for the purpose of predicting atmospheric circulation and related weather, including extreme events. The work includes formulation and numerical solution of equations of all those physical processes that can be explicitly treated or parameterized; development of accurate and efficient numerical algorithms; improvement of short-range forecasts (less than 24 hours) through improved mesoscale modelling techniques; improvement of medium-range forecasts (one to ten days) through the reduction of systematic errors, particularly those linked with surface parameterizations (water and heat fluxes), stratospheric dynamics, turbulence closures, clouds, precipitation and radiative forcing; use of ensemble methods to develop an extended-range forecast (ten to 90 days) capability by investigating appropriate techniques and effects of sea surface temperature anomalies; and development of new forecast techniques and improvement of existing ones for direct numerical weather element prediction. Also included is research in coupled numerical modelling for comprehensive environmental prediction, conducted in collaboration with other government, industry, and academic partners in order to produce new and/or improved operational environmental prediction models and products, especially for the protection of life and property with respect to extreme weather events and improved economical competitiveness.

The work in this division makes extensive use of the MSC NEC SX-5 computer and, in the near future an IBM Cluster of 800 Power 4CPUs of the Canadian Meteorological Centre.

Data assimilation and satellite meteorology – The program focuses on the development of techniques for quantitative application of operational satellite data to weather forecasting and on the development of techniques for making use of new satellite data. Included are the development of systems for atmospheric sounding, automated merging of weather radar and satellite data to produce short-range precipitation forecasts, and the application of remotely sensed microwave data. The work also includes research and development on data assimilation techniques. The emphasis is on techniques, such as Kalman filtering and four-dimensional variational assimilation, and meso-scale or regional data assimilation using Doppler radars and wind profilers.

Cloud physics and severe weather – The main thrust of research in this area consists of studies of the mechanisms responsible for severe weather and the improved understanding of cloud physics processes. Severe weather process studies have the objective of improving very short-term forecasts (nowcasts) of hazardous phenomena, such as tornadoes, snow and icing. This involves the development of integrated, highly automated, very short-range severe weather forecasting tools. Cloud physics process studies typically have the objective of developing parameterizations for use in NWP and GCM models. The majority of research is oriented towards the application of observing instruments, such as satellites, radar and aircraft. As part of this research, the Meteorological Service of Canada operates a 5-cm Doppler weather radar at King City, Ontario, for both research and operational purposes, and works closely with the research group at the Marshall Radar Observatory (polarized 10-cm radar) at McGill University in Montréal. A research facility with ground-based and aircraft-based instrumentation for measurements of cloud physics, severe weather and air quality phenomena supports major field experiments, such as the Aircraft Icing Research Study (AIRS).

Contact

Dr. Gilbert Brunet
Tel.: 514-421-4771
Fax: 514-421-2106
E-mail: gilbert.brunet@ec.gc.ca

Meteorological Research Division
Environment Canada
2121 Trans-Canada Highway
Dorval, Quebec
H9P 1J3

Web site: http://www.msc-smc.ec.gc.ca/acsd/index_e.html

Air Quality Research Division

Fields of Research

Air quality research – Research is aimed at improving the understanding of the changing chemistry of the atmosphere. Pollutant transport, dispersion, chemical transformations, and deposition are all under active study. The work is directed towards the priority issues of acid rain, toxic chemicals, photochemical smog, stratospheric ozone, and greenhouse gases and aerosols. Activities include monitoring and the development of measurement techniques, modelling, and field and laboratory experimental studies.

Acid rain – An operational network across Canada permits daily monitoring of the acid rain problem. Analysis of the data is undertaken in conjunction with meteorological data and data from other media such as lakes and rivers. Such analysis develops the understanding necessary to define inter-environmental interactions leading to acid rain impacts.

Many individual processes are studied. For example, dry and wet deposition processes (including fog) are currently under study. In addition to the physical processes, gas-phase and heterogeneous chemical transformations are investigated in order to better understand the mechanisms of acid rain production and its impact on human health, biodiversity, and visibility.

Photochemical smog and aerosol research – Research is carried out to increase the understanding of the atmospheric processes that lead to the formation of photochemical smog and aerosols. In addition to anthropogenic sources, investigations of natural sources of ozone, nitrogen oxides, and volatile organic compounds are undertaken as well as studies of the transformations, transport and deposition of these compounds. The research includes the source apportionment of chemicals, their correlation with health effects, and the transboundary flux of these pollutants. An active program of national air quality forecasting, using models and chemical data assimilation (for meteorological and chemical observations of the atmosphere) has also been underway since 2001.

Toxic chemicals – This includes consideration of the significance of atmospheric transport in the delivery of toxic chemicals to the Great Lakes and to the Arctic.

A variety of models, from simple trajectory through Eulerian types, is used to describe and assess atmospheric transport of toxic pollutants such as toxaphene and heavy metals. A variety of measurement techniques have been developed for such pollutants as mercury and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Atmospheric surveys of toxic chemicals are under way around the Great Lakes, and regular monitoring has begun at Alert in the High Arctic. In addition, monitoring networks have been initiated to assess atmospheric levels of currently used pesticides and emerging chemicals (e.g., PFOS-Perfluorooctane Sulfonate and PBDE – polybrominated diphenyl ethers).

Process research is also carried out, including air/sea and air/water transfer of toxics. Chemical reactions of toxics in the atmosphere and the gas/particulate partitioning of toxics are also of interest.

Greenhouse gases – A continuing program of monitoring carbon dioxide, methane, ozone, and other greenhouse gases is carried out at Alert, the world's most northerly monitoring station. Flask samples are also collected for radiatively active analyses at the coastal sites of Estevan Point and Sable Island. Other studies contribute to a better understanding of the global biogeochemical cycle of carbon.

Stratospheric pollution research – Stratospheric pollution studies are conducted in support of regulations on the use of chlorofluorcarbons. Field measurements of ozone and stratospheric trace constituents are undertaken using ground-based remote-sensing techniques and balloon-borne equipment sampling stratospheric air in-situ. Measurement techniques from the Space Shuttle and aircraft are also being investigated. The results are used to study the photochemistry of ozone in the stratosphere, especially during the Arctic spring, as well as for correlative studies with stratospheric measurements from satellites. Ground-based observing technology for ozone, nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide, and the ultraviolet ground-level solar spectrum is being developed with the Brewer spectrophotometer.

Solar radiation studies – Solar and terrestrial radiation studies focus on the measurement science associated with the calibration and development of improved instrumentation for the study of the changing surface radiation balance, including the influence of clouds and aerosols. The research is associated with the World Climate Research Program Baseline Surface Radiation Network and the World Radiation Centre.

Contact

Dr. Keith Puckett
Tel.: 416-739-4836
Fax: 416-739-4224
E-mail: keith.puckett@ec.gc.ca

Air Quality Research Division
Environment Canada
4905 Dufferin Street
Downsview, Ontario
M3H 5T4

Web site: http://www.msc-smc.ec.gc.ca/contents_e.html

Adaptation and Impacts Research Group
(formerly Environmental Adaptation Research Group)

Fields of Research

Research activities are designed to make available scientifically sound information on the environmental, social, and economic risks and impacts caused by vulnerabilities to atmospheric change, variability, and extremes, and on the viability of adaptive responses (stakeholder and scientific focus to defining viability).

Providing scientific expertise and leadership within the Canadian impacts and adaptation research community: supporting the development of the Canadian scenarios service facility for impacts and adaptation research; providing continuity and guidance in overcoming knowledge and capacity gaps; and promoting and facilitating stakeholder participation in impacts and adaptation research.

Publishing and transferring knowledge as a result of research undertaken to identify, for key Canadian interests, impacts and adaptation responses thereto: water quantity, with a primary focus on international and multi-regional national waters; human health and safety, with a focus on those impacts associated with atmospheric change and extremes, urban areas and infrastructure; weather and climate extremes; and integrated assessments, including costing of impacts and adaptation options.

Identifying the "value" of weather and climate services and products as an adaptation in the context of extremes: contributing to the development of a Canadian Weather Research program and develop the capacity to deliver on its socio-economic component; conducting a weather radar assessment research project; and developing a capacity and undertaking a number of case studies toward identifying socio-economic impacts of specific extreme weather events, building on work undertaken for the 1998 ice storm and the Vancouver and Toronto snow storms.

Contact

Dr. Don MacIver
Tel.: 416-739-4271
Fax: 416-739-4297
E-mail: don.maciver@ec.gc.ca

Adaptation and Impacts Research Group
Environment Canada
4905 Dufferin Street
Downsview, Ontario
M3H 5T4

National Water Research Institute

Fields of Research

Ecosystem science; contaminant properties, fate and effects of toxic substances including endocrine disrupting substances (EDSs); exchange of toxic contaminants between air, water, sediment and biota; acid/toxic rain effects; cumulative impacts, groundwater contamination and remediation, sediment contamination and remediation, and lake rehabilitation; toxic algae/taste and smell; application of genomics and molecular tools such as DNA microarrays for detecting waterborne pathogens; ecotoxicology; large basin studies and modelling; climate change effects/UVB impacts on aquatic ecosystems; analytical methods development; quality assurance and quality control; potential ecosystem effects of genetically modified organisms (GMOs); assess the extent and effects of pharmaceuticals and personal care products; waste water treatment technologies; and developing efficient processes for treatment of combined sewer overflows and stormwater.

Hydrologic modelling; remote sensing of hydrologic data; hydrology and ecology of cold regions; ice studies; groundwater and contaminants; biotechnological remediation techniques; river, wetlands, and lake ecology, including nutrients, dissolved oxygen, and contaminant interactions; development and validation of ecological indicators of ecosystem integrity; aquatic cotoxicology; impacts of land use on aquatic resources.

Note: There is no specific funding allocated to this program.

Contact

Science Liaison Branch
Tel.: 905-336-4675
Fax: 905-336-6444
E-mail: scienceliaison@ec.gc.ca

National Water Research Institute
867 Lakeshore Road
Burlington, Ontario
L7R 4A6

Web site: http://www.nwri.ca/nwri-e.html

Wildlife Research Centre

Fields of Research

Wildlife ecology and conservation, especially habitat selection and population dynamics of prairie waterfowl and Arctic-nesting geese, shorebirds and songbirds; ecology of, and impacts of forestry on, birds of the boreal forest; impacts of pesticides and other chemical contaminants on wildlife; ecology of prairie wetlands and their wildlife.

Contact

Dr. Robert Clark
Tel.: 306-975-4087
Fax: 306-975-4089

Prairie and Northern Wildlife Research Centre
Canadian Wildlife Service
115 Perimeter Road
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
S7N 0X4

St. Lawrence Centre

Fields of Research

Ecosystem functioning of the St. Lawrence River in terms of its biological, physical/chemical and socio-economic components and development of new scientific techniques and methods. Approximately 60 specialists in aquatic and plant biology, inorganic chemistry, ecology of river ecosystems, ecotoxicology, hydrology, earth sciences (geography, geology, land-use planning) and socio-economics manage more than 20 scientific projects pertaining to the following issues: impacts of climate change and water levels on plant and animal life; loss and modification of wetlands; contamination of water and sediment and impacts on fauna; introduction of exotic species; impact of biotechnology; and impact of atmospheric pollutants. An accredited laboratory provides analytic services, develops methods and applications in ecotoxicology, and issues scientific opinions. Geomatics and digital mapping techniques are also integrated into the research work.

Contact

Jacinthe Leclerc
Tel.: 514-283-5869
Fax: 514-283-1719

St. Lawrence Centre
105 McGill Street, 7th Floor
Montréal, Quebec
H2Y 2E7

Web site: http://www.qc.ec.gc.ca/csl/acc/csl001_e.html

Environmental Technology Centre (ETC)

Fields of Research

• Measurement of ambient air pollution
• Environmental analytical chemistry
• Measurement of emissions from stationary and mobile sources
• Air pollution prevention and control technologies
• Behaviour and effects of oil and chemical spills
• Remote sensing, field and laboratory techniques for measuring and tracking oil and chemical spills
• Chemical, biological, and physical countermeasures for oil and chemical spills and for cleaning up contaminated sites
• Biological testing methods

Contact

Dr. Ewa Dabek
Tel.: 613-990-3201
Fax: 613-990-8568
E-mail: ewa.dabek@ec.gc.ca
Web site: http://www.etcentre.org/etchome_e.html

Green Technologies Division

Fields of Research

The application of microwaves and radio frequency to enhance biological, chemical and physical processes. Applications are selected for their potential to reduce the release of toxic chemicals or the emission of greenhouse gases, or a combination of both (e.g., development and optimization of low-emission industrial extraction processes, optimization of catalyst-free chemical reactions in solventless conditions or in benign solvents, and microwave-induced single- or multi-phase stereochemical reactions).

Investigation of non-conventional thermodynamic systems with potential for low-energy-consuming industrial applications (e.g., solventless or solid-support chemical reactions under controlled high energy density conditions, use of physical means to induce or block substrates in chemical reactions carried out under controlled high electrical fields).

Design, testing and validation of instrumentation and apparatus to perform these processes and methods.

Contact

Dr. J. R. Jocelyn Paré
Tel.: 613-990-9122
Fax: 613-990-2855
E-mail: jocelyn.pare@ec.gc.ca

Green Technologies Division
335 River Road
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0H3

Web site: http://www.ec.gc.ca/etad/default.asp?lang=En&n;=510541DD-1

Fisheries and Oceans

Aquatic and marine science plays a very important role in the Canadian social and economic fabric. Coastal communities, mariners, industries, and many individual Canadians rely on sound scientific information and advice in their day-to-day life. Fisheries and Oceans is a world-class scientific and technological organization that is connected with the real world and based on leadership, vision, and dedication to excellence. Future challenges include addressing the government's commitment to sustainable development; understanding climate change in relation to the oceans; expanding aquaculture production in a sustainable manner; responding to species-at-risk legislation; and providing a comprehensive science program in the Canadian Arctic.

The Department's science comprises four work activities:

Fisheries and Biodiversity Science: The aim is to provide a reliable scientific basis for the conservation of marine, freshwater, and anadromous fishery resources, for protection and recovery of species at risk, and for conservation of biological diversity in aquatic environments. Scientific data on ocean and coastal populations, species, and ecosystems are collected, analysed and communicated in support of fisheries management, integrated resources management, offshore development, and conservation of the aquatic environment.

Ocean and Aquaculture Science: Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) scientists investigate the effect of ocean climate variability on the productivity of living aquatic resources and the role of the ocean in the global climate system. They develop the Department's capacity to use modern technologies (e.g., satellites, automated floats) to determine and interpret ocean features such as biological productivity, hydrodynamic processes, and surface and water column properties. Also, DFO scientists pursue aquaculture and fish health research leading to technologies and knowledge to culture new species, to prevent the spread of pathogens, and to ensure the safe development of aquaculture.

Habitat Management and Environmental Sciences: The aim is to achieve an integrated, cohesive approach to marine environmental and habitat protection that results in a net gain of habitat. It encompasses the development and implementation of policies, plans, and programs, and the administration of statutes related to the protection and conservation of aquatic habitats and the environment. It also involves investigating and monitoring chemical and physical conditions that affect the quality of aquatic environments; collecting, analysing, and interpreting information to support the sustained economic utilization of Canada's renewable aquatic resources; and assessing, approving, and monitoring activities that affect the quality and quantity of fish habitats.

Hydrography: The mission of the Canadian Hydrographic Service is to provide a reliable scientific basis to enhance the safety and efficiency of navigation for vessels operating in Canadian waters by undertaking field surveys to measure water depth, bottom morphology, bottom type and composition, tides, water levels, near-surface currents, and sound velocity; and compiling and publishing up-to-date, timely and accurate charts and other navigational information on Canadian and adjacent international waters. Hydrographic data are also used to delimit maritime boundaries and to support the exploration and exploitation of maritime resources. Hydrography is a valuable partner in ocean technology development and applications.

Web site: http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/home-accueil_e.htm

Newfoundland and Labrador Region

Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Centre

Fields of Research

Fisheries resource assessment and biology of groundfish, pelagic, shellfish, marine mammal, and diadromous species; life history, ecology, and population dynamics; fisheries ecosystems; aquaculture; habitat research and assessment; physical oceanography; hydrography; toxicology; parasitology; environmental and habitat management.

Contact

Mr. Joe Tillman
Section Head
Branch Programs and Planning
Tel.: (709) 772-4355
Fax: (709) 772-6100
E-mail: TillmanJ@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Centre
P.O. Box 5667
St. John's, Newfoundland
A1C 5X1

Maritimes Region

The Maritimes Region's science staff conducts research vital to protecting Canada 's oceans and fresh water bodies from the effects of pollution and enhancing the ability to understand, conserve and manage these resources. Some research activities are conducted as far north as the Canadian Arctic. Specifically, we perform research on the changing oceans and influences on marine life, the regional aquaculture industry, and the status of commercial species, which remains a staple of our operations. Our oceanographers perform research to understand and predict changes in the environment of the ocean and ocean processes.

In addition, we chart, survey, measure and describe Canada 's waters and tides to facilitate commercial navigation and fishing activities, as well as map the ocean floor. Demand for nautical products, such as electronic charts and sea floor maps, continues to grow as Atlantic sealanes become busier, fishing becomes more high-tech, and interest increases in ocean development projects.

Our science operations support many other regional DFO operations such as Fisheries Management and Oceans and Habitat. For example, in Fisheries Management, we perform essential research in monitoring, sampling and tagging aquatic species to determine size, age and egg production.

DFO research contributes to and uses knowledge from world sources and from collaborative research with local, national and international research institutions and universities.

http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/science/main_e.htm

St. Andrews Biological Station

Fields of Research

Aquaculture research (salmonids, marine finfish, invertebrates); stock assessments and associated research (groundfish, pelagic fish, invertebrates); environmental research related to fisheries and aquaculture; coastal oceanography.

Contact

Dr. Robert L. Stephenson
Acting Director
Tel.: (506) 529-5882
Fax: (506) 529-5862
E-mail: StephensonR@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

St. Andrews Biological Station
St. Andrews, New Brunswick
E0G 2X0

Bedford Institute of Oceanography

Fields of Research

Population Ecology Division – Research into the population dynamics of groundfish, large and small pelagic fish, seals, and endangered marine mammals and turtles; biodiversity and ecosystem analyses related to the impact of anthropomorphic activity on the marine environment; and evaluation of the impact of commercial fisheries on fish abundance and advice on management.

Field and laboratory research on the assessment of diadromous fish populations, their genetics, and factors limiting production. Recent emphasis has been on “listed” and equally vulnerable populations, esp. Atlantic salmon, Atlantic whitefish and striped bass. American shad, Atlantic and shortnose sturgeons, and American eel are deserving of attention. Preservation (live gene banks) and possible restoration of threatened populations (salmon and whitefish) is being facilitated through research at the Division’s biodiversity facilities (hatcheries).

Stock assessment of marine and anadromous fish; population dynamics; population biology; ecology; genetics of wild stocks; fisheries management studies; Aboriginal fisheries; modelling. Population biology and assessments of commercial invertebrate species, particularly snow crab and lobsters; invertebrate population modelling.

Contact

Dr. Ross Claytor
Manager
Population Ecology Division
Science Branch
Tel.: (902) 426-4721
Fax: (902) 426-1506
E-mail: ClaytorR@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

Bedford Institute of Oceanography
P.O. Box 1006
Dartmouth, N.S.
B2Y 4A2

Fields of Research

Ocean Sciences Division – Physical: dynamics, climatology modelling, mixing on continental shelves, deep sea and nearshore air/sea interaction; sea ice. Biological: biological and Environmental mechanisms underlying marine production, pelagic marine ecology; fisheries ecology. Technical development: applied physics studies towards development of physical, chemical, and biological sensors.

Contact

Dr. Peter C. Smith
Acting Manager
Ocean Sciences Division
Science Branch
Tel.: (902) 426-4872
Fax: (902) 426-5153
E-mail: smithpc@mar.dfo-mpo.gc.ca

Bedford Institute of Oceanography
P.O. Box 1006
Dartmouth, N.S.
B2Y 4A2

Fields of Research

Ecosystem Research Division – Marine habitat studies: inshore/offshore molluscan studies; impact of fisheries on fish habitat; and contaminant fluxes in Arctic food webs; sublethal effects of hydrocarbon exploration. Ecology: development of ecological models; and benthic-pelagic exchanges, biological and environmental mechanisms underlying marine production. Biochemical indicators of health of aquatic animals, detection and risk assessment of organic chemicals in fish and environment samples. Chemical: inorganic and radionuclide matter.

Contact

Dr. Tom Sephton
Ecosystem Research Division
Science Branch
Tel.: (902) 244-6080
Fax: (902) 426-6695
E-mail: sephtont@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

Bedford Institute of Oceanography
P.O. Box 1006
Dartmouth, N.S.
B2Y 4A2

Fields of Research

Hydrography: The Canadian Hydrographic Service has three pillars to their its mandate – marine transportation, seabed mapping, and sovereignty and security. The mandate is met with paper and electronic charts and publications; seabed imagery and 3-D models of ocean and lake beds to support integrated management of these submerged lands for exploration, exploitation and conservation; and employing the science of hydrography in the delimitation of marine boundaries to support Canadian security and sovereignty. Areas of research include: depth measurement by acoustical and optical methods; tidal phenomena; precise positioning (Global Positioning Systems); electronic navigation charts; hydrographic data collection, validation of data from a number of sources, data management, data integration, computer aided cartography (CAC); geographic information systems (GIS) and partnering with government, industry and academia to promote hydrography as basic infrastructure domestically and internationally.

Contact

Mr. J. Richard MacDougall
Director
Canadian Hydrographic Service
Science Branch
Tel.: (902) 426-3497
Fax: (902) 426-1893
E-mail: MacDougallR@mar.dfo-mpo.gc.ca

Bedford Institute of Oceanography
P.O. Box 1006
Dartmouth, N.S.
B2Y 4A2

Fields of Research

Habitat Management Division – Mechanisms of harmful algae blooms and improvements in forecasting of related toxic events. Toxic contaminants in fish.

Contact

Mr. Paul Boudreau
Acting Manager
Habitat Management Division
Oceans and Habitat Branch
Tel.: (902) 426-7464
Fax: (902) 426-1489
E-mail: boudreauPR@mar.dfo-mpo.gc.ca 

Bedford Institute of Oceanography
P.O. Box 1006
Dartmouth, Nova Scotia
B2Y 4A2

Gulf Region

Gulf Fisheries Centre

(Bilingual work environment)

Fields of Research

Aquaculture and Environment Sciences – Finfish and shellfish health, and aquaculture of mussels, oysters, scallops and quahogs. Research on invasive species, contaminants, harmful marine algae and marine environmental quality.

Fisheries Sciences and Aquatic Resources – Stock assessment, population biology and fisheries management of snow crab, lobster, cod, plaice herring, Atlantic salmon, smelt, rock crab, gaspereau and American eel in the southern Gulf of St. Lawrence, including Aboriginal fisheries. Studies on “listed” and equally vulnerable populations like striped bass and winter skate.

Oceans and Habitat – Habitat, integrated management, marine protected areas and aquatic ecosystem health in the southern Gulf of St. Lawrence.

Contact

Dr. Mike Chadwick
Regional Director
Oceans and Science Branch
Director
Science Division
Science Branch
Tel.: (506) 851-6206
Fax: (506) 851-2378
E-mail: chadwickm@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

Web Page site: http://www.glf.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/index-e.html

P.O. Box 5030
Moncton, New Brunswick
E1C 9B6

Laurentian Region

Maurice Lamontagne Institute

Fields of Research

Fish and Marine Mammals Branch – Fisheries research, stock assessments of fish; scientific advice for optimal management of stocks; fisheries oceanography; effects of environmental conditions and trophic relationships on the survival and growth of juvenile fish; population dynamics; fisheries acoustics, bioacoustics; genetics; physiology; energetics; migrations; ecology of the Estuary and Gulf of St. Lawrence. Biology of marine mammals: systematics and genetics, ecology, energetics, and behaviour. Distributions, movements, and population dynamics.

Contact

Mr. Serge Gosselin
Director
Fish and Marine Mammals Branch
Tel.: (418) 775-0637
Fax: (418) 775-0542
E-mail: GosselinSe@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

Fields of Research

Invertebrates and Experimental Biology Branch – Invertebrate fisheries research, stock assessment of invertebrates and fish; scientific advice for optimal management of stocks; aquaculture research (scallops, mussels, cold water fish etc.); effects of environmental conditions and trophic relations on growth and survival of invertebrates; population dynamics; genetics; physiology; energetics; migrations; ecology of the Estuary and Gulf of St. Lawrence.

Contact

Dr. Dominique Gascon
Director
Invertebrates and Experimental
Biology Branch
Tel.: (418) 775-0631
Fax: (418) 775-0542
E-mail: GasconD@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

Fields of Research

Ocean Sciences Branch – Biological oceanography: biomass and primary production processes; secondary production processes; zoo- and ichthyoplankton larval recruitment relationships; general ecosystem studies in the estuarine and coastal environments. Physical oceanography: circulation and mixing due to freshwater influx; wind and tides; internal waves; remote sensing; numerical modelling. Chemical oceanography: carbon flux process.

Contact

Dr. Jean-Claude Therriault
Director
Ocean Sciences Branch
Tel.: (418) 775-0595
Fax: (418) 775-0542
E-mail: TherriaultJCSci@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

Fields of Research

Environmental Sciences Branch – Contaminants science; marine geochemistry; water-sediment-biota interactions; ecotoxicology and pathology of aquatic organisms; analytical chemistry; hydrocarbons. Marine ecosystem health and habitat science.

Contact

Mr. Michel Gilbert
Director
Environmental Sciences Branch
Tel.: (418) 775-0703
Fax: (418) 775-0542
E-mail: GilbertM@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

Fields of Research

Marine Geomatics Engineering Division, Canadian Hydrographic Service – Depth measurement by acoustical methods; tidal phenomena; precise positioning (Global Positioning Systems); electronic navigation chart; hydrographic data collection, protection, and management; computer aided cartography (CAC); geographic information systems (GIS).

Contact

Mr. Bernard Tessier
Project Engineer
Marine Geomatics Engineering
Division
Canadian Hydrographic Service
Tel.: (418) 775-0518
Fax: (418) 775-0542
E-mail: TessierB@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

850 route de la Mer
P.O. Box 1000
Mont-Joli, Quebec
G5H 3Z4  

Central and Arctic Region

Freshwater Institute Science Laboratory

Fields of Research

The Freshwater Institute in Winnipeg, Manitoba, houses several programs of DFO. It is a national center centre of expertise in aquatic biology, and freshwater and marine fisheries. In conjunction with the Bayfield Institute in Burlington, Ontario, the Freshwater Institute serves as a focal point of scientific research in the Central and Arctic Region and for fishery, fish habitat and ocean management programs that are operated primarily through area and district offices. Extensive partnering with Aboriginal groups, other government agencies, community groups, university researchers and private industry ensures an efficient and effective approach to research, management and problem solving.

Contact

Mr. Terry Shortt
Manager
Environmental Science Division
Tel.: (204) 983-5062

Central and Arctic Region
Freshwater Institute
501 University Crescent
Winnipeg, Manitoba
R3T 2N6

Fields of Research

Ecosystem studies on the Great Lakes focusing on lower trophic dynamics and food Web interactions; impacts of exotic species on diversity, production and energy flow; risk assessment to prevent further introductions; the effects of habitat alteration on the productive capacity of fish habitat; new toxic chemicals in Great Lakes fish and monitoring of the spatial and temporal trends of contaminant levels in aquatic biota; effects of toxic chemicals on ecosystem structure and function; effects of aquaculture on freshwater ecosystems; and research to protect and recover species at risk.

Contact

Mr. Victor Cairns
Manager
Great Lakes Laboratory for
Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
Tel.: (905) 336-4862
Fax: (905) 336-6437
E-mail: cairnsv@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

Great Lakes Laboratory for Fisheries
and Aquatic Sciences
Canada Centre for Inland Waters
867 Lakeshore Road
Burlington, Ontario
L7R 4A6

Pacific Region

Institute of Ocean Sciences

Fields of Research

Physical oceanography of processes occurring in fjords and over the continental shelf of the Northeast Pacific and Western Arctic; large-scale ocean circulation; sea ice-ocean interaction; numerical modelling; remote sensing. Chemical oceanography on distribution, flux, and fate of chemicals and processes between sediment, biota, atmosphere, coastal waters, and open ocean; climate research; monitoring and modelling on air-sea flux and upper-deep ocean exchange of CO₂, climatic gases, and biogeochemical cycles. Biological oceanography with major emphasis on phytoplankton, zooplankton, and benthic infauna; mesoscale distribution of organisms and interactions with physical forcing such as advection and mixing, light adaptation of phytoplankton; zooplankton feeding and swimming behaviour; habitat and carrying capacity; fish-forestry interactions.

Contacts

Dr. Robin Brown
Head
Ocean Science and Productivity Division
Tel.: (250) 363-6378
Fax: (250) 363-6690
E-mail: BrownRo@pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca

Dr. John Pringle
Head
Marine Environment and Habitat
Sciences Division
Tel.: (250) 363-6335
Fax: (250) 363-6610
E-mail: PringleJ@pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca

Institute of Ocean Sciences
P.O. Box 6000
9860 West Saanich Road
Sidney, British Columbia
V8L 4B2

Pacific Biological Station

Fields of Research

Stock assessments and population dynamics of salmon, herring, groundfish, and marine invertebrates; recruitment mechanisms; salmonid enhancement science; aquaculture of salmon and marine finfish; parasites and fish health; habitat and carrying capacity; fish-forestry interactions; biotechnology and applied endocrinology; DNA stock identification.

Contacts

Dr. Don Noakes
Head
Aquaculture Division
Tel.: (250) 756-7040
Fax: (250) 756-7141
E-mail: NoakesD@pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca

Ted Perry
Director
Stock Assessment Division
Tel.: (250) 756-7229
Fax: (250) 756-7053
E-mail: PerryTed@pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca

Pacific Biological Station
3190 Hammond Bay Road
Nanaimo, British Columbia
V9R 5K6

Health Canada

Healthy Environments and Consumer Safety Branch

Product Safety Programme

Fields of Research

The Product Safety Programme assists in the reduction of risks to the health of Canadians by identifying, assessing, and managing the health and safety hazards associated with consumer products, workplace chemicals, new chemical substances, products of biotechnology, radiation emitting devices, environmental noise, and solar UV radiation. The program helps consumers and workers make informed choices about the products they buy or use. The two areas listed below would welcome interested visiting fellows.

Product Safety Laboratory

Fields of Research

The Product Safety Programme conducts research and development and performs tests and evaluation to determine the safety of consumer products in its Product Safety Laboratory in Ottawa. These activities provide vital information relating to the types and level of hazards, facilitate risk assessment and the search for preventative measures, and support the development of standards and product safety regulations. Consumer products examined at the laboratory include textiles, children's products, toys, ignition sources such as lighters, and consumer chemicals. Laboratory capabilities available are in the areas of analytical chemistry, flammability, and mechanical engineering.

Contact

Stephen Lee
Director
Tel.: 613-952-0853
Fax: 613-954-8515
E-mail: stephen_lee@hc-sc.gc.ca

Product Safety Laboratory
AL 6402A1
1800 Walkley Road
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0L2

Consumer and Clinical Radiation Protection Bureau

Fields of Research

The bureau assesses the health and safety risks associated with radiation-emitting devices and other sources of radiation (e.g., X-rays, radio waves, microwaves, noise, ultraviolet light, lasers) and provides advice on the reduction of risks. The bureau has laboratory capabilities in all of these areas where the following activities are performed:

• Assessing the health risks of radiation emitted from specific devices in the home and workplace
• Conducting research into the biological effects of radiation
• Providing radiation safety inspections of government and government-regulated facilities when risks are established
• Participating in the development of national and international standards;
• Developing safety codes and guidelines
• Promoting safe practices to reduce the potential harmful effects (e.g., hearing loss, skin cancer, eye damage) of exposure to radiation (e.g., noise, X-rays, microwaves, ultraviolet light, lasers)

Contact

Robert P. Bradley
Director
Tel.: 613-954-6699
Fax.: 613-952-7584
E-mail: robert_p_bradley@hc-sc.gc.ca

Consumer and Clinical Research Bureau
AL 6302C
775 Brookfield Road
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0K9

Safe Environments Programme

Radiation Protection Bureau

Fields of Research

Collaborative research with a wide variety of partners in the investigation of health risks from radiation and radioactivity in natural environments, homes, and the workplace; development, assessment, and deployment of field monitoring equipment to detect nuclear/radiological accidents, nuclear weapons tests, and illicit transportation/use of radiation sources; research into source identification and atmospheric transport from isotopic ratios; development of rapid, sensitive, and accurate measurement techniques for radionuclides in the environment and people; research into human uptake and metabolism of radionuclides and models of radiation damage at the cellular level; epidemiological studies and delivery of quality assurance programs.

Contact

J. Cornett
Director
Tel.: 613-954-6647
Fax: 613-952-9071
E-mail: jack_cornett@hc-sc.gc.ca

Radiation Protection Bureau
AL 6302A
775 Brookfield Road
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0K9

Environmental Health Science Bureau

Fields of Research

Chemical characterization of air pollutants; animal studies to determine the toxicity of single- and multi-pollutant exposures; exposure assessments and modelling research; national surveys and epidemiological studies; development of biomarkers for reproductive and mutagenic effects.

Contact

Dr. David Blakey
Director
Tel.: 613-957-1848
Fax: 613-941-9238
E-mail: david_blakey@hc-sc.gc.ca

Environmental Health Science Bureau
AL 0802A
Tunney's Pasture
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0L2

Health Products and Food Branch

Food Directorate

The Food Directorate is Canada’s primary food safety regulator and policy maker. It establishes policies, regulations, and standards related to the safety and nutritional quality of food, which are enforced by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA).

The Food Directorate has a clear mandate stemming from the Food and Drugs Act and Regulations, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency Act and the Department of Health Act. More than 400 employees across Canada perform a variety of activities aimed at ensuring the safety and nutritional quality of food in Canada, including:

• conducting scientific research;
• conducting health risk and benefit assessments;
• developing policies, standards, and guidelines;
• evaluating submissions from the food industry;
• providing information to support Canadians in their decisions about food and diet;
• supporting and managing all directorate activities; and
• assessing the effectiveness of the activities of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency related to food safety.

The Food Directorate’s focus is on the following program areas:

• enhancing the Canadian food safety system;
• nutritional quality and safety of foods;
• foodborne pathogens;
• emerging pathogens and prion diseases;
• health implications of foodborne environmental contaminants and agrochemicals;
• food surveillance and monitoring program;
• food allergens;
• natural toxicants in foods;
• nutrition labelling and claims;
• health implications of food additives, packaging, and processing-induced chemicals;
• novel foods/processes and innovations;
• sole source foods for vulnerable groups.

All Food Directorate research is part of an integrated program of interventions and information to Canadians. Research supports public health policies, standard-setting, surveillance, and risk assessment. Research and related scientific activities are carried out in several areas of the Food Directorate across Canada. A description of their activities follows.

Bureau of Chemical Safety

Food Research Division

Fields of Research

The Food Research Division engages in a range of research activities related to the identification, determination, distribution, and sources of potentially hazardous chemicals in the food supply. The division is also responsible for the development of appropriate methodology for use by Regional Food Laboratories and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.

Contact

Dr. Don Forsyth
Chief
Tel.: 613-941-6132
Fax: 613-941-4775
E-mail: don_forsyth@hc-sc.gc.ca

Food Research
Sir Frederick Banting Building
AL 2203D
Tunney's Pasture
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0L2

Toxicology Research Division

Fields of Research

The Toxicology Research Division is responsible for the identification and investigation of potential health hazards associated with chemical contaminants, including natural food toxicants as well as chemicals of environmental origin entering the food chain and food additives. Research is carried out on the carcinogenic, mutagenic, teratogenic, and other potentially toxic effects of these chemicals, including effects on behaviour and the immune system.

Contact

Dr. Rekha Mehta
Chief
Tel.: 613-957-0938
Fax: 613-941-6959
E-mail: rekha_mehta@hc-sc.gc.ca

Toxicology Research
Sir Frederick Banting Building
AL 2202D1
Tunney's Pasture
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0L2

Bureau of Nutritional Sciences

Fields of Research

This division conducts research on the nutritional and metabolic aspects of foods in support of policy development, standard setting, and risk assessment related to the nutritional quality and safety of the Canadian food supply. The division also develops and evaluates analytical methods for nutrients and studies the relationship of certain aspects of the diet to disease conditions. It also has the mandate to conduct food consumption and nutrient intake surveys in collaboration with the Bureau of Biostatistics and Computer Applications and provincial health departments. The division also maintains and markets the Canadian Nutrient File, Canada's database on the nutrient content of foods.

Contact

Dr. Peter Fischer
Chief
Tel.: 613-957-0919
Fax: 613-941-6182
E-mail: peter_fischer@hc-sc.gc.ca

Nutrition Research Division
Sir Frederick Banting Building
AL 2203C
Tunney's Pasture
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0L2

Bureau of Microbial Hazards

Microbiology Research Division

Fields of Research

The Microbiology Research Division studies the safety of foods with respect to infectious and toxigenic organisms, defines the conditions leading to survival, growth, and toxin production of these organisms, and recommends measures of control. The division also develops methods for detecting bacteria, viruses, toxins, and parasites, and provides analytical assistance to other departments. In addition to research, the division is responsible for the operations of the Botulism Reference Centre for Canada and the Listeriosis Reference Service.

Contact

Dr. Sabah Bidawid
Chief
Tel.: 613-957-0908
Fax: 613-941-0280
E-mail: sabah_bidawid@hc-sc.gc.ca

Microbiology Research Division
Sir Frederick Banting Building
AL 2204A2
Tunney's Pasture
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0L2

Animal Resources Division

Fields of Research

ARD provides services to the Food Directorate and other groups in Health Canada, primarily related to the provision, care, and management of laboratory animals. The division procures and supplies laboratory animals; provides a central animal care facility for use by branch scientists; provides specialized and conventional housing systems for a variety of laboratory animals species; provides containment facilities for infectious and hazardous chemical work with laboratory animals; provides other animal care services, e.g., laboratory animal housing, care, and handling, assistance with technical manipulations in accordance with experimental protocol, laboratory animal breeding for project requirements, and supplying in house strains of laboratory animals from ARD breeding colonies; and provides a variety of veterinary pathology, bacteriology, parasitology, biochemistry, haematology, immunology, and histopathology services.

Contact

Bill Pearce
Quality Assurance Programs Manager
Tel.: 613-957-0866
Fax: 613-941-6625
E-mail: bill_pearce@hc-sc.gc.ca

Animal Resources Division
Sir Frederick Banting Building
AL 2203E
Tunney's Pasture
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0L2

Biologics & Genetic Therapies Directorate

Fields of Research

Canada's Biologics & Genetic Therapies Directorate is the national authority which regulates biological products available to Canadians. The directorate, which bases its regulatory decisions on proven evidence, strives to give Canadians access to safe, effective and high quality biological products. The Biologics & Genetic Therapies Directorate is recognized nationally and internationally as the Canadian regulatory authority for the management of the benefits and risks of biologics and radiopharmaceuticals for human use.

Centre for Biologics Research

Fields of Research

The assessment and investigations of the safety and efficacy of biological drugs such as vaccines, interferon, insulin, hormones, allergenic extracts, blood derivatives, monoclonal antibodies, and drugs made by recombinant DNA techniques; development and authentication of reference standards, analytical methods and specifications for raw materials, active bulk substances, and finished products; bioavailability and pharmacokinetic studies of drugs and metabolites and development of assay methods and statistical analysis of data; biotechnology studies of the molecular, biochemical, and genetic basis of disease; alternative preclinical screening methodology; physico-chemical assessment of biotech products; studies of endocrine and immune systems; blood, blood products, tissues, and organs; methods of detection of potential contaminants in biological drugs.

Contact

Dr. Alan Mortimer
Director
Tel.: 613-957-1061
Fax: 613-941-8933
E-mail: alan_mortimer@hc-sc.gc.ca

Centre for Biologics Research
AL 2201C
Tunney's Pasture
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0L2

Regional Laboratories

Fields of Research

The Food Directorate’s Regional Offices are a geographical extension of the Food Directorate. They respond to regional needs and address regional issues through liaison with provincial and regional partners. The regions also participate in the development of policy, standard setting, and risk evaluation.

The focus of the regional food laboratories is primarily the national food chemistry program, working hand-in-hand with the Food Research Laboratory. Regional labs conduct analytical surveillance of selected food products and develop methods for analysing chemicals at the trace and ultra trace levels in food. They also participate in national surveys such as the Total Diet Study to determine human exposure to these chemicals.

The Quebec Regional Laboratory is also involved in the validation of microbiological methods, working in collaboration with the Microbiology Research Division. Increasingly, regional labs are becoming involved with nutrition research projects.

British Columbia and Yukon Region

Dr. Helen Nicolidakis
Manager
Tel.: 604-666-3581
Fax: 604-666-3149
E-mail: helen_nicolidakis@hc-sc.gc.ca

Laboratory Operations
2nd Floor, Willingdon Green
3155 Willingdon Green
Burnaby, British Columbia
V5G 4P2

Manitoba/Saskatchewan Region

Gary Lombaert
Manager
Tel.: 204-984-2088
Fax: 204-983-5547
E-mail: gary_lombaert@hc-sc.gc.ca

Laboratory Operations
2nd Floor, Room 210
510 Lagimodière Boulevard
Winnipeg, Manitoba
R2J 3Y1

Ontario/Nunavut Region

Mark Samadhin
Acting Chief
Tel.: 416-952-0644
Fax: 416-973-1559
E-mail: mark_samadhin@hc-sc.gc.ca

Food Laboratories Division
1st Floor
2301 Midland Avenue
Toronto, Ontario
M1P 4R7

Quebec Region

Phi-Bang Ngo
Regional Chief
Tel.: 450-646-1353, ext. 315
Fax: 450-928-4480
E-mail: phi-bang_ngo@hc-sc.gc.ca

Food Directorate
1st Floor
1001 St-Laurent Street West
Longueuil, Quebec
J4K 1C7

Public Health Agency of Canada

Centre for Infectious Disease Prevention and Control

The Centre for Infectious Disease Prevention and Control's objectives are to decrease transmission of infectious diseases and to improve the health status of those infected. To achieve its objectives, the Centre provides national leadership, and conducts, supports, and coordinates public health actions on surveillance and epidemiology, infectious disease outbreak investigations, risk management, research including laboratory science, health promotion, and public health policy development, and prevention and care programs. The Centre works in close partnership with Canada's provinces and territories and performs liaison work with international organizations and agencies to actively support global disease eradication initiatives.

The Centre's program areas include immunization and respiratory infections, community-acquired infections including Hepatitis C, blood safety surveillance and health-care-acquired infections, HIV/AIDS policy/coordination/programs, and HIV and retrovirology laboratories. The development of national infectious disease guidelines are also a major activity of this Centre.

The Centre is structured as follows:

• Office of the Director General
• Blood Safety Surveillance and Health Care Acquired Infections Division
• Community Acquired Infections Division
• Foodborne, Waterborne and Zoonotic Infections Division
• HIV/AIDS Policy, Coordination and Programs Division
• Immunization and Respiratory Infections Division
• National HIV and Retrovirology Laboratories
• Surveillance and Risk Assessment Division

Office of the Director General

Fields of Research

The Office of the Director General provides overall strategic direction and coordination to the various divisions and program areas. There are three main strategic functions within the Office of the Director General: Business Planning, Information and Communications Management, and Program Policy and Analysis. The Office of the Director General also oversees overall Centre coordination of Cabinet business.

Contact

Dr. Frank A. Plummer
Director General
Tel.: 613-941-4339
Fax: 613-957-0183
E-mail: frank_plummer@phac-aspc.gc.ca

Office of the Director General
Building 6
AL 0602C2
Tunney's Pasture
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0K9

Blood Safety Surveillance and Health Care Acquired Infections Division

Fields of Research

Through surveillance, risk assessment, and targeted research, the Blood Safety Surveillance and Health Care Acquired Infections Division provides national leadership in the development and promotion of a national management/policy structure to reduce the risk of bloodborne pathogen infections (including hepatitis, prions, and emerging pathogens), transfusion transmitted injuries, and infections resulting from the transplantation of tissues and organs.

The Nosocomial and Occupational Infections Section implements enhanced infection control and prevention programs in health care facilities and other community settings by collecting, analysing, interpreting, and disseminating epidemiological information on nosocomial and occupational infections in the Canadian population such as NOI surveillance, infection control guidelines, antimicrobial resistance, and needle stick surveillance.

The Bloodborne Pathogens Section undertakes and supports the surveillance of bloodborne pathogens, including viral hepatitis, and parasitic and emerging or re emerging bloodborne pathogens. This surveillance is performed in collaboration with the National Microbiology Lab (NML). The section further conducts risk assessment, prevention, and control of infectious agents transmitted through the use of blood, blood products, tissues, cells and organs, including gene and stem cell therapies. The section is active in developing and supporting national networks, databases, and research studies, many of which are relevant to new and emerging bloodborne pathogens. Data resulting from surveillance is translated into health intelligence to inform policy decisions and support the development and evaluation of targeted intervention strategies.

The section also covers xenotransplantation-related surveillance and policy development. It develops new methods to identify animal viruses capable of transmission to human hosts, relevant to xenotransplantation. Surveillance for exposure to these agents is conducted and potential intervention measures are assessed, culminating in policy recommendations.

Contact

Dr. Antonio Giulivi
Director
Tel.: 613-957-1789
Fax: 613-952-6668
E-mail: antonio_giulivi@phac-aspc.gc.ca

Blood Safety Surveillance and Health Care Acquired Infections
Building 6
AL 0601E2
Tunney’s Pasture
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0K9

Community Acquired Infections Division

Fields of Research

The division provides national leadership and coordination of surveillance, targeted research studies, evidence based national standards, policy development, and information dissemination for sexually transmitted infections. It supports a holistic view of sexual and reproductive health and works to ensure access to services and programs, including sexual health education, that help Canadians improve and maintain their sexual and personal health. The division works with provinces, non governmental organizations, and health care providers to improve and maintain the sexual health of the Canadian population by preventing and controlling sexually transmitted diseases and their complications, including infertility and cancer.

The division designs, develops, and implements programs that will prevent hepatitis C infection, supports people infected with or affected by the disease, and increases public awareness about hepatitis C. In addition, the division provides policy support and expertise on hepatitis C compensation issues, administers the Hepatitis C Prevention, Support and Research Program, and oversees the transfer of funds to the provinces and territories for hepatitis C health care services and hepatitis C look back/trace back initiatives. The division is the focal point for a population health approach to hepatitis C, ensuring a coordinated and integrated federal response.

Finally, the division provides leadership and coordination in the prevention and control of tuberculosis in collaboration with partners at the regional, provincial/territorial, national, and international levels. Key activities include development of a Canadian Strategy for Tuberculosis Prevention and Control, funding and coordination of the advisory Canadian Tuberculosis Committee, and surveillance reports on TB cases, TB drug susceptibility test results, and Correctional Service of Canada inmate TB cases and latent TB infections. In addition, it sponsors targeted research, provides policy and program advice as well as training to other government departments, and supports the STOP TB initiative to control TB in developing countries.

Contact

Dr. Tom Wong
Director
Tel.: 613-946-5700
Fax: 613-941-9813
E-mail: tom_wong@phac-aspc.gc.ca

Community Acquired Infections Division
Building 6
AL 0603
Tunney’s Pasture
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0K9

Foodborne, Waterborne and Zoonotic Infections Division

Fields of Research

This division implements an enhanced national capacity to conduct surveillance (data collection, analysis, interpretation, and dissemination) and investigation of (a) food and waterborne diseases, and (b) zoonotic diseases (diseases in domestic and wild animals relevant to human health, e.g., West Nile virus). The activities include maintaining and developing a national food and water safety surveillance system and providing national leadership to improve enteric disease surveillance and participate in international surveillance. The division also investigates and coordinates investigations of foodborne and waterborne disease outbreaks across Canada and provides guidance and direction, as requested, to provincial health authorities; facilitates and coordinates risk analysis and risk management activities with international, federal, provincial/territorial, and local partner organizations; conducts, supports, and coordinates targeted research in critical areas; and identifies emerging threats to the health and safety of Canadians. The division currently coordinates the national response to West Nile virus, including coordination with P/T stakeholders, development of guidance documents, and maintenance of national surveillance.

Contact

Dr. Paul Sockett
Director
Tel.: 613-941-1288
Fax: 613-946-0798
E-mail: paul_sockett@phac-aspc.gc.ca

Foodborne, Waterborne and Zoonotic Infections Division
Building 6
AL 0602C
Tunney’s Pasture
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0K9

HIV/AIDS Policy, Coordination and Programs Division

Fields of Research

The HIV/AIDS Policy, Coordination and Programs Division coordinates, implements and monitors the Canadian Strategy on HIV/AIDS (CSHA). The HIV/AIDS Division moves the strategy towards a nationally shared vision through improved collaboration among all levels of governments, communities, non governmental organizations, professional groups, research institutions, and the private sector. The division also provides national expertise on key activities under the CSHA such as strategy management; policy development and information synthesis; prevention care and treatment programs; marketing and communications; and strategy monitoring and evaluation.

Contact

Steven Sternthal
Acting Director
Tel.: 613-946-3635
Fax: 613-941-2399
E-mail: steven_sternthal@phac-aspc.gc.ca

HIV Policy, Coordination and Programs Division
Building 6
AL 0601A
Tunney’s Pasture
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0K9

Immunization and Respiratory Infections Division

Fields of Research

The goal of the division is to reduce or eliminate vaccine-preventable and infectious respiratory diseases in Canada. In partnership with provinces and territories, the division is responsible for the national surveillance of vaccine-preventable and infectious respiratory diseases, including influenza and SARS, surveillance of vaccine-associated adverse events, and monitoring of immunization status, including the development of an immunization registry network. It provides scientific and administrative support to the National Advisory Committee on Immunization and Pandemic Influenza. The division also initiates and coordinates investigations of vaccine-preventable and infectious respiratory disease outbreaks across Canada, and provides guidance and direction, when requested, to provincial or territorial public health authorities when outbreaks of vaccine-preventable or infectious respiratory diseases occur in individual jurisdictions. The division also conducts, supports, and coordinates applied public health research in the areas of immunization and infectious respiratory disease, and identifies and communicates emerging vaccine-preventable and infectious respiratory disease threats to Canadians. The division collaborates with other national governments and international organizations to prevent and control vaccine-preventable and infectious respiratory diseases.

Contact

Dr. Arlene King
Director
Tel.: 613-957-1340
Fax: 613-998-6413
E-mail: arlene_king@phac-aspc.gc.ca

Immunization and Respiratory Infections Division
Building 6
AL 0602B
Tunney’s Pasture
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0K9

National HIV and Retrovirology Laboratories

Fields of Research

The HIV and Retrovirology Laboratory provides comprehensive expertise to national and international partners in human and emerging retrovirus testing and research. These partners include other Health Canada programs (such as regulatory branches of Health Canada), laboratories associated with the provincial ministry of health, and hospital and blood screening labs. The laboratory provides expertise in HIV/HTLV reference service testing and national and international quality assurance programs for HIV serology, viral load testing, and lymphocyte enumeration. The laboratory also develops, evaluates, and transfers related technologies to national and international partners. In addition, the National HIV Laboratories provide laboratory support for HIV and STD surveillance programs through the provision of the specialized laboratory testing necessary for national HIV incidence estimates as well as laboratory support of the Canadian HIV Strain Surveillance and Drug Resistance Surveillance Program (CHSDRSP).

Contact

Dr. Paul Sandstrom
Director
Tel.: 613-957-0172
Fax: 613-957-7258
E-mail: paul_sandstrom@phac-aspc.gc.ca

National HIV and Retrovirology Laboratories
Building 6
AL 0603B3
Tunney’s Pasture
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0K9

Surveillance and Risk Assessment Division

Fields of Research

This division conducts national surveillance of notifiable diseases, undertakes risk assessments, and carries out modelling and projections for infectious diseases, with particular attention being paid to newly emerging threats. The division also manages a regionally based network of field surveillance officers to work with provincial and territorial authorities to improve the timeliness and completeness of surveillance data on infectious diseases. The division collects and analyses national HIV and AIDS surveillance information and assesses the temporal, geographical and demographic trends in the HIV epidemic. In addition, the division provides public health intelligence on the size and trend of the HIV/AIDS epidemics in Canada and provides technical and financial support for extramural, targeted research and analysis (including outbreak investigations), performs intramural research and analysis, and hosts national meetings on issues of importance to HIV epidemiology and surveillance.

Contact

Dr. Chris Archibald
Director
Tel.: 613-941-3155
Fax: 613-946-8695
E-mail: chris_archibald@phac-aspc.gc.ca

Surveillance and Risk Assessment Division
Building 6
AL 0602B
Tunney’s Pasture
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0K9

National Microbiology Laboratory (Winnipeg, Manitoba)

The National Microbiology Laboratory is the main infectious disease laboratory within the Public Health Agency of Canada. It is co-located in the Canadian Science Centre for Human and Animal Health, a state-of-the-art laboratory facility in Winnipeg, with the National Centre for Foreign Animal Diseases, Canadian Food Inspection Agency.

The National Microbiology Laboratory consists of four national laboratories supported by a division of core services which includes DNA sequencing, animal resources, and a central laboratory for decontamination and wash up services. The four national laboratories are:

• the National Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases and Special Pathogens;
• the National Laboratory for Bacteriology & Enterics;
• the National Laboratory for Viral Diseases; and
• the National Laboratory for Host Genetics and Prion Diseases.

These laboratories provide expert microbiological reference testing, surveillance, and outbreak investigation support to the public health network in Canada. The National Microbiology Laboratory is a key element in Canada’s preparedness for biological terrorism and other infectious disease emergencies.

In addition, the National Microbiology Laboratory operates six external national reference centres on a cost-sharing basis with the provinces. These centres include parasitology (serology), mycology, yersinia, streptococcus, rabies, and Epstein-Barr virus.

National Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases and Special Pathogens

Fields of Research

The laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases and Special Pathogens consists of multi-complex laboratory research and surveillance programs for the diagnosis, surveillance, prevention, and control of zoologic diseases in humans. This laboratory performs serological and genetic analysis of pathogenic organisms which are transmitted from animals to humans. Such organisms include hantaviruses, which cause pulmonary syndrome and haemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome; arboviruses, which cause encephalitis; rickettsia, which cause Rocky Mountain Spotted fever, endemic typhus fever, Q fever, Ehrlichiosis, and Leptospira; Borrelia burgdorferi which causes Lyme disease; and Bartonella which causes Bartonellosis, cat scratch disease, angiomatosis, and other syndromes. Diagnostics for biocontainment Level 4 haemorrhagic fever viruses (including ones such as Ebola, Marburg, and Lassa fever viruses which, if imported via travellers into Canada, could constitute a potential public health emergency) are being set up, and research and surveillance programs established in collaboration with the World Health Organization and other partners.

Contact

Dr. Harvey Artsob
Director
Tel.: 204-789-2134
Fax: 204-789-2082
E-mail: harvey_artsob@phac-aspc.gc.ca

National Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases and Special Pathogens
1st Floor, Canadian Science Centre for Human and Animal Health
1015 Arlington Street
Winnipeg, Manitoba
R3E 3R2

National Laboratory for Bacteriology & Enterics Diseases

Field of Research

The National Laboratory for Bacteriology & Enterics Diseases consists of multi-complex laboratory research and surveillance programs for the diagnosis, surveillance, prevention, and control of human bacterial (non-enteric and non-STD) diseases such as meningococcal disease, tuberculosis, pneumococcal disease, tetanus, diphtheria, meningitis, and a wide variety of diseases caused by aerobic and anaerobic infections. It is responsible for the identification and characterization of these bacterial pathogens which cause life threatening diseases. There is a responsibility for monitoring the development of bacterial resistance to antibiotics, a serious emerging global issue, particularly in hospital environments. The Enterics Diseases Program ensures the health and safety of the Canadian public with respect to the prevention and control of enteric foodborne pathogens causing disease. Activities are targeted to reduce the risk of outbreaks of human foodborne disease and to ensure that enteric endemic disease is a priority health issue in Canada.

The program embraces four key activities:

1. National Laboratory Reference Services: Provision of laboratory technology for hazard identification and characterization of enteric foodborne pathogens and emerging infectious enteric diseases affecting humans, which include Salmonella, Shigella, E. coli, E. coli O157:H7 (associated with “hamburger disease”), Vibrio cholerae, Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Listeria, Campylobacter, Helicobacter, and Aeromonas
2. Laboratory Based Surveillance: collection, collation and dissemination of data nationally and internationally on enteric pathogens associated with sporadic cases and outbreaks of foodborne disease in Canada
3. Training/Technology Transfer/International Collaboration: Training health care professionals both nationally and internationally to meet the needs of the public health system, provision of technical and professional expert advice and collaborative support to laboratories during outbreak investigations
4. Targeted Applied Research and Development: Provision of this component strongly supports national reference capabilities for identification and surveillance activities for tracking infectious disease by developing new technologies and methodologies. The program addresses challenges which include: emerging and re emerging enteric pathogens, antimicrobial resistance, contamination of imported products, globalization, and travel. These activities ensure that food safety is a priority health concern in Canada.

Contact

Dr. Lai King Ng
Director
Tel.: 204-789-2131
Fax: 204-789-2140
E-mail: lai_king_ng@phac-aspc.gc.ca

National Laboratory for Bacteriology and Enterics Diseases
1st Floor, Canadian Science Centre for Human and Animal Health
1015 Arlington Street
Winnipeg, Manitoba
R3E 3R2

National Laboratory for Viral Diseases

Fields of Research

The National Laboratory for Viral Diseases is a centre of excellence which provides advanced reference services and research in this field. It provides services to support the Canadian public health system by making accurate diagnosis for viral diseases (such as influenza; RSV; adeno; hepatitis A, B, C, D, E; measles; rubella; HHV6; parvovirus B19; paramyxo and HHV8), outbreak investigations, quality assurance, and surveillance.

Contact

Dr. Tim Booth
Director
Tel.: 204-789-2022
Fax: 204-789-7049
E-mail: tim_booth@phac-aspc.gc.ca

National Laboratory for Viral Diseases
1st Floor, Canadian Science Centre for Human and Animal Health
1015 Arlington Street
Winnipeg, Manitoba
R3E 3R2

National Laboratory for Host Genetics and Prion Diseases

Fields of Research

The National Laboratory for Host Genetics and Prion Diseases is responsible for the diagnosis, surveillance, prevention and control of human and neurological and genetic diseases such as Creutzfeldt Jakob Disease, prion disease and other associated diseases. Assistance is provided to laboratories in the application of genetically based patient diagnostics including routine applications as well as more sophisticated methodologies such as 16S rRNA sequencing. The laboratory has established a database of all known 16S rRNA sequences including several hundred atypical pathogenic organisms. This approach is highly successful in identifying and characterizing organisms that cannot be identified by standard procedures. Sophisticated genetic technologies are used to support outbreak investigations and population genetics, using genetically based typing and subtyping techniques. It also houses a DNA repository which is available to internal and external researchers and public health authorities. Applied research is carried out to develop/enhance methodologies for the improved genetic analysis of life threatening organisms.

The National Microbiology Laboratory has created a CPHLN secretariat to facilitate day-to-day activities of the network and assist in ongoing public health initiatives.

Contact

Dr. Mike Coulthart
Director
Tel.: 204-789-6026
Fax: 204-789-5021
E-mail: mike_coulthart@phac-aspc.gc.ca

National Laboratory for Host Genetics and Prion Diseases
1st Floor, Canadian Science Centre for Human and Animal Health
1015 Arlington Street
Winnipeg, Manitoba
R3E 3R2

Canadian Public Health Laboratory Network

Fields of Research

The Canadian Public Health Laboratory Network was established in 2001, partly in response to the terrorism events of September 11, 2001 and the subsequent anthrax threats. In addition to addressing concerns about the increased frequency and potential lethality of bioterrorism agents, the scope of the network was expanded to include other aspects of public health such as water and food safety response to water-borne outbreaks in Walkerton, Ontario and North Battleford, Sask. The network’s current mandate is to develop and implement strategies to coordinate pathogen detection, infectious disease prevention and control; conduct laboratory-based surveillance, including the development of early warning systems to monitor and detect emerging pathogens, antibiotic-resistant organisms and outbreak; and counter bioterrorism threats.

Contact

Dr. Ted Kuschak
Manager
Tel.: 204-789-7045
Fax: 204-789-7039
E-mail: ted_kuschak@phac-aspc.gc.ca

Canadian Public Health Laboratory Network
1st Floor, Canadian Science Centre for Human and Animal Health
1015 Arlington Street
Winnipeg, Manitoba
R3E 3R2

Industry Canada

Communications Research Centre

An Agency of Industry Canada

Communications Research Centre
3701 Carling Avenue
P.O. Box 11490, Station H
Ottawa, Ontario
K2H 8S2
Tel.: (613) 991-3313
Web site: http://www.crc.ca/en/html/crc/home/home

Satellite Communications Research

Fields of Research

Advanced satellite communications concepts, analysis, and design, including OBP, satcom terminal development at Ka-Band for multimedia communications terminals; military satcom; modulation and coding; microwave photonics; and software define radio.

Contact

Integrated Electronics Research

Fields of Research

The laboratories are concerned with the future electronics-enabling technologies required to support the departmental initiatives in communications and information technology. This includes satellite communications, military communications, and spectrum-effective communications. Included are responsibilities for carrying out research and development activities on devices, circuits, and components for application to high-frequency microwave/millimetre wave communications systems and high-speed data processing.

Contact

Valek Szwarc
Research Program Manager
Integrated Electronics
Tel.: (613) 998-2089
Fax: (613) 990-8369
E-mail: valek.szwarc@crc.ca

Optoelectronic Materials and Components Research

Fields of Research

This research activity is aimed at the development of novel, low-cost optical and optoelectronic components and devices that increase the capacity, versatility, and performance of fibre optic broadband networks. There are two main research areas:

1. Optoelectronic Circuits involves the design and fabrication of high-speed, photodetector-based optoelectronic circuits that can be used for high-speed switching and network access/monitoring, as well as for highly specialized satcom applications. Part of this activity includes the growth and characterization of novel semiconductor materials and structures that can be used to fabricate optoelectronic devices with improved performance and reliability and lower cost.
2. Photonic Component Technologies involves the design, fabrication, and testing of novel photonic devices based on dielectric and polymer materials.

Research in this group targets the development of passive photonic devices for wavelength demultiplexing, filtering, and routing, as well as more complex "value-added" components exploiting materials with novel optical properties such as photosensitivity or optical nonlinearities.

Contact

Claire Callender
Manager
Optoelectronic Materials and Components Research
Tel.: (613) 998-2726
Fax: (613) 990-8382
E-mail: claire.callender@crc.ca

Optical Communications and Electrophotonics Research

Fields of Research

The photonics research program is focused on photosensitivity in optical waveguides and its use in fabrication of a wide variety of passive devices. A capability to fabricate planar and channel waveguides using PECVD is also being developed. The principal application is passive components in optical communications, especially for WDM (Wavelength Division Multiplexing). The two principal thrusts in WDM are optical Add/Drop filters and chromatic dispersion compensation. The Add/Drop filter based on Mach-Zehnder interferometer and photo-induced Bragg gratings, which were invented at CRC, is a versatile filter used to add/drop individual channels from a WDM transmission stream.

Chromatic dispersion compensation, which also originated at CRC, uses long-fibre Bragg gratings with variable periods to compensate for chromatic dispersion in fibre at high data rates. So far, individual WDM channels are compensated separately, but now longer gratings are needed to compensate an entire WDM window at a time.

Contact

Stephen Mihailov
Research Program Manager
Optical Communications and Electrophotonics
Tel.: (613) 998-2721
Fax: (613) 993-7139
E-mail: stephen.mihailov@crc.ca

Radio Science Research

Fields of Research

CRC is the Canadian national centre for propagation research across the entire radio spectrum. The research program concentrates on propagation problems peculiar to Canadian latitudes, with a view to applying the results to current and future domestic communications systems. The main interest is in the limitations of the transmission medium, particularly the lower atmosphere, and the effect of such limitations on the allocation and sharing of the radio frequency spectrum. Research on the application of propagation knowledge to predictions of communications system performance includes modelling the radio propagation environments: ionosphere, troposphere, and terrain.

Contact

Dave Rogers
Research Program Manager
Radio Propagation Research
Tel.: (613) 998-5174
Fax: (613) 998-4077
E-mail: dave.rogers@crc.ca

Radio Communications Technologies Research

Fields of Research

Advanced terrestrial radio communications systems and technologies for fixed, mobile, and personal communications. Includes modelling of transmission channel; channel probing; techniques to mitigate adverse propagation and interference effects; signal design; adaptive equalization and antenna techniques; modulation and coding; digital signal processing; spectrum monitoring/surveillance techniques; speech compression and enhancement techniques; application of encryption techniques for communications security and privacy.

Contact

J.J. Schlesak
Manager
Radio Communications Technologies Research
Tel.: (613) 998-2249
Fax: (613) 990-7987
E-mail: joe.schlesak@crc.ca

Networked Media Laboratory

Fields of Research

The Networked Media Laboratory at CRC conducts research on the human and social impacts of new services for global networks, such as the Internet. Most of the research projects undertaken in the Networked Media Laboratory use human-centred design to develop new technologies that will benefit Canadian industry.

Examples of current research areas include the development of natural-language accessible information systems, Web-based distance education, and collaboration in virtual environments.

As well, the Networked Media Laboratory provides expert advice to government and industry about other topics in human-computer interface design and evaluation, as needed. To accomplish this, the Networked Media Laboratory is staffed by scientists trained in experimental psychology and computer science with a specialization in human interface design.

Contact

Thomas Whalen
Manager
Networked Media Laboratory
Tel.: (613) 990-4683
Fax: (613) 998-9648
E-mail: thom.whalen@crc.ca

Network Research

Fields of Research

Research on communications/computer network technologies, at both the network design and network services levels. This research is directed at large-scale civilian and military networks, including international ATM networks and the Internet. Specific topics include the design of new services, the design of user interfaces, and the evaluation of network configurations and operations.

Contact

John Robinson
Tel.: (613) 990-9456
Fax: (613) 998-9648
E-mail: john.robinson@crc.ca

Radio Broadcast Systems and Transmission Laboratory

Fields of Research

The laboratory conducts research and feasibility studies in new and advanced broadcast systems and services for terrestrial and satellite sound and data broadcasting to fixed, portable, and vehicular receivers.

The group carries out R&D in the following areas: new digital system concepts for better audio quality and service availability; new coverage concepts for spectrum and power efficiency; coverage prediction software for systems planning and optimization; and new sound and data broadcast services.

To carry out these research activities, the group has access to the following facilities: specialized workstations and sophisticated coverage prediction software, a digital radio broadcasting laboratory testbed, and an experimental radio broadcasting station. The testbed permits testing the performance of new equipment and interfaces under realistic conditions, including impairments such as interference and multipath.

The group also operates a minivan that is equipped for field tests of broadcast-receiving equipment and measurements of channel characteristics. Software tools have been developed for the analysis of the measured data and the generation of realistic channel models that can be used in simulation tests.

The group has been closely involved with the standardization activities and the implementation of digital radio broadcasting in Canada.

Contact

René Voyer
Tel.: (613) 998-4407
Fax: (613) 993-9950
E-mail: rene.voyer@crc.ca

Advanced Audio Systems Laboratory

Fields of Research

The laboratory conducts research and development especially related to the future introduction of digital radio broadcasting (DRB), sound systems accompanying advanced television (ATV), and sound coding schemes for eventual use on the information highway. The group carries out research in three main areas: digital audio source coding techniques for mono, stereo, and multi-channel sound systems; psychoacoustics and subjective assessment of sound systems; and channel coding and modulation techniques suitable for broadcasting digital audio signals to fixed, mobile, and portable receivers. To carry out these research activities, the group has unique facilities: a calibrated reference listening room that meets international standards; stereo and multichannel sound playback systems allowing totally seamless switching between audio excerpts for critical comparison; and general-purpose workstations and sophisticated computer simulation software for digital signal processing. The facilities and expertise for conducting audio research and listening tests are unique in North America.

Contact

Louis Thibault
Tel.: (613) 990-4349
Fax: (613) 993-9950
E-mail: louis.thibault@crc.ca

Advanced Video Systems

Fields of Research

The group conducts leading-edge research in video processing, source coding and human visual perception related to advanced television (ATV) systems, and new video and multimedia services. Research is carried out in the following main areas: digital video processing (format conversion), video compression, subjective assessment of picture quality, stereoscopic (3D) video (psychophysics and coding aspects) and High Definition Television (HDTV).

To support this research, the group has excellent facilities, including 3D capture and display, HDTV, a world-class subjective evaluation facility, extensive computer simulations facility and MPEG-2 encoding and streaming equipment.

Contact

André Vincent
Tel.: (613) 998-2299
Fax: (613) 990-6488
E-mail: andre.vincent@crc.ca

Television Systems and Transmission Laboratory

Fields of Research

The laboratory conducts research in coding and modulation alternatives for the transmission of wide-band analog and digital signals over off-air, cable, and satellite channels. The emphasis is on the transmission of digital advanced television signals. The laboratory is supported by excellent computer and hardware simulation facilities. Research is also carried out in the characterization of wide-band transmission channels.

Contact

Bernard Caron
Tel.: (613) 998-2869
Fax: (613) 990-6488
E-mail: bernard.caron@crc.ca

National Defence

Defence Research and Development Canada (DRDC)

Defence R&D Canada – Atlantic (DRDC Atlantic)

DRDC Atlantic is the Department of National Defence centre of expertise for research and development in undersea warfare and marine vehicle technology supporting Canadian Navy and Maritime Air requirements. DRDC Atlantic also participates significantly in Maritime Command and Control efforts. R&D in the above areas is conducted in the form of theoretical studies, experimental data gathering, system concept demonstrators, and field validation trials. A portion of the work is carried out at the Dockyard Laboratory (Pacific) in Esquimalt, British Columbia, and at the National Research Council's Institute for Aerospace Research in Ottawa.

Fields of Research

Undersea Warfare: Ocean environmental acoustics, acoustic sensor systems, electromagnetic sensor systems, underwater acoustic transducers, sonar signal processing, sonar information management, marine mine countermeasures, torpedo countermeasures, towed bodies, remotely operated and autonomous underwater vehicles, sonar performance assessment, and sonar system concept demonstration.

Maritime Command and Control: Maritime tactical picture generation and presentation; decision support tools and technology demonstrators; and integrating the command and control efforts at other laboratories with DRDC Atlantic's own capabilities.

Naval Platforms: Platform noise; dynamics; propeller design, structures, and materials; and marine corrosion science.

Air Platforms: Structures, propulsion, non-destructive testing, energy sources, and economic maintenance.

Contact

J. L. Kennedy
Chief Scientist
Defence R&D Canada – Atlantic (DRDC Atlantic)
P.O. Box 1012
Dartmouth, Nova Scotia
B2Y 3Z7

Web site: http://www.atlantic.drdc-rddc.gc.ca/facilities/facilities_e.shtml

Defence R&D Canada – Valcartier (DRDC Valcartier)

DRDC Valcartier's mission is to conduct applied defence research and development work in the fields of optronic systems, information systems, and weapon systems.

Fields of Research

Optronics and micro-engineering, including visible and infrared components, sensors and systems, signal, image and data processing, as well as target and background characteristics and intervening media; command and control using state-of-the-art technologies in artificial intelligence, data fusion, system architectures, human-machine interfaces and decision support; emergent energetic materials including rockets, rocket and gun propellants, energetic polymers, insensitive munitions, and pyrotechnic and pyrophoric devices for countermeasures and self-protection; ordnance, including projectiles and their flight mechanics and terminal effects, weapon system performance analysis, platform vulnerability and survivability, high strain rate characteristics of materials, and smart fusing for munitions.

Contact

Gilles Bérubé
Chief Scientist
Defence R&D Canada – Valcartier (DRDC Valcartier)
2459 Pie-XI Boulevard North
Val Bélair, Québec
G3J 1X5

Web site: http://www.valcartier.drdc-rddc.gc.ca/e/facilities_e.asp?page=22&lang=e

Defence R&D Canada – Ottawa (DRDC Ottawa)

DRDC Ottawa is the lead authority and centre of expertise for the exploitation of the electromagnetic spectrum to meet future Canadian Forces, departmental, and national needs.

Fields of Research

DRDC Ottawa's core technologies are radar technology, including navigation, synthetic aperture radar, radar counter-countermeasures, target classification, missile approach warning systems, multifunction radar, coastal surveillance radar, and target tracking; electronic warfare technology, including radar and communications, electronic support measures, electronic countermeasures, and electromagnetic protection; space systems technology, including space environment and electronics, space systems and simulators, and space data exploitation; communications technology, including satellite communications, advanced communications networks, wireless communications, HF radar, speech coding, and antennas; and information operations technology, including network attack detection and analysis, information protection and assurance, and information exploitation.

Contact

Cam Boulet
Chief Scientist
Defence R&D Canada – Ottawa (DRDC Ottawa)
Department of National Defence
3701 Carling Avenue
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0Z4

Web site: http://www.ottawa.drdc-rddc.gc.ca/html/facilities_e.html

Defence R&D Canada – Toronto (DRDC Toronto)

DRDC Toronto is Canada's centre of expertise for ensuring that Canadian Defence and National Security capabilities exploit the full potential of Human Effectiveness S&T. It achieves this by integrating knowledge from various fields of science and technology (S&T) that address human behaviour, human performance, and human protection.

Fields of Research

DRDC Toronto conducts S&T in the following four areas: 1) Human Systems Integration; 2) Collaborative Behaviour and Integrated Learning; 3) Integrated Readiness and Performance Restoration; and 4) Adversary Intent and Integrated Visualization. These areas of research require expertise from such diverse disciplines as: cognitive and behavioural sciences; information and decision systems; human factors engineering; simulation and training technologies; human-computer interaction; human systems modelling; life support systems; protective clothing systems; autonomic and central nervous system physiology; trauma science; biomedical engineering; social psychology; political science; and cultural anthropology.

Contact

Ross Pigeau
Chief Scientist
Defence R&D Canada – Toronto (DRDC Toronto)
1133 Sheppard Avenue West
P.O. Box 2000
Toronto, Ontario
M3M 3B9

Web site: http://www.toronto.drdc-rddc.gc.ca/facilities/facilities_e.html

Defence R&D Canada – Suffield (DRDC Suffield)

DRDC Suffield is Canada's centre of expertise for defence R&D to counter chemical, biological, and explosive threats.

Fields of Research

Toxicology and Pharmacology: Toxicity and mechanisms of action of toxic chemicals (including chemical warfare agents), including pathophysiology; prophylaxis and therapy for nerve agents, vesicants, and neurotoxins.

Prevention and Treatment of Disease: Infectious disease mitigation, including vaccines and alternatives to vaccines such as protective/therapeutic antibodies and immune modulators; anti-infective drugs and drug delivery systems, including inhalation and liposome encapsulation.

Threat Assessment and Consequence Management: Development of computer models for hazard assessment, including hazardous cloud movements.

Detection, Diagnostics, and Protection: Detection and identification of chemical and biological hazards by various methods, including spectrometric particle counting/sizing, ionization, capillary electrophoresis, microfluidics, immunochemistry, and gene probe technology; personal protection equipment in hostile chemical environments, and techniques to decontaminate persons and equipment.

Military Engineering: Explosive physics in air and under water, explosively formed projectiles, fuel-air explosives, numerical methods in fluid dynamics, blast and shock wave/structure interactions, detection and identification of buried land mines, ordnance, and minefields.

Autonomous, Intelligent Systems: Tele-operated and robotic surface vehicles and their control for military applications; land vehicle dynamics and advanced vehicle subsystems; image analysis and artificial intelligence.

Contact

Kent Harding
Chief Scientist
Defence R&D Canada – Suffield (DRDC Suffield)
Box 4000 Station Main
Medicine Hat, Alberta
T1A 8K6

Web site: http://www.suffield.drdc-rddc.gc.ca/facilities/index_e.html

Defence R&D Canada – Centre for Operational Research and Analysis (DRDC CORA)

Operational Research

The Operational Research Division provides and maintains expert, objective, and responsive analytical services based on the scientific method, which contribute to improved operational effectiveness and efficiency for the Canadian Forces and Department of National Defence now and in the future.

Fields of Research

Computer simulations and models of engagements in anti-submarine warfare and maritime air defence; campaign models of effectiveness of escorts and maritime patrol aircraft; mathematical modelling, simulation, and war-gaming of land forces equipment, structures, and tactics; tactical air defence, aerospace defence, air transport, and search and rescue operations; studies of factors affecting the employment of land force electronic warfare techniques and systems; development and evaluation of decision-support systems for optimal sparing, supply and transportation, life-cycle costing, and materiel management; development of systems to support human resources management, training, mobilization, planning, and policy formulation; studies on combat motivation, social, and military family support mechanisms; applications in numerical analysis, applied statistics, probability theory, artificial intelligence, and the design and conduct of field trials.

Contact

Jocelyn Tremblay
Chief Scientist
Defence R&D Canada – Centre for Operational Research and Analysis (DRDC CORA)
National Defence Headquarters
101 Colonel By Drive
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0K2

Contact for all DRDC locations

Nathalie Rodrigue
Human Resources Advisor
Tel.: 613-992-4337
Fax: 613-996-7063
E-mail: nathalie.rodrigue@drdc-rddc.gc.ca

DRDC Visiting Fellowship Program
Defence R&D Canada – Corporate Services
DRDHR – Constitution Building
305 Rideau Street, 9th Floor
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0K2

Web site: http://www.drdc-rddc.gc.ca/about/us_e.asp

Human Resources Research and Evaluation

The Human Resources Research and Evaluation Directorate conducts applied psychology and sociology research in support of Canadian Forces operations and DND functions.

Fields of Research

Social Policy: Research in support of policy or program development or evaluation, for example, gender integration, employment equity, ethics, harassment, attrition, health and lifestyle, and culture initiatives; review developments in the academic literature of models related to social change initiatives in order to develop frameworks for integrating Department of National Defence social policy programs and requirements; integrate individual research projects into a coherent approach to diversity, so as to optimize research efforts and best address the diversity needs of the Defence team.

Operational Effectiveness and Leadership: Research in support of performance measurement in deployed and non-deployed environments and units, for example, stress, cohesion, morale, confidence in leadership, and combat readiness; examine recent developments in the literature on organizational and individual effectiveness.

Personnel Production: Review Canadian Forces selection programs and initiatives related to the use of competency assessment and performance appraisal; examine recent developments in the academic literature regarding the development of competency-based assessment techniques to identify the optimum approach for the Canadian Forces, with particular attention to human rights implications; integrate individual research projects into a coherent approach to competency assessments to optimize research efforts and best address Force generation requirements.

Contact

Col. Cheryl Lamerson, Ph.D.
Tel.: 613-996-1280
Fax: 613-995-2701
E-mail: lamerson.cd@forces.ca

Defence Human Resources Research and Evaluation (DHRRE)
National Defence Headquarters
101 Colonel By Drive
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0K2

National Research Council Canada

Biotechnology Research Institute (BRI)

The Biotechnology Research Institute (BRI) is part of the National Research Council Canada (NRC). Located in Montréal, BRI is the largest Canadian research facility devoted to biotechnology. Since its inception in 1987, BRI has earned an enviable reputation as a leading national and international biotechnology R&D facility.

BRI's research programs focus on three activity sectors: health, bioprocess, and environment. The institute promotes, assists, and conducts leading-edge R&D closely linked to the needs of the industrial and education sectors and other government agencies.

At the heart of the greater Montréal biotech cluster, BRI is the cornerstone of a network of R&D centres dedicated to biotechnology. This network is not only the largest in Canada but has earned an international reputation for its achievements in the field of biotechnology research.

Research Groups

Cancer, infectious diseases, protein chemistry, macromolecular structure, chemical biology, enzymology, biomolecular NMR, receptors, signalling and proteomics, computational chemistry and biology, mammalian cell genetics, genetics, biosensors/nanobiotechnology, bio-engineering, environmental analytical chemistry, environmental genetics, applied environmental microbiology, applied toxicology, bioconversion/sustainable development, microbial and enzymatic technology, animal cell culture, and genomics and gene therapy.

Web site: http://www.bri-irb.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca/home/index_e.html

Contact

Dr. Michel Desrochers
Director General
Tel.: 514-496-6101

Biotechnology Research Institute
National Research Council Canada
6100 Royalmount Avenue
Montréal, Quebec
H4P 2R2

Herzberg Institute of Astrophysics (HIA)

HIA is responsible for operating all of Canada’s national observatories in astronomy and for providing access to these to the Canadian scientific community. HIA’s own facilities include the Dominion Astrophysical Observatory near Victoria, British Columbia, and the Dominion Radio Astrophysical Observatory near Penticton, British Columbia. HIA is a partner in several international consortia operating major observatories overseas (in Hawaii and Chile), including the Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope, the James Clerk Maxwell radio telescope, and the two new Gemini optical/infrared telescopes. HIA also operates the Canadian Astronomical Data Centre (CADC) in Victoria.

As well as carrying out astrophysical research, HIA develops advanced instrumentation for its telescopes, and also software for collecting and analysing data. This technology development work is carried out in partnership with Canadian industry and universities, the Canadian Space Agency, and HIA’s international partners in the United States, Europe, Australia and South America.

Web site: http://www.hia-iha.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca/main_e.html

Fields of Research

Observational astronomy (solar systems, stars, interstellar medium, galaxies, cosmology, etc.), astronomical instrumentation (in the ultraviolet, optical and radio), image processing, data archiving, control systems.

Contacts

Gregory G. Fahlman
Director General
Tel.: 250-363-0041

Suzanne Tolson
Human Resources Generalist
Tel.: 250-363-8104 or 250-363-0049

NRC Institute for Fuel Cell Innovation (NRC-IFCI)

The NRC Institute for Fuel Cell Innovation is Canada’s premier applied research organization dedicated to supporting the fuel cell and hydrogen industry. NRC-IFCI works independently and in partnership with companies, research organizations, universities, and government agencies on projects focused on the research, development, demonstration, and testing of hydrogen and fuel cell systems. NRC-IFCI works with both domestic and international partners, with collaborative partners across Canada and in the U.S., Europe, Japan, China, and India.

Web site: http://ifci-iipc.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca/main.html

Research Unit

Fields of Research

NRC-IFCI’s R&D program is aimed at advancing fuel cell science and technology and accelerating the adaptation and commercialization of these technologies. To contribute to its fundamental and applied research projects, the institute has over 110 personnel, including research and technical staff, guest workers, joint appointments, and students, with recognized expertise in the following core competencies focused on fuel cell and hydrogen technologies:

• Advanced Materials and Processing
• Modelling and Numerical Simulation
• Novel Architecture Design
• Unit and Integrated System Testing
• Sensors and Diagnostics Development

This expertise is applied to the following four strategic areas of importance to Canada’s fuel cell industry:

1. Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFC) – The PEMFC program is aimed at increasing reliability and durability while improving performance, manufacturability, and operational flexibility, and reducing costs. The program provides leadership in the design of Membrane Electrode Assemblies (MEA), device and unit cell design, fuel cell catalysis, and fuel cell characterization. The PEMFC program consists of the following three platforms:
   • High Performance – Low Cost PEMFC Platform
   • High Temperature PEMFC
   • Direct Fuel PEMFC
2. Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFC) – The SOFC program is aimed at improving durability and lowering costs by reducing operating temperatures and system complexity. The program is focused on developing next generation cells and stacks that permit direct oxidation of practical hydrocarbon fuels containing sulphur and other impurities. This involves the development of novel architectures, materials, and processes. Novel materials include nano-materials, metal ceramics systems, and catalysts.
3. Hydrogen and Alternative Fuels – This program is focused on three key issues: production, purification, and compression of hydrogen using novel techniques. Examples include on-demand hydrogen generation from water split reaction; development and testing of hydrogen sensing systems; and the optimization of design and operations of hydrogen filling stations and hydrogen-assisted renewable power. This program is also open to looking at alternative energy carriers.
4. Integrated Energy Demonstration Program – NRC-IFCI has the facilities and capabilities to host integrated technology demonstration projects, with a primary objective of addressing technical barriers to the deployment of fuel cell, hydrogen, and clean energy technologies. Our facility is a key Hydrogen Centre along Canada’s Hydrogen Highway™, which is a demonstration and deployment program intended to accelerate the commercialization of hydrogen and fuel cell technologies.

The key drivers for all programs are improved performance, improved reliability and reduced costs. The institute’s goals for these programs are derived from those specified by internationally recognized organizations such as the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), and in consultation with our stakeholders, while recognizing our core competencies and available resources. Specific targets for each project within the programs are set in consultation with collaborating partners.

The Institute is also home to the Mining Wear Resistant Materials Consortium, an international group of industry giants in the mining and energy sectors that works with the NRC to discover ways to lower costs associated with the wear and tear of machinery and equipment.

Web site: http://www.ifci-iipc.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca

Contacts

General Enquiries: 604-221-3099

NRC Institute for Fuel Cell Innovation
4250 Wesbrook Mall
Vancouver, British Columbia
V6T 1W5

Dr. Dave Ghosh
Director of Science and Technology
Tel.: 604-221-3040
Fax: 604-221-3001
E-mail: dave.ghosh@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca

NRC Institute for Fuel Cell Innovation
4250 Wesbrook Mall
Vancouver, British Columbia
V6T 1W5

Sabrina Henry
Human Resources Generalist
Tel.: 604-221-3055 or 604-221-3025
Fax: 604-221-3001
E-mail: sabrina.henry@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca

NRC Institute for Fuel Cell Innovation
4250 Wesbrook Mall
Vancouver, British Columbia
V6T 1W5

Institute for Marine Biosciences (IMB)

IMB is dedicated to research and development in fish health and nutrition, marine toxins, and genomic technologies.
At IMB, our main research goals are to:

• understand the fundamentals of host-pathogen interactions and the ontogeny of the immunological and digestive systems of marine animals, and identify specific targets for vaccine, therapeutant, and immunomodulator development;
• maintain a high level of preparedness in order to respond effectively to toxic algal incidents and extend our expertise and research to the Certified Reference Materials Program (CRMP) in order to develop and market certified standards and reference materials and assist analysts around the world;
• develop strategies and biotechnologies for the enhanced aquaculture of established and novel finfish, shellfish, and marine plants of commercial importance, with emphasis on nutrition, diet development, health, early ontogeny, and stress responses; and
• develop improved protein characterization techniques, with emphasis on protein mass spectrometry, micro-fabricated devices for sample handling, improved protein separation technologies, and methods for gene expression analysis.

Fields of Research

A. Marine Sciences

• Fish health, focusing on host-pathogen interactions
• Fish nutrition
• Fish biology and physiology, focusing on alternative marine species for aquaculture
• Shellfish health and nutrition
• Marine toxins, focusing on metabolic pathways of toxic phytoplankton, and development of analytical chemistry methods for toxin identification and detection
• Certified Reference Materials Program, focusing on production of certified marine toxin standards and reference materials

B. Genome Sciences

Research on developing technologies in proteomics, genomics, DNA sequencing, bioinformatics, and imaging. To establish a broad-spectrum but integrated genome science capability that includes bioinformatics, high-throughput DNA sequencing, proteomics, and advanced imaging techniques.

Facilities and Equipment

• High-throughput DNA sequencing lab
• Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR)
• Gene Matcher
• Molecular biology
• Tissue culture facilities
• Mass spectrometers
• Certified Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) lab
• Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)
• Analytical chemistry
• Proteomics clean room
• Marine aquaculture facility
• Industrial pilot-scale feed mill
• Transmission electron microscope
• Scanning electron microscope
• Integrated histology and imaging facility

Web site: http://imb-ibm.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca/main_e.html

Contact

Christina Chadwick
Human Resources Generalist
Tel.: 902-426-4409

Institute for Marine Biosciences
National Research Council Canada
1411 Oxford Street
Halifax, Nova Scotia
B3H 3Z1

Industrial Materials Institute (IMI)

The mission of the Industrial Materials Institute is to promote innovation and economic growth through partnership-oriented research and development activities related to materials processing technologies.

Web site: http://www.imi.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca/english/Default.htm

Fields of Research

The IMI, located in Boucherville and Saguenay with the Aluminium Technology Centre, is recognized as a leader for its multidisciplinary scientific and technological expertise. The developed technologies include materials design and process engineering for forming and performance optimization; modelling, diagnostics, and 3D visualization; and high-performance numerical calculation for materials design. R&D activities involve metals, polymers and ceramics, as well as composites and alloys with a focus on micro- and nanoscale structures. The IMI's expertise involves the aerospace, automobile, and biomedical industries, as well as the industrial technology sectors for manufacturing specialists, suppliers of instruments and equipment, and software engineering services.
The IMI works in close cooperation with industry, universities, and governments, through the creation of special interest groups, consortia, and joint research projects. The IMI also promotes numerous start-up companies that develop new technologies for the optimization of materials, products, and services that will build tomorrow's economy. Each year the Institute participates in and organizes major conferences and welcomes many scientists and visitors from across Canada and around the world.

Contact

Carol Lacasse
Tel.: 450-641-5009
E-mail: carol.lacasse@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca

Industrial Materials Institute
National Research Council Canada
75 de Mortagne Boulevard
Boucherville, Quebec
J4B 6Y4

Institute for Aerospace Research (IAR)

As the principal national aerospace research centre, the Institute for Aerospace Research undertakes, assists, and promotes research and development in support of the Canadian aerospace community, adding value to the design, manufacture, performance, use, and safety of aerospace vehicles.

Fields of Research

• Research on the design, fabrication, strength, stability, durability, performance, efficiency, and safety of aerospace structures and their subsystems
• Studies on structural materials, components, design details, and built-up structures, involving their response to simulated aerodynamic, acoustic, mechanical, and/or thermomechanical excitation
• Research on low-cost manufacturing techniques for aerospace systems (advanced joining, forming, and machining of metallic and composite products, robotics applications for assembly and surface treatments)
• Studies in wind engineering, bluff-body, and surface-vehicle aerodynamics
• Research on aeropropulsion focusing on life extension and engine health monitoring
• Aerodynamics activities covering subsonic through hypersonic flow, transonic, icing issues, and new aircraft concepts and advanced aeronautical systems
• Flight mechanics and avionics research in areas such as helicopter handling quantities, flight test techniques, aircraft modelling and simulation, advanced cockpit technologies, and modern guidance and navigation
• Airborne research experimentation including atmospheric and biospheric studies, aeromagnetics, and aerogravimetry
• Aircraft Accident and Incident investigations and technique development, flight data and cockpit voice recorder analyses
• Development of numerical and analytical techniques for all of the above

Web site: http://iar-ira.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca/main_e.html

Contact

Stewart Baillie
Director General (Acting)
Tel.: 613-993-0141
Fax: 613-952-7214

Institute for Aerospace Research
National Research Council Canada
Montreal Road, Building M-3
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0R6

NRC Institute for Biological Sciences (NRC-IBS)

The NRC Institute for Biological Sciences (NRC-IBS) is a team of excellent life science researchers in Ottawa, dedicated to unearthing the next breakthrough discoveries and technologies in neurobiology, immunochemistry, and glycobiology. Excited by the challenges and possibilities presented by these areas, NRC-IBS is focused on research and development in the areas of neurodegenerative and infectious diseases, and moving discoveries out to the marketplace.

Web site: http://ibs-isb.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca/main_e.html

Contact

Dr. Gabrielle Adams
Director General
Tel.: 613-993-7506

NRC Institute for Biological Sciences
National Research Council Canada
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0R6

Institute for Chemical Process and Environmental Technology (ICPET)

The mission of ICPET is to develop chemical process technology, know-how, and information valuable to clients in the Canadian manufacturing industries for improving the commercial viability of their products, processes, and operations while at the same time helping them to meet their environmental responsibilities.

Fields of Research

Our research targets the development of cost-effective and environmentally benign process technologies for chemistry intensive industries. The goal is to reduce manufacturing costs through improved efficiency while recognizing the issues of clean manufacturing and systems closure. We apply our chemistry based competencies in material science, chemical process design, and numerical simulation to the key themes of oilsands, fuel cells, renewable energy, and bioproducts.

Chemical Process Design – Building on expertise in multiphase and particulate systems, colloid, interfacial, and electrochemistry, and on materials and process aspects of separations. Novel energy efficient processes and devices will be developed. Key words: atomization and sprays, particle science, surface and interfacial phenomenon, membrane separations, combustion science, laser diagnostics, supercritical extraction.

Material Science – Our expertise in synthesis, chemical modification, and evaluation of materials, based upon inorganic and polymer chemistry, will target the development of function-specific and/or performance-enhanced materials. Key words: energy materials, solid state processing, polymer modification and synthesis, ceramics, solid-oxide fuel cells, proton exchange membrane fuel cells, surface analysis, colloid chemistry, electrochemistry.

Numerical Simulation – Competencies in chemical reaction systems, coupled with the adaptation and integration of computation and information technologies, provide advanced tools for chemical process design, monitoring, and control, and for improved management of environmental implications. Key words: computational fluid dynamics, finite element, multi-phase and reactive flow modelling, ab-initio material design, life-cycle analysis, air quality modelling.

Web site: http://icpet-itpce.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca/research.html

Contact

Meredith Marchand
Human Resources Generalist
Tel.: 613-990-7415

Institute for Chemical Process and Environmental Technology
National Research Council Canada
Montreal Road, Building M-12
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0R6

Institute for Information Technology (IIT)

The NRC Institute for Information Technology (NRC-IIT) conducts scientific research, develops technology, creates knowledge and supports innovation to help Canada prosper in the knowledge economy. Through Information Technology Research and Development (R&D), we fulfill our vision: to have a beneficial and profound impact on Canadian society.

Fields of Research

• Knowledge from data
• People-oriented systems
• E-business

Web site: http://iit-iti.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca

Contact

Christian Couturier
Director General
Tel.: 506-444-0555

NRC Institute for Information Technology
46 Dineen Drive
Fredericton, New Brunswick
E3B 9W4

Institute for Ocean Technology (IOT)

The NRC Institute for Ocean Technology is Canada's national centre for ocean technology research and development. Ocean technology supports:

• Safe and effective operations
• Ecologically sensitive harvesting
• Sovereignty and stewardship in the ocean environment.

The program focuses on technologies that solve current and anticipated challenges and add value for Canada. Current research areas are:

• Ships and structures in ice
  • Northern marine safety
  • Bergy bit impact
  • Moored structures in pack ice
  • Ship manoeuvering simulation
  • Podded propellers in ice
    
• Performance evaluation
  • Ship – Model Correlation
  • Propulsion
  • Technology development
    • Wave and current forces
    • Truncated moorings
    • Dynamometer design and calibration
    • Wave and current energy systems
• Autonomous underwater vehicles
  
• Deep water operations – vortex-induced vibrations
  
• Safety
  • Escape, evacuation, and rescue
  • Fishing vessel safety

Web site: http://iot-ito.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca/

Contacts

Keith Blundon
Human Resources Generalist
Tel.: 709-772-2461
E-mail: keith.blundon@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca

Dr. Bruce Parsons
Director of Research
Tel.: 709-772-3236
E-mail: bruce.parsons@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca

Institute for Ocean Technology
National Research Council Canada
Arctic Avenue
P.O. Box 12093
St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador
A1B 3T5

Integrated Manufacturing Technologies Institute (IMTI)

Research Programs

The Institute’s core and collaborative research projects concentrate on strategic technology areas with the highest potential impact on the manufacturing sector in Canada. NRC-IMTI priority areas include technologies to create or improve manufacturing processes at the component level as well as at the machine and systems level that are crucial to the competitiveness of the Canadian manufacturing industry. The Institute’s research programs are designed to address the industrial needs of flexibility and rapid response time for the development of new products and processes, and reconfigurable manufacturing systems.

The Institute will continue to develop leadership capability, team values, and a results-oriented culture focused on research, innovation, and quality work that benefit clients, collaborators, and stakeholders. The current activities in the core research programs are:

• Precision and freeform fabrication technologies
  • Material additive processes
  • Precision fabrication processes
  • Solid shaping processes
• Virtual and reconfigurable manufacturing technologies
  • Concurrent engineering
  • Reconfigurable manufacturing
  • Modelling and simulation

NRC-IMTI’s Leading-Edge Research Facilities and Equipment

NRC-IMTI has a wide variety of state-of-the-art industrial research facilities and equipment.

Precision and freeform fabrication technologies

• Additive processes systems
• Laser micro-processing systems
• Solid shaping systems
• Pulsed beam thin film deposition systems

Virtual and reconfigurable manufacturing technologies

• Immersive CAVE, theatre, and design rooms
• Production simulation and optimization
• 3D motion capture and laser tracking systems
• Robotics and reconfigurable machines

Web site: http://imti-itfi.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca/home_e.html

Contact

Georges Salloum
Director General
Tel.: 519-430-7078

Integrated Manufacturing Technologies Institute
National Research Council Canada
800 Collip Circle
London, Ontario
N6G 4X8

Institute for Microstructural Sciences (IMS)

Working in collaboration with industry and universities, the mission of IMS is to provide national leadership and to perform R&D in emerging information technologies related to future hardware requirements in the areas of organic and inorganic semiconductor-based electronics and photonics.

Fields of Research

Acoustics
Materials and device fabrication
Nanotechnology
Organic and inorganic semiconductors
Photonic and quantum devices
Thin film technologies
Optical components

Web site: http://ims-ism.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca/main_e.html

Contact

Dr. Marie D'Iorio
Director General
Tel.: 613-993-4597

Institute for Microstructural Sciences
National Research Council Canada
Montreal Road, Building M-50
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0R6

Institute for Research in Construction (IRC)

The NRC Institute for Research in Construction (NRC-IRC) is a recognized leader in the development of a quality built environment through research, innovation, and the creation of integrated solutions. Working with national and international partners, NRC-IRC addresses construction issues that have a significant economic impact and affect industrial competitiveness, public safety, performance, sustainability, and the environment.

NRC-IRC's research program focuses on advancing knowledge and applying technologies related to the building envelope and structure, the indoor environment, fire research, and urban infrastructure. The institute’s leading role in developing building and fire codes and evaluating building material, products, and systems complements its research program.

IRC's Vision

To be a recognized leader in the development of a quality built environment through research, innovation, and the creation of integrated solutions.

IRC's Mission

To improve the lives of Canadians through a vibrant construction sector that provides a quality and cost-effective built environment.

IRC's Objectives

• Develop the knowledge and technologies essential to the creation of a quality and cost-effective built environment.
• Provide integrated decision-making tools that enable the construction sector to respond to changing performance expectations.
• Develop construction process technologies critical to improved productivity in the construction industry.
• Become a responsive organization, well-positioned to enable the transition of the construction sector.

New Initiatives

1. Sustainable Built Environment (SBE)
   IRC will consult with the construction sector to establish an understanding and approach to SBE and seek consensus on research priorities.
2. Climate Change
   IRC will complement research in other government departments and elsewhere in NRC on the mitigation and adaptation of climate change (e.g., greenhouse gas reductions) and contribute to Canada's response to the Kyoto Accord targets.
3. Indoor Health
   IRC will collaborate with key federal organizations and universities in the development of a major initiative on the effects of the indoor environment on the health of occupants.
4. Construction Process Technologies
   IRC, in partnership with universities, international organizations, and technology centres, will provide the industry with the tools needed to improve the quality and cost-effectiveness of construction.
5. Sustainable Northern Communities
   IRC will bring technological solutions to bear on the unique issues facing the northern construction community by facilitating the creation of the northern technology cluster.

Fields of Research

The Institute has divided its research activities into four program or service areas:

Fire Research Program – Systematically integrates fire modelling and experimental competencies with specific expertise in fire resistance, fire detection and suppression, smoke movement, fire development, human factors, and fire risk assessment to develop methodologies and technologies that will save lives and reduce the total cost of fire in Canada.

Building Envelope & Structure Program – Develops technologies for design, construction and operations of cost-effective building systems. The research combines asset management concepts with multi-discipline measurement and modelling of physical performance. Projects on evaluating, repairing, and protecting structures apply a combination of materials science and structural engineering to resolve key concerns for Canada's existing buildings. Building envelope projects focus on wall, roof, and window systems that are energy-efficient and durable, expanding from a traditional emphasis on long-term performance in cold climates to encompass evaluation for conditions in key export markets.

Indoor Environment Program – Provides technologies to design and operate indoor environments that maximize the comfort, productivity, health, and safety of building occupants. The program integrates experimental and analytical competencies in the areas of lighting, acoustics, ventilation, air movement, indoor air quality, thermal comfort, and occupant reactions to their environments.

Urban Infrastructure Program – Produces cost-effective solutions to municipal infrastructure problems through the development of technologies for the design, repair and maintenance of buried services, urban roads, and surface structures including bridges and for the sustainable use and management of water resources. Rehabilitation strategies are based on life-cycle cost analyses.

Web site: http://irc.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca/irccontents.html

Contact

Robert P. Bowen
Director General
Tel.: 613-993-2443

Institute for Research in Construction
National Research Council Canada
Montreal Road, Building M-20
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0R6

Steacie Institute for Molecular Sciences (SIMS)

The mission of the Steacie Institute is to carry out leading edge, interdisciplinary research and innovation in molecular sciences. We work in partnership with researchers inside and outside NRC, both nationally and internationally, to develop innovative materials, processes, and technologies in the areas of molecular diagnostics and imaging as well as clean energy alternatives. We are internationally recognized for our research excellence and for our delivery of scientific advances that positively impact the health of Canadians and our environment.

Fields of Research

Molecular photonics (includes ultrafast physics and chemistry, spectroscopy, and optical microscopy); structure and dynamics of materials and interfaces (includes NMR, Neutron and X-ray scattering, and surface science); molecular and materials synthesis; and chemical biology.

Web site: http://steacie.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca/main_e.html

Laboratories located in Ottawa

Contacts

Dr. Paul Corkum
Group Leader
Atomic, Molecular and Optical Science (AMOS)
Tel.: 613-993-7390
E-mail: paul.corkum@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca

Dr. Misha Ivanov
Group Leader
Theory and Computation (TC)
Tel.: 613-993-9973
E-mail: misha.ivanov@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca

Dr. Benoit Simard
Group Leader
Molecular and Nanomaterials Architecture (MNA)
Tel.: 613-990-0977
E-mail: benoit.simard@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca

Dr. John Ripmeester
Group Leader
Nanomaterials Architecture (MNA)
Tel.: 613-993-2011
E-mail: john.ripmeester@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca

Dr. Linda Johnston
Group Leader
Biomolecular Sensing and Imaging (BSI)
Tel.: 613-990-0973
E-mail: linda.johnston@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca

Dr. Danial D.M. Wayner
Director General
Tel.: 613-993-1212
E-mail: dan.wayner@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca

Dr. Jim Webb
Director, SIMS
Tel.: 613-990-0915
E-mail: jim.webb@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca

Steacie Institute for Molecular Sciences
National Research Council Canada
100 Sussex Drive
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0R6

Laboratories located in Chalk River

Contact

Dr. John Root
Director, Canadian Neutron Beam Centre
Tel.: 613-584-8811, ext. 3974
E-mail: john.root@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca

Neutron Program for Materials Research
National Research Council Canada
Chalk River, Ontario
K0J 1J0

Institute for Biodiagnostics (IBD)

Fields of Research

Multidisciplinary research into techniques and instrumentation for improved diagnosis of disease and monitoring of therapy in humans. Research activities include design and construction of specialized instruments for magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy; use of spectroscopic methods to investigate the molecular basis of disease; creation of sophisticated computational techniques for analysis of biomedical data; and application of advanced techniques and instrumentation to problems of medical concern, including cancer, stroke, and heart research.

Web site: http://ibd.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca/ibd_external/main_e.html

Contact

Dr. I.C.P. Smith
Director General
Tel.: 204-983-7526

Institute for Biodiagnostics
National Research Council Canada
435 Ellice Avenue
Winnipeg, Manitoba
R3B 1Y6

Centre for Surface Transportation Technology (CSTT)

Fields of Research

CSTT's services and facilities are targeted primarily at the rail and road transport industries and at military vehicle fleets. Our services have the capacity to handle both modelling and testing of full-scale vehicles.

Web site: http://cstt-ctts.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca/en/main.html

Contact

J. Coleman
Director General
Tel.: 613-998-9638
Fax: 613-957-0831

National Research Council Canada
Uplands Complex
Alert Road, Building U-89
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0R6

Institute for National Measurement Standards (INMS)

Every industrialized nation has established what is known internationally as a national metrology institute (NMI). NRC’s Institute for National Measurement Standards (INMS) is Canada’s NMI. Its role is defined under the NRC Act, which empowers NRC to undertake the investigation and determination of standards and methods of measurements and the investigation and determination of physical constants and the fundamental properties of matter.

The Institute has eight fields of research with 11 specialized programs in physical and chemical metrology. The physical metrology programs develop, maintain, improve, and disseminate standards for the base quantities of mass, length, time, electricity, temperature, and luminous intensity as well as a number of derived measurement standards. The chemical metrology program develops and maintains world-class capabilities in selected areas of organic and inorganic trace analysis, and provides certified reference materials.

Web site: http://inms-ienm.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca/main_e.html

Fields of Research

Electrical Power Measurements Group

The Electrical Power Measurements Group maintains standards, provides calibration services, develops instrumentation and testing, provides consultations, and investigates new technology in the area of electrical power measurements. The program includes active/reactive power and energy meters, instrument transformers, AC, DC and impulse high voltage dividers, high current resistors and shunts, loss measurement systems for HV transformers and inductive reactors, and diagnostic techniques for assessing the operating conditions of HV apparatus in service.

Electrical Standards Group

Research includes the electrical standards of voltage, resistance, capacitance, inductance, DC voltage ratio, low frequency AC voltage ratio, AC/DC difference, and AC resistance; and voltage, impedance, attenuation, power, and noise at RF and microwave frequencies up to 110 GHz.

Thermometry

The Thermometry Group implements the International Temperature Scale of 1990 (ITS-90) over its defined temperature range of 0.65°K to over 2000°C. Current areas of study include solid/liquid phase transformations of pure elements and binary alloys; Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometry applied to radiometric temperature determinations; and acoustic thermometry for the determination of thermodynamic temperature.

Chemical Metrology

The Chemical Metrology Group conducts research in selected areas of organic/inorganic trace analysis, ensures international uniformity of chemical analysis procedures, produces environmental Certified Reference Materials (CRMs), and operates a national facility for the elemental analysis of high purity materials by glow discharge mass spectrometry. The group contributes to an international effort to validate analytical methodologies and provide CRMs for the determination of biomarkers and active ingredients in natural health products.

Time Standards

The Time Standards program is concerned with the generation of the SI units of time (the second) and frequency (the hertz) for Canada in accordance with their internationally accepted definitions. Primary cesium clocks and other facilities are maintained to provide internationally coordinated continuous time scales and frequency standards. Research focuses on the stability and accuracy of the NRC Cesium Fountain, a laser-cooled cesium atomic clock.

The Optical Frequency Standards Program is concerned with accurately measuring the frequency of electromagnetic radiation in the optical region of the spectrum and developing frequency-stable optical sources. The program maintains the SI metre for Canada through the vacuum wavelength of an ensemble of iodine-stabilized helium-neon lasers at 633 nm or 474 THz.

Mechanical Metrology Group

The Mechanical Metrology Group is comprised of three distinct research units:

Acoustical Standards maintains the primary acoustical, ultrasound and vibration standards for Canada used in government guidelines on hearing conservation, therapeutic and diagnostic applications of ultrasound, and monitoring machine noise and vibration.

Dimensional Metrology offers the highest accuracy measurements in Canada, traceable to the SI unit of length, the metre. Parameters include length, distance, angle, roundness, diameter, surface roughness, and 3-D form, and recently, line spacing of gratings for nanometrology.

Mass Standards establishes and improves traceability of mass and the derived units of pressure, density, force, and mass flow to the Canadian prototypes of the kilogram.

Ionizing Radiation Standards

Research activities include the development of standards and measurement techniques related to exposure and air kerma in low-energy X-ray and ⁶⁰Co beams; absorbed dose to water in ⁶⁰Co beams as well as photon and electron beams from linear accelerators; neutron fluence and neutron dose equivalent; and absorbed dose to tissue in a ß-ray field. The group is well known for its work developing and exploiting Monte Carlo calculational techniques for the simulation of electron and photon transport in materials.

Photometry and Radiometry

The research program includes the photometric and radiometric standards of luminous intensity (the candela), luminous flux, spectral irradiance, spectral radiance, spectral responsivity, spectral transmittance and reflectance, specular gloss, and industrial colorimetry.

Contact

Dr. James W. McLaren
Director General
Tel.: 613-993-7319
Fax: 613-952-5113
E-mail: jim.mclaren@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca

NRC-Institute for National Measurement Standards
1200 Montreal Road, Building M-36
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0R6

Plant Biotechnology Institute (PBI)

PBI is located on the University of Saskatchewan Campus in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Known as "Science City," the "Sunshine Capital of Canada," and the "Land of the Living Skies," Saskatoon offers a special blend of natural resources, people, and lifestyle. Situated at the heart of this vibrant research community, PBI performs, assists, and promotes strategic discovery research and innovation in plant biotechnology in partnership with key stakeholders, to improve and diversify Canadian industry and strengthen Canada's competitive position in the global knowledge-based economy. PBI's vision for the year 2010 is to be a global leader in innovative plant biotechnology research and development for the benefit of Canada.

Fields of Research

Brassica biotechnology and genomics; cell technologies; lipid biotechnology; plant natural products and plant metabolism; and protein research. These are supported by excellent DNA sequencing, NMR, mass spectrometry, and bioinformatics platforms.

Web site: http://pbi-ibp.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca/en/pbi.htm

Contact

Dr. Kutty Kartha
Director General
Tel.: 306-975-5575
Fax: 306-975-4191
E-mail: kutty.kartha@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca

Plant Biotechnology Institute
National Research Council Canada
110 Gymnasium Place
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
S7N 0W9

National Institute for Nanotechnology (NINT)

The National Institute for Nanotechnology is an integrated, multi-disciplinary institution involving researchers in physics, chemistry, engineering, biology, informatics, pharmacy, and medicine. Established in 2001, it is operated as a partnership between the NRC and the University of Alberta, and is jointly funded by the Government of Canada, the Government of Alberta, and the university.

Our researchers are focused on the revolutionary work being done at the nano-scale, the world of individual atoms or molecules. The main focus of our research is the integration of nano-scale devices and materials into complex nanosystems that are connected to the outside world. The long-term objective is to discover “design rules” for nanotechnology, and develop platforms for building nanosystems and materials that can be constructed and programmed for a particular application.

Fields of Research

Surface functionalization and the development of devices and sensors; modelling of complex nano-systems at multiple length and time scales; self-assembly of organic nanostructures; materials characterizations by spectroscopy and microscopy; biomolecule interactions in cells and at surfaces.

Web site: http://nint-innt.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca/home/index_e.html

Contacts

Dr. Nils Petersen
Nano Life Sciences
Tel.: 780-641-1610
E-mail: nils.petersen@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca

Dr. Andriy Kovalenko
Theory & Modelling
Tel.: 780-641-1716
E-mail: andriy.kovalenko@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca

Dr. Robert (Bob) Wolkow
Molecular Scale Devices
Tel.: 780-641-1725
E-mail: wolkow@phys.ualberta.ca

Dr. Hicham Fenniri
Supramolecular Nanoscale Assembly
Tel.: 780-641-1750
E-mail: hicham.fenniri@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca

Dr. Jillian Buriak
Materials & Interfacial Chemistry
Tel.: 780-641-1740
E-mail: jburiak@ualberta.ca

Dr. Stephane Evoy
Sensors and Devices
Tel.: 780-492-5866
E-mail: evoy@ece.ualberta.ca

Dr. Ken Bosnick
Sensors & Devices
Tel.: 780-641-1685
E-mail: ken.bosnick@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca

Dr. Wayne Hiebert
Sensors & Devices
Tel.: 780-641-1708
E-mail: wayne.hiebert@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca

Dr. Michael Woodside
Nano Life Sciences
Tel.: 780-641-1695
E-mail: mtw@stanford.edu

Dr. Maria Stepanova
Theory & Modelling
Tel.: 780-641-1717
E-mail: maria.stepanova@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca

Dr. David Wishart
NanolifeSciences
Tel : 780-641-1690
E-mail: david.wishart@ualberta.ca

Lorraine (Lori) Sheremeta
Nano Ethical, Environmental, Economic, Legal and Social (NEEELS)
Tel.: 780-492-8828
E-mail: lshereme@law.ualberta.ca

Dr. Marek Malac
Electron Microscopy
Tel.: 780-641-1662
E-mail: marek.malac@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca

Dr. Mark McDermott
Sensors & Devices
Tel: 780-641-1710
E-mail: mmcdermo@ualberta.ca

Dr. Michael Lounsbury
Nano Ethical, Environmental, Economic, Legal and Social (NEEELS)
Tel.: 780-492-1684
E-mail: michael.lounsbury@ualberta.ca

Natural Resources Canada

Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) is a federal government department specializing in the sustainable development and use of natural resources, energy, minerals and metals, forests, and earth sciences. At NRCan, we deal with natural resource issues that are important to Canadians. We look at these issues from both a national and international perspective, using our expertise in science and technology, policy, and programs. How we manage our land and resources today will determine the quality of life for Canadians both now and in the future.

NRCan provides four main services to Canadians:

• We conduct leading-edge science and technology research to provide Canadians with ideas, knowledge, and technologies. This helps Canadians use their country's resources wisely, reduce costs, protect the environment, and create new products and services.
• We build and maintain a national knowledge infrastructure on Canada's land and resources, so all Canadians can easily access the latest economic, environmental, and scientific information.
• We ensure that federal policies and regulations on issues such as the environment, trade, the economy, Canadian land, and science and technology enhance the natural resources sector's contribution to the economy. At the same time, we make sure these policies and regulations protect the environment and the health and safety of Canadians.
• Together with international agencies and other nations, we promote Canada's international interests. This helps Canada meet its commitments related to natural resources and keeps access open to global markets for Canadian products, services, and technology.

Web site: http://www.nrcan-rncan.gc.ca/cfs-scf/national/what-quoi/science_e.html

Minerals and Metals Sector

Mining and Mineral Sciences Laboratories – Bells Corners Complex

Fields of Research

Ground control, mine support and rock property determination testing; health and safety in underground mines; numerical modeling, geodynamical monitoring and analysis; geoinstrumentation development; mining diesel engine certification to Canadian Standard Association (CSA) and Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) standards; diesel emissions measurement and control research.

Contact

Jean-Marie Fecteau
Program Manager
Tel.: 613-947-1585
E-mail: jfecteau@nrcan.gc.ca

Mining and Mineral Sciences Laboratories
Bells Corners Complex
1 Haanel Drive
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0G1

Mining and Mineral Sciences Laboratory – Ottawa

Fields of Research

Mineral processing, applied mineralogy, analytical chemistry, biotechnology, acid mine drainage, effluent treatment, recycling of mineral wastes, tailings and waste disposal, mine site decommissioning, geomatic information systems, aquatic toxicology, process engineering, ground control, mine ventilation, mine automation and narrow vein mining.

Contact

Tom Hynes
Director
Tel.: 613-947-6604
Fax: 613-992-8928
E-mail: thynes@nrcan.gc.ca

Mining and Mineral Sciences Laboratories
555 Booth Street
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0G1

Mining and Mineral Sciences Laboratory – Sudbury

Fields of Research

Geodynamical instrumentation development, ground support systems (backfill quality control and membrane technologies), rock and soil mechanics laboratory testing facility, mine ventilation networks modelling, characterization and optimization, dust, silica, gas and diesel particulate sampling, analysis and control research.

Contact

Michel Grenier
Program Manager
Tel.: 705-677-7815
Fax: 705-670-6556
E-mail: mgrenier@nrcan.gc.ca

Mining and Mineral Sciences Laboratories
1079 Kelly Lake Road
Sudbury, Ontario
P3E 5P5

CANMET Mining and Mineral Sciences Laboratories – Experimental Mine in Val d'Or

Fields of Research

Mining systems and equipment, mining methods, mechanical design, electronic systems, communication and instrumentation, drilling and rock fragmentation, hoist operation, seismology.

Contact

Dr. M. Laflamme, Eng.
Program Manager
Tel.: 819-736-4331, ext. 230
Fax: 819-736-7251
E-mail: mlaflamm@nrcan.gc.ca

Mining and Mineral Sciences Laboratory
1 Peter Ferderber Road
P.O. Box 1300
Val d'Or, Quebec
J9P 4P8

Materials Technology Laboratory – Ottawa

The Materials Technology Laboratory (MTL) is the largest research facility in Canada dedicated to metals, ceramics and concrete technology. It is a highly effective, client-driven operation, offering start-to-finish capabilities from materials selection, fabrication and characterization to prototype product fabrication.

MTL also houses:

• Non-Destructive Testing Certifying Agency, Canada's national organization for the certification of NDT personnel; and
• the International Centre for Sustainable Development of Cement and Concrete (ICON), Canada's leading research centre in cement and concrete technology promoting the worldwide transfer of technology on the use of supplementary cementing materials.

Expertise and Facilities

Materials Selection

• Advanced materials and fabrication processes

Materials Fabrication

• Experimental casting laboratory
• Experimental forming laboratory
• Tailored joining processes

In-Service Performance

• Corrosion testing
• Engineering performance

Property Evaluation

• Physical property evaluation
• Mechanical property evaluation
• Coatings evaluation
• Microstructural characterization
• Nondestructive testing

MTL has five technical programs. The major objectives of these programs are outlined below.

Sustainable Casting

Provide technology to support the Canadian foundry industry. Reduce the environmental impact of foundry operations. Identify and develop more efficient and effective aluminum casting procedures for the automotive industry.

Energy-Efficient Metal Production

Optimize steel casting yield and quality. Develop more energy-efficient metal processing technology. Develop technology to control residuals in electric arc steel making to improve yield. Develop computer-based systems to optimize product quality and process efficiency. Develop recycling technologies.

Advanced Materials Technologies

Raise industry awareness of the advantages of using advanced materials and processes. Develop advanced materials technologies for small and medium-sized enterprises. Develop technologies to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions in the transportation industry (metal matrix composites, metal powder injection moulding, ceramic sensors and membranes, fuel cell membranes, powder metals).

Infrastructure Reliability

Ensure the continued reliability for service of Canadian oil and gas pipelines, marine offshore structures and ships, pressure vessels, and power generation plants, thereby ensuring public safety and environmental protection. Enhance the economic position and security of supply of Canadian energy resources. Maximize benefits to the economy from fabrication and service of steel structures. Intelligent systems for pipeline inspection and reliability.

Advanced Concrete

Develop technology to enhance the durability and performance of concrete. Develop technology to mitigate the effects of alkali-aggregate reactivity. Develop technology to further the use of supplementary cementing materials.

Contact

Dr. Jennifer Jackman
Director
Tel.: 613-995-8248
Fax: 613-992-8735
E-mail: jjackman@nrcan.gc.ca

Materials Technology Laboratory
568 Booth Street
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0G1

Canadian Explosives Research Laboratory – Ottawa

The Canadian Explosives Research Laboratory (CERL), part of the Explosives Branch of Natural Resources Canada, is the only Canadian government laboratory dealing with commercial explosives and equipment for use in hazardous locations, and one of the few in the world. If used unwisely or improperly, explosives can be extremely dangerous. Much of the work at CERL is aimed at protecting Canadians by improving the safety of explosives during manufacture, transportation and use, and by reducing the harmful effects of explosions.

Fields of Research

Properties and effects of energetic materials (propellants, explosives, and pyrotechnics), including thermal properties, hazards, performance, blast effects and their mitigation, and marking, identification and detection.

Contact

Dr. P. Lightfoot
Manager
Tel.: 613-947-7534
Fax: 613-995-1230
E-mail: plightfo@nrcan.gc.ca

Canadian Explosives Research Laboratory
555 Booth Street
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0G1

Web site: http://www.nrcan.gc.ca/mms/cerl/home_e.htm

Energy Sector

Energy Technology and Program Sector

CANMET Energy Technology Centre – Devon

The CANMET Energy Technology Centre – Devon consists of two laboratories: Advanced Separation Technologies (AST) and the National Centre for Upgrading Technology (NCUT), which is a joint venture between the Government of Canada and the Government of Alberta.

CETC-Devon facilities include extensive laboratory and pilot facilities for evaluation, testing and development of oil sand/bitumen and heavy oil extraction, froth and tailings treatment and upgrading processes. State-of-the-art analytical laboratories provide support to bench and pilot-scale work. Research is often conducted in the field at industry sites. Staff consists of multidisciplinary teams of scientists and engineers focused on solving industry problems. Projects are team-based, and many involve client partners.

National Centre for Upgrading Technology (NCUT)

NCUT conducts research in primary and secondary upgrading technologies, development of breakthrough technologies or incremental improvements leading to enhanced energy efficiency and environmental performance; emissions reduction in bitumen and heavy oil processing plants; evaluation of hydrocracking and hydrotreating catalysts for upgraders, refiners and catalyst manufacturers; and the fundamentals of coking and fouling mechanisms in upgrading and refinery units.

NCUT is a research alliance between the federal and Alberta provincial governments, and is at the centre of a web of research facilities, universities and companies. Its ongoing consortia include the Upgrading Catalyst Development Network (recently established with several companies and universities to develop new catalysts that will create cleaner fuels and improve bitumen’s market potential with refineries) and research programs on oil stability and compatibility involving CONRAD and the US Department of Energy. Other examples of NCUT’s S&T leadership include its research in the area of engine emissions and fuels chemistry (also in co-operation with the USDOE). A conference, co-hosted in Edmonton in June of 2005 dealt with this very issue. Likewise, closer research with the USDOE has led to NCUT’s participation in discussions between the two federal governments in the Security and Prosperity Partnership. As well, NCUT hosts a Conference on Upgrading and Refining Heavy Oil, Bitumen and Synthetic Crude Oil every three years that disseminates the latest in research.

NCUT’s focus on fuel stability and compatibility issues through the CCQTA (Canadian Crude Quality Technical Association), not to mention the focus on upgrading and refining improvements, have led to CETC-Devon being seen internationally as the organization to turn to for all of these issues (China, Japan, the US, and many other European, South American and Asian clients have participated in projects with NCUT).

NCUT’s research breaks down into two main programs:

1. Primary and Field Upgrading
   • Radically new primary upgrading processes that are less energy intensive and produce higher quality products at lower costs
   • Improvements to existing commercial upgrading processes
   • A better understanding of the chemistry and properties of heavier (pitch) fractions and their reaction chemistry characteristics
   • Virtual primary upgrading capabilities that capture the state of the art and enable new process integrations along the upgrading value chain
     
2. Secondary Upgrading and Refining
   NCUT seeks to remove the current market limitations for the growth of the Canadian oil sands industry by developing secondary upgrading technologies that improve the quality of synthetic crude and facilitate its processing in existing US refining infrastructures and/or adjust that infrastructure to process more SCO (Synthetic Crude Oil) of today’s quality. There are four main areas to NCUT’s secondary upgrading and refining research:
   • Develop new secondary upgrading and refining technologies; explore new markets for bitumen-derived materials other than fuels; new catalysts and catalytic processes
   • Build a virtual bitumen-derived crude (BDC) refinery at NCUT by development of process models and a general product quality model for key processes in secondary upgrading and refining of bitumen-derived distillates. Mathematical modelling of existing processes is of key importance to bitumen upgrading, their associated product quality and GHG emissions.
   • Understand better the process, environmental, and economic aspects of processing BDC; support for commercial upgraders and refiners in lowering the operating cost and improving product quality and energy efficiency of their operations
   • Understand the properties of BDC and BDC-derived products; continue the development of advanced characterization methods essential for model development and prediction of product quality of synthetic materials based on chemical composition and plant testing

NCUT Contacts

Chantal Roy
NCUT Management Assistant
Tel.: 780-987-8682
Fax: 780-987-5349
E-mail: croy@nrcan.gc.ca

Norm Sacuta
NCUT Writer/Editor
Tel.: 780-987-8746
Fax: 780-987-5349
E-mail: nsacuta@nrcan.gc.ca

Advanced Separation Technologies (AST)

AST delivers fundamental and applied research for the petroleum industry, with particular emphasis on surface mined and in-situ oil sands bitumen and heavy oil. AST conducts research in oil sand processing technologies and related environmental issues, and oil/water/solids separation technologies.

AST has many partnerships with industry, educational institutions, other governments, and the scientific community which champion initiatives that lead to the responsible development of energy reserves.

AST Research Teams

Emulsions and Tailings

This team is involved in small pilot and commercial scale process development, while maintaining a research focus on the development of environmentally sustainable technologies for the oil sands and heavy oil industries.

• Clay or sand tailings, emulsion rag layers
• Greenhouse gas mitigation, utilization and sequestration opportunities
• Laboratory-based microscopy (SEM, optical and confocal); X-ray diffraction tools supported by rheology; and particle and emulsion sizing techniques that are portable and field ready

Froth Treatment

The Froth Treatment Pilot Facility (FTPF) is used to develop more cost-effective and energy-efficient processes for the production of high-quality bitumen, while reducing emissions produced during processing.

• Develops and evaluates new technologies for producing solids-free, dry (low water content) bitumen that meets pipeline specifications.
• Operates on a scale of two to five litres per minute with several flowsheet alternatives.
• Improvements in process monitoring and control allow the design of commercial processes based on data from the pilot facility.

Hydrocyclone

The hydrocyclone team has developed and patented the CANMET hydrocyclone, which is designed specifically to process difficult-to-separate oily fluids such as those generated in western Canadian heavy oil operations. The new hydrocyclone embodies a number of unique design features, including an adjustable overflow orifice and the capability to remove suspended solids in a separate stream. Through field programs and commercial installations, the CANMET hydrocyclone has demonstrated as a cost-efficient option for the treatment of slop oil, high-water-cut production, and produced water streams including effluents generated from desalination units in refining process. The CANMET hydrocyclone is licensed to the US-based Krebs International, the largest company in the hydrocyclone business.

Multiphase Systems

This team investigates the fundamental properties of multiphase systems that are encountered during the extraction of bitumen from oil sand and recovery of heavy oil.

• Microscopy, water/oil interface characterization, gas chromatography, thermogravimetry and other bench-scale techniques are used to examine such processes as the settling of diluted bitumen froth, destabilization of water-oil emulsions, conditioning of oil sand slurries, asphaltene precipitation from bitumen, and the flocculation of oil sand tailings.
• These are complemented by mathematical and numerical modelling, including computational fluid dynamics and Monte Carlo simulation, to provide a deeper understanding of the phenomena underlying system behaviour.
• Investigations may be carried out in conjunction with or serve to guide pilot-scale tests, and may be used in the design of commercial operations.

Spectroscopy

This team utilizes advanced spectroscopy instrumentation for qualitative and quantitative analysis of hydrocarbons such as bitumen and heavy oil.

• Raman spectroscopy: investigates middle distillates such as diesel and jet fuels and most other distillation cuts
• Photoacoustic infrared spectroscopy: analyses solid and liquid hydrocarbons, clays and mineral, and a variety of industrial materials
• Ultraviolet/Visible/Near-Infrared spectroscopy: permits characterization of organic and inorganic compounds

Water Quality

Many aspects of oil sands (and other) operations are affected by water quality, such as plant integrity, pipeline corrosion, scaling, bitumen extraction, tailings properties, and reclamation/site-remediation options. The quality of the water that an operation uses and how that quality changes over time must be understood. This team:

• conducts fundamental research on water chemistry in oil sand operations, data from which is then used to build computer models that predict future water quality for the various operations;
• builds and maintains a database of new developments in water treatment technologies; and
• conducts research into water treatment methods.

In support of this effort the team has the use of a comprehensive collection of analytical instruments including GC-MS, ICP-OES, IC, autotitrator, TG-FTIR, and Microtox analyser.

OSTRF

The Oil Sands Tailings Research Facility is a University of Alberta off-campus facility, developed in collaboration with industry, academia, and provincial and federal governments.

• Mandated to develop novel and innovative approaches for tailings treatment, to reduce their volume and to improve their physical characteristics for post-depositional restoration
• Incorporates a pilot plant, capable of running at either 600 or 2000 kg per hour
• Has independent modules with interchangeable, skid-mounted units and self-contained instrumentation for delivery, treatment and deposition of tailings

AST Contact

Chantal Bourque
AST R&D Project Management Coordinator
Tel.: 780-987-8794
Fax: 780-987-8690
E-mail: cbourque@nrcan.gc.ca

CETC-Devon Contact

Dr. Hassan Hamza
Director General CETC-Devon
Tel.: 780-987-8617
Fax: 780-987-8690
E-mail: hassan.hamza@nrcan.gc.ca

CANMET Energy Technology Centre (CETC-Devon)
1 Oil Patch Drive, Suite A202
Devon, Alberta
T9G 1A8

Web site: http://www.nrcan.gc.ca/es/etb/cwrc/English/home_e.html

CANMET Energy Technology Centre (CETC)

CANMET Energy Technology Centre (CETC), one of the key science and technology arms of Natural Resources Canada, is involved in exploratory and incremental research, development, and demonstration in the fields of alternative, conventional, and renewable energy technologies with the Canadian energy and R&D sectors to increase energy efficiency and promote sustainable development.

Areas of expertise include:

• energy-efficient technologies for industry and for residential and commercial buildings;
• renewable energy (e.g., solar, bioenergy, wind, small hydro);
• alternative transportation fuels (e.g., natural gas, propane, hydrogen, alcohols, bio-diesels);
• community energy systems (e.g., district heating and cooling, combined heat and power, biomass);
• clean, efficient combustion of all fuels (fossil, wastes, biomass);
• metallurgical coal and coke;
• efficient processing and conversion of hydrocarbons (e.g., natural gas, waste petroleum and vegetable oils) including catalyst and membrane reactor development;
• CO₂ management (e.g., CO₂ capture and storage); and
• transportation systems (e.g., fuel cells, electrical vehicles, and flywheels).

CETC has world-class research facilities, including ISO 9002 certified laboratories for advanced combustion, chemical processing and development, metallurgical fuels and fuels characterization. This is complemented by a number of cost-shared programs to assist industry and other key stakeholders in developing new energy technologies. CETC employs approximately 180 people who are seasoned high-tech professionals and innovators in their fields. Our staff is able to provide technical support and, where required, laboratory services at every stage of the technology development cycle, from feasibility studies and basic R&D, to field testing and incremental technology improvements, to market studies and evaluation services.

Programs and Services at a Glance

The Advanced Combustion Technologies group uses laboratory facilities to support the development of novel combustion and pollution abatement technologies. Our work is aimed at reducing emissions of acid rain precursors, greenhouse gases, particulates, and identified priority substances like trace elements and organic substances, with a particular emphasis on CO₂ management strategies.

The Buildings Energy Technologies Program uses cost-sharing arrangements and partnerships between technology suppliers and end users to develop a new generation of technologies that improve energy efficiency, indoor air quality, durability, and comfort while facilitating the environmentally responsible design, construction, operation, and renovation of energy-efficient buildings.

Experts at the Characterization Laboratory characterize gaseous, liquid, and solid products and by-products derived from the processing/combustion of fossil, biomass, and waste fuels, often adapting specialized techniques to meet clients' needs. Work is also ongoing to develop novel analytical procedures and improve nationally and internationally recognized test methods.

The Community Energy Systems group helps communities meet their energy needs. The group identifies and develops opportunities for the use of district heating and cooling, combined heat and power (co-generation), waste heat recovery, thermal storage, and local sources of renewable energy, especially biomass.

The Energy Technologies for High-Temperature Processes group strives to improve coke-making and iron-making processes. Activities include researching coal injection into blast furnaces, extending the life of coke ovens, and improving the quality of coke.

The Federal Industrial Boiler Program offers advice and project management services to owners and operators of heating and cooling systems in federal and other buildings regarding equipment maintenance, selection, and installation. These activities help increase energy efficiency, reduce NOx emissions, and extend the useful life of systems.

The Industry Energy Research and Development Program supports industry proposals for the development and initial application of leading-edge, energy-efficient and environmentally responsible processes, products, systems, and equipment.

The Processing and Environmental Catalysis group uses its core competency in process modelling, catalysis, and membrane development to solve industrial process problems and to research selected chemical conversion processes for natural gas, biomass-derived oils, waste treatment, and engine emissions.

The Renewable Energy Technologies Program supports Canadian industry's efforts to develop and deploy cost-effective and environmentally responsible renewable energy technologies, including small hydro, active solar, wind energy, and bioenergy technologies.

The Transportation Energy Technologies Program works in partnership with industry to support leading-edge transportation technologies that minimize environmental impacts. Program areas include alternative fuels and advanced zero emission propulsion systems, advanced energy storage systems, emissions control technologies, vehicle transportation systems efficiency, and fueling infrastructure.

Contact

Dr. Jan Galuszka
Research Scientist & NSERC Coordinator
CANMET Energy Technology Centre
Tel.: 613-995-1585
Fax: 613-996-9400
E-mail: galuszka@nrcan.gc.ca

CANMET Energy Technology Centre
Natural Resources Canada
1 Haanel Drive
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 1M1

Web site: http://www.nrcan.gc.ca/es/etb/cetc/cetc01/htmldocs/home_e.html

CANMET Energy Technology Centre – Varennes (CETC-Varennes)

The CANMET Energy Technology Centre – Varennes is one of three research and innovation centres managed by the CANMET Energy Technology Branch of Natural Resources Canada (NRCan). Established in 1992 under the name CANMET Energy Diversification Research Laboratory (CEDRL), CETC-Varennes’ mission is to encourage targeted sectors of the Canadian economy to reduce their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, use energy more sustainably, and improve their innovation capabilities. CETC-Varennes designs and implements technological solutions. It also gathers and disseminates knowledge in order to produce and use energy in ways that are more efficient and sustainable, and in order to stimulate the health of the Canadian economy. The Centre’s activities focus on four main areas:

• Buildings
• Industry
• Clean power
• RETScreen International Clean Energy Decision Support Centre

Fields of Research

Thanks to its research and development (R&D) activities, CETC-Varennes is able to develop solutions that help targeted sectors achieve sustainable development in three areas of activity:

• Environmental: Reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with energy production and consumption and, thus, making a contribution to addressing climate change
• Economic: promoting organizations’ cost-effectiveness and competitiveness
• Social: Generating knowledge to allow more enlightened energy decisions; contributing to the development of human resources, especially of university graduates, by fostering the development of scientific and technical expertise in the field of energy

In addition, CETC-Varennes may lend its expertise to support Natural Resources Canada in its decision-making activities, including formulating policies, developing programs and regulations, and setting/managing standardization criteria.

Contacts

Dr. Gilles Jean
Director General
Tel.: 450-652-6639
Fax: 450-652-5177
E-mail: gjean@nrcan.gc.ca

Jean-Claude Cloutier
Communication Officer
Tel.: 450-652-4624
Fax: 450-652-5177

CANMET Energy Technology Centre
1615 Lionel-Boulet Boulevard
P.O. Box 4800
Varennes, Quebec
J3X 1S6

Web site: http://cetc-varennes.nrcan.gc.ca/en/index.html

Earth Sciences Sector

Geological Survey of Canada (GSC)

The GSC is Canada’s premier agency for geoscientific information and research, with world-class expertise focusing on geoscience surveys, sustainable development of Canada’s resources, environmental protection, and technology innovation. The work of the Geological Survey of Canada focuses on the following priorities of the Earth Sciences Sector.

GSC Atlantic

Fields of Research

Geology and geophysics of continental margins of eastern and Arctic Canada and contiguous ocean basins including deep seismic studies and geodynamic modelling, petroleum geology, surficial and environmental marine geology including geotechnical research, marine geoscience technology, development of sedimentary basins, seabed stability, biostratigraphy, and appropriate databases.

Contact

Dr. J. Verhoef
Director
Tel.: 902-426-3448
Fax: 902-426-1466
E-mail: jverhoef@nrcan.gc.ca

Geological Survey of Canada (Atlantic)
P.O. Box 1006
Dartmouth, Nova Scotia
B2Y 4A2

GSC Calgary

Fields of Research

Geology, geophysics and geochemistry of the sedimentary basins and orogens in western and Arctic Canada (including sedimentology, paleontology, stratigraphy and structural geology), organic geochemistry, coal and petroleum geology, and national assessments of hydrocarbon resources. National laboratories for organic geochemistry and paleontology.

Contact

Dr. M. Cecile
Director
Tel.: 403-292-7133
Fax: 403-292-5377
E-mail: mcecile@nrcan.gc.ca

Geological Survey of Canada (Calgary)
3303 – 33rd Street Northwest
Calgary, Alberta
T2L 2A7

GSC Pacific

Fields of Research

Sidney, B.C. Office: Earthquakes and seismic hazard, crustal deformation, marine geology and geophysics (including swath mapping and side-scan imagery), estuarine and coastal geology, gas hydrates, paleomagnetism, geology and metallogeny of the Canadian Cordillera, gravity, geomagnetism.

Vancouver, B.C. Office: Geology and metallogeny of the Canadian Cordillera (including structure, stratigraphy, sedimentology, paleontology, petrology, volcanology, hydrogeology and tectonics), environmental geochemistry, groundwater mapping, natural hazards.

Contact

Dr. Sandy Colvine
Director
Tel.: 250-363-6438
Fax: 250-363-8836
E-mail: scolvine@nrcan.gc.ca

Geological Survey of Canada (Pacific)
P.O. Box 6000
9860 West Saanich Road
Sidney, British Columbia
V8L 4B2

GSC Central Canada

Fields of Research

Central Canada Division comprises a team of specialists that deliver integrated bedrock geoscience programs:

• Geological and geophysical mapping (with a focus on the geology, architecture and tectonic history of the Canadian Shield and Appalachians)
• Geoscience research through interdisciplinary, interagency programs (such as NatMap, Lithoprobe, Targeted Geoscience Initiative)
• Process-oriented studies on the continental lithosphere; geochronology and geochemistry (GSC's centre of excellence in precise radiogenic age-dating and isotopic studies)
• Geophysical studies of the continental lithosphere (seismic reflection and refraction, teleseismics, magnetics and gravity, electromagnetics)
• High-resolution seismic and EM studies designed to develop and test seismic and EM exploration technology for crystalline crust
• Acquisition of aeromagnetic data for the Canadian landmass and offshore
• Digital geoscience data integration, compilation, visualization, analysis and synthesis
• Geoscience information for the national knowledge base, involving development of GIS methodologies, standards and research strategies
• Geophysical software and hardware development

Contact

Dr. Alan Galley
Head, Mineral Deposits and Applied Geophysics Subdivision
Continental Geoscience Division
Tel.: 613-992-7867
Fax: 613-995-9273
E-mail: al.galley@nrcan.gc.ca

Geological Survey of Canada
601 Booth Street, 6th Floor, Room 680
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0E8

GSC Northern Canada (GSC NC)

Fields of Research

Surficial geology, paleoenvironments, climate change, geomorphology, applied geochemistry, hydrogeology, environmental laboratories, landlsides and geotechnics, near-surface geophysics, glaciology, permafrost and geoinformatics.

Contact

Daniel Lebel
Director
GSC Northern Canada
Tel.: 613-992-2451
Fax: 613-992-0190
E-mail: dlebel@nrcan.gc.ca

Geological Survey of Canada
601 Booth Street
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0E8

GSC Quebec

Fields of Research

Geology and metallogeny of eastern Canada, particularly the Grenville and (Canadian) Appalachian provinces (including structural geology, stratigraphy, sedimentology, study of precious, high-technology and base metal deposits, and groundwater); economic geology; Quaternary sedimentology and stratigraphy; Quaternary mapping, eastern Canada; hydrogeology and environmental research (including geological hazards, geomorphology, geochemistry, climate change, permafrost).

Contact

Yves Michaud
Acting Director
Tel.: 418-654-2675
Fax: 418-654-2615
E-mail: ymichaud@nrcan.gc.ca

Geological Survey of Canada, GSC – Quebec
880, chemin Sainte-Foy
P.O. Box 7500
Sainte-Foy, Quebec
G1V 4C7

Geomatics Canada

Geomatics Canada is Canada’s premier agency for matters relating to surveys, maps, remotely sensed data and geographically referenced information describing the Canadian land mass. It is responsible for providing the fundamental spatial reference information that geographical information systems require to function, delivering the federal government's geomatics activities, and fostering growth in the Canadian geomatics industry. Geomatics Canada (GC) consists of the Mapping Services Branch (MSB); the Canada Centre for Remote Sensing (CCRS), which includes the Geodetic Survey Division (GSD); and the Legal Surveys Division (LSD), which includes the International Boundary Commission (IBC). The work of GC supports the science and technology priorities of the federal government and it is recognized internationally as an organization that provides geospatial information using sophisticated technology. The work of Geomatics Canada focuses on the following priorities of the Earth Science Sector.

Canadian Spatial Reference System

The Canadian Spatial Reference System Service monitors the Earth orientation in space, including its rotation rate, and provides fundamental references values for latitude, longitude, height and gravity as a foundation for the nation’s evolving georeference needs and for earth sciences activities. These reference frames, propagated through provincial and municipal reference networks and other government services, ensure the compatibility of Canadian georeferenced information on earth and in space regardless of their source or date. Applications include mapping, charting, navigation, engineering, boundary demarcation, geodynamic studies and other georeferencing activities.

Fields of Research

• Geodetic reference frames and network analyses (3D)
• Canadian Active Control System (CACS) based on a network of continuously operating GPS stations, including real-time WADGPS
• Geodetic surveying using space techniques and associated computations
• GPS heighting
• Geodetic Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI)
• Geodetic and gravity data management and information systems
• Gravimetry including absolute gravity and airborne gravity
• Geoid determination
• Integrated geodesy and geodynamics

Contact

R. Duval
Manager, Canadian Spatial Reference System
Tel.: 613-947-2786
Fax: 613-995-3215
E-mail: robert.duval@nrcan.gc.ca

Geodetic Survey Service
615 Booth Street
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0E9

Web site: http://www.geod.nrcan.gc.ca/index_e.php

Mapping Services Branch

Fields of Research

Presently, our laboratories are conducting research in the following areas:

• Automated change detection, feature extraction and feature classification from multi-sensor, multi-resolution air and spaceborne imagery, with emphasis on rapid revision of topographic data
• Mapping from high-resolution and multi-sensor data
• Integration of GIS and remote sensing for mapping applications
• Local spatial data infrastructures
• InSAR- and LIDAR-generated Digital Elevation Models Satellite imagery: characteristics and potential of images for geospatial data capture and update, sensors, standards and interpretations
• Digital frame camera systems for rapid mapping applications
• Object-oriented geospatial databases
• Interoperability (including semantic interoperability), integration and fusion of heterogeneous geospatial databases
• Web services for geospatial data (including Location Web Services)
• Geospatial databases for decision making in support of sustainable development
• Metadata of geospatial data
• Geospatial data exhange: XML/GML0
• Integration and interoperability of heterogeneous databases
• Cartographic visualization within the Internet environment
• Cartographic design and visualization
• Geospatial data generalization and multi-representation
• Tactile maps and special needs mapping
• Internet mapping for the visually impaired
• Interactive animation of three-dimensional data on the Internet
• Applications of geospatial data for sustainable development of natural resources
• Gender and cartography

Other potential fields of interest:

• Generalization and scale variable representations
• Geospatial data infrastructures
• Knowledge-based systems
• 4D virtual spatial tele-presence and environmental monitoring

Contact

Dr. Eva M. Siekierska
Research Project Manager
Tel.: 613-992-4470
Fax: 613-995-2000
E-mail: siekiers@nrcan.gc.ca

Mapping Services Branch
615 Booth Street
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0E9

Canada Centre for Remote Sensing

The Canada Centre for Remote Sensing (CCRS) includes the Canadian Geodetic Service and is responsible for the provision of a national service involving the reception, processing, archiving and dissemination of remotely sensed data for Canada, and for the development of remote sensing technology in support of climate change research, environment and health protection, groundwater mapping, natural hazards research, and the exploration/mapping of the North. CCRS also includes the Canadian Geodetic Service.

CCRS is participating, in partnership with other departments, in the development of the Canadian Geospatial Data Infrastructure (CGDI) and works with industry to develop geographical information systems (GIS) applications. The Centre's National Atlas team provides the authoritative national summary of integrated Canadian geographical information for decision makers, educational institutions and the general public.

Fields of Research

Algorithms, procedures and methods for processing, correction and analysis of data acquired by satellite sensors; radiometric and geometric correction; reflectance spectroscopy and radiometry; Synthetic Aperture Radar imagery analysis and interpretation methodologies; hyperspectral applications development and simulations; generalization and context transformation of spatial databases and imagery; concepts for management of the analysis of large data sets acquired in earth observation projects.

Specific emphasis on the analysis and interpretation methodologies for Synthetic Aperture Radar imagery in the context of land applications.

Current approaches include the use of image analysis systems; techniques for integrating satellite imagery with vector-based geographical information systems; map generalization procedures, hyperspectral imaging, radar polarimetry and radar interferometry.

Contact

Diane Thibault
Acting Director, Applications Division
Tel.: 613-947-1350
Fax: 613-947-1385
E-mail: diane.thibault@nrcan.gc.ca

Canada Centre for Remote Sensing
588 Booth Street
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0Y7

Web site: http://ccrs.nrcan.gc.ca/index_e.php

For additional information on the Earth Science Sector, please refer to http://ess.nrcan.gc.ca/index_e.php.

Canadian Forest Service

Fields of Research

The Canadian Forest Service's Science and Technology program promotes sustainable forest management and a competitive Canadian forest sector through the development and implementation of knowledge, databases, and technology. The program tackles the more strategic or fundamental national and international issues that the forest community faces. Activities to accomplish these goals are undertaken through a system of five national science and technology research networks administered by five research centres and headquarters.

Each of the following centres serves as the administrative and operational lead for its respective network. However, it is important to note that activities undertaken with each network have operating components in each of the national centres in addition to the lead centre with which a given network is identified.

For more information, please visit http://www.nrcan.gc.ca/cfs-scf/index_e.html.

Atlantic Forestry Centre

Fields of Research

The Atlantic Forestry Centre (AFC) facilities are located in Fredericton, New Brunswick and Corner Brook, Newfoundland and Labrador. Our researchers play a vital role in regional and national forestry research programs and global issues. Opportunities exist to enhance research capacity by partnering with local universities and industry.

The Fredericton site includes state-of-the-art research laboratories, a comprehensive insect and disease collection facility, and a sophisticated climate-controlled greenhouse/nursery complex. Researchers here are investigating, among other things, new methods of integrated pest management, forest health, gene conservation to preserve biodiversity, somatic embryogenesis and gene manipulation to improve timber production, effects of air pollution and climate change, and computer-based management planning tools.

The Corner Brook Forest Centre is located on the campus of Sir Wilfred Grenfell College of Memorial University. Research programs focus on disturbance in boreal ecosystems, such as carbon and nutrient cycling, climate change, issues of scale in ecology, biodiversity, entomology and pathology, as well as risk analyses to advance forest ecosystem sustainability. Research infrastructure includes computing facilities to address remote sensing, GIS and knowledge management.

AFC is also responsible for the Acadia Research Forest, a unique research tool where permanent research plots are located.

Contact

John E. Richards
Tel.: 506-452-3500
Fax: 506-452-3525
E-mail: johnrich@nrcan.gc.ca

Canadian Forest Service – Atlantic Forestry Centre
Hugh John Flemming Forestry Centre
P.O. Box 4000
Fredericton, New Brunswick
E3B 5P7

Web site: http://www.atl.cfs.nrcan.gc.ca/index-e/index-e.html

Laurentian Forestry Centre

Fields of Research

The LFC research involves concrete activities in the following areas:

• General forest health (acid rain, pollution, ice storms, insects and diseases) and forest biodiversity
• The biological control of forest insect pests (spruce budworm, gypsy moth and hemlock looper) and diseases (annosus root rot, white pine blister rust and Scleroderris canker), using environmentally friendly controls such as Bacillus thuringiensis (B.t.) and other non-chemical methods
• Understanding the effects of natural disturbances (forest fires, insect epidemics, windthrow and ice storms) to develop appropriate management stragegies
• Understanding the effects of current techniques for forestry activities (harvesting, forest roads and plantations) to improve forestry practices
• Tree improvement to obtain better yields and preserve the forest (insect and disease resistance, increased forest biomass, wood quality, biotechnology and genetics)
• Improvement of our knowledge of how a tree functions
• Development of decision-making tools (remote sensing and geomatics)
• Evaluation of the effects of climate change on forests

Contacts

Denis Ouellet
Tel.: 418-648-5833
Fax: 418-649-6956
E-mail: denis.ouellet@nrcan.gc.ca

Gaëtan Daoust
Tel.: 418-648-7616
Fax: 418-649-6956
E-mail: gaetan.daoust@nrcan.gc.ca

Normand Laflamme
Tel.: 418-648-2528
Fax: 418-649-6956
E-mail: normand.laflamme@nrcan.gc.ca

Laurentian Forestry Centre
1055 rue du P.E.P.S.
C.P. 3800
Sainte-Foy, Quebec
G1V 4C7

Web site: http://www.cfl.forestry.ca/CFL-LFC/accueil_e.html

Great Lakes Forestry Centre

Fields of Research

Forest ecosystem processes: To conduct research to determine how fundamental ecological processes affect the productivity and resilience of forest ecosystems; sustainable productivity research; forest succession research; population dynamics research. To advance the development of ecologically acceptable methods for managing forest pests and to contribute to integrated pest management and sustainable forest development in partnership with other Canadian Forest Service networks, external clients, and collaborators; biological control; microbial control agents; pest management biotechnology; natural products and semiochemicals; environmental research and assessment; pest management applications.

Contact

Bill Meades
Tel.: 705-541-5555
Fax: 705-541-5703
E-mail: bmeades@nrcan.gc.ca

Great Lakes Forestry Centre
1219 Queen Street East
P.O. Box 490
Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario
P6A 5M7

Web site: http://www.glfc.cfs.nrcan.gc.ca/index_e.html

Northern Forestry Centre

Fields of Research

Canadian Forest Service (CFS) staff at the Northern Forestry Centre (NoFC) in Edmonton are responsible for research and operational programs in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, the Northwest Territories, and Nunavut. The work is focused around three main issue areas: Aboriginal and rural communities, climate change, and sustainability of forests. The Aboriginal and rural communities issue involves increasing our understanding of the economic, social and environmental impact of forests and the forest sector on communities. Climate change research is concerned with the potential impacts of climate change on forests and forest ecosystems, so that appropriate policies and adaptation strategies can be developed and implemented. The sustainability of Canada’s forests issue is concerned with improving our knowledge of the health of our forests, identifying threats and developing strategies to manage these threats, and raising the economic and social value of our forests.

NoFC also leads national initiatives relating to a new Canadian wildland fire strategy and the boreal forest, and coordinates regional delivery of national programs such as Canada’s Model Forest Program and the First Nations Forestry Program. In addition, NoFC hosts CFS staff working with the Fibre Centre, a national virtual organization dedicated to improving the value of wood fibre resources in Canada.

Contact

Gordon Miller
Tel.: 780-435-7202
Fax: 780-435-7396
E-mail: gmiller@nrcan.gc.ca

Northern Forestry Centre
5320 – 122nd Street
Edmonton, Alberta
T6H 3S5

Web site: http://www.nofc.cfs.nrcan.gc.ca/index_e.html

Pacific Forestry Centre

Fields of Research

The Canadian Forest Service – Pacific Forestry Centre (PFC) works within five national science and technology networks to coordinate leading-edge research and the delivery of information and knowledge about climate change, enhanced timber production and protection, forest ecosystems, forest health and biodiversity, and synthesis of knowledge and information.

National programs led by the PFC, in collaboration with provincial and territorial partners, include the Earth Observation of Sustainable Development (EOSD) of Forests, Forest Carbon Measurement and Monitoring Framework, National Forest Inventory, and the National Forest Information System. Over the next five years, these programs will develop and deliver integrated national forest information methods and products. They will also develop infrastructure to provide clients with Web-based access to information held by federal, provincial, territorial and other government and non-government agencies.

PFC researchers also contribute to CFS priority analyses on industry, trade and economic issues.

As well, in order to meet the diverse needs of the forest sector, the PFC assists with the delivery of the First Nations Forestry Program; the Mountain Pine Beetle Initiative; Feasibility and Assessment of Afforestation for Carbon Sequestration; and the Model Forests Program.

Resources

PFC is a world-class source of scientific knowledge and information on the stewardship of Canada's forested lands and on the management of commercial forests. The facility, housed in a four-storey 250,000 square foot building on 17 acres of land with 140 staff members and an additional 80 students and term employees, contains controlled environmental chambers, growth rooms, propagating rooms, greenhouses and lab facilities, and thousands of publications and abstracts that can be accessed through an on-line bookstore and on-location library.

Contact

Susan Farlinger
Director General
Tel.: 250-363-0600
Fax: 250-363-6088
E-mail: sfarling@pfc.cfs.nrcan.gc.ca

Pacific Forestry Centre
506 West Burnside Road
Victoria, British Columbia
V8Z 1M5

Web site: http://www.nrcan-rncan.gc.ca/inter/index_e.html

Parks Canada

Parks Canada was established as an agency of the federal government in the Parks Canada Agency Act in December 1998. Its mandate is to protect and present nationally significant examples of Canada's natural and cultural heritage, and to foster public understanding, appreciation, and enjoyment in ways that ensure the ecological and commemorative integrity of these places for present and future generations.

System of National Parks

System of National Historic Sites

The National Historic Sites program consists of places declared to be of national historic significance to the nation by the Minister of the Environment. Canada's family of National Historic Sites now numbers over 900 sites across the country, 151 of which are administered by Parks Canada. The first National Historic Sites System plan, organizing Canadian history into three major categories of social, economic, and political history, was introduced in 1981. In addition to National Historic Site designations, nationally significant persons and events are also designated. These designations are made by the Minister of the Environment on advice from the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada through a process managed by Parks Canada. Historic canals form an integral part of the National Historic Sites program. There are nine Historic Canals managed by Parks Canada for their heritage value.

System of National Marine Conservation Areas

In 1986, the National Marine Conservation Areas (NMCA) program was established to protect and conserve a network of areas representative of Canada's marine environments. A system plan divides Canada's coastal waters and Great Lakes into 29 marine natural regions. The goal of the National Marine Conservation Area System Plan is to establish an NMCA in each marine region. The program is still in its formative stages, with only two operating sites: Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park, which protects elements of the St. Lawrence River estuary, and Fathom Five in Georgian Bay , Ontario. Work is underway toward the establishment of new NMCAs in the waters around at Gwaii Haanas and in the Southern Strait of Georgia (both in British Columbia) and, in Lake Superior, Ontario, and the waters around the Iles de la Madeleine in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, Quebec.

Parks Canada Science Needs

Parks Canada requires usable scientific knowledge for all its program areas. This includes managing for ecological integrity and commemorative integrity, and helping visitors to have the best possible experiences. Natural, social and cultural sciences all contribute to providing Parks Canada with the best available knowledge to achieve Parks Canada's purpose. Useable science knowledge includes: information from research and monitoring; accumulated studies; insights derived from analysis and interpretation of data; and predictions using models. Naturalized knowledge, which includes traditional (e.g. Aboriginal elders) knowledge, and community experiential (local or customary) knowledge, can make critical contributions to the information needed for protected heritage area management. Naturalized knowledge provides valuable, independent hypotheses and observations on historic and current ecosystem conditions, and long-term human ecological interactions.

Contact

Dr. Stephen Woodley
Chief, Ecosystem Science
Tel.: (819) 994-2446
E-mail: Stephen_Woodley@pch.gc.ca

Parks Canada Agency
25 Eddy Street, 4th Floor
Hull, Quebec
K1A 0M5

Public Works and Government Services Canada

Innovations and Solutions Directorate

At Public Works and Government Services Canada (PWGSC), the Innovations and Solutions Directorate acts as the national centre for real property science and technology expertise and as a major contributor to advancements in building sciences in Canada. The directorate develops solutions for technological challenges related to the design, construction, maintenance, use, operation and deconstruction of the real property assets managed by the department.

In effect, the directorate researches, develops, demonstrates, promotes and transfers leading-edge technologies to provide value-added services to PWGSC and its clients. The directorate sets its research focus in line with government priorities and strategies, as expressed in the Speech from the Throne, and with PWGSC business plans, senior management decisions, major government funding initiatives such as the Program of Energy Research and Development, as well as client needs across the country.

The directorate carries out its program of applied research in collaboration with the private sector, universities and other national and international research organizations. It is part of an informal network of centres that recognize each other’s expertise, pool their resources and leverage their efforts to achieve results.

The department has traditionally been a major government player in the research and development of innovative construction technologies. PWGSC has earned a national reputation for its work on leading-edge technologies related to physical infrastructure. The department has made significant breakthroughs, primarily in energy conservation, life-cycle management, workplace environments, and in adapting existing technologies to innovative applications in building science. It has implemented new technologies in actual projects to demonstrate their effectiveness. It has also shown a unique ability to work with the private sector to transform research innovations into products and practices that significantly impact building design, construction methods, and the work environment to the benefit of all Canadians. PWGSC has earned national and international recognition for its research in building science and technology – most significantly, in the development of new standards based on its work.

The real property applied research of PWGSC is grouped under four program priorities, described below.

• Energy and Sustainability: Comprehensive research is needed to save energy in buildings and reduce greenhouse gas emissions and other environmental impacts in support of government initiatives.
• Supportive Workplace Environments: A supportive workplace environment means appropriate lighting, heating and cooling levels, managed noise, sense of daylight and good air quality. Research has made a significant difference in the design of the office environment.
• Physical Infrastructure: Research and the implementation of new technologies extend the useful life of buildings by increasing the integrity of their components and systems.
• Integrated Building Performance: New knowledge only becomes valuable when it is applied and takes advantage of all media to make its innovations available to interested users.

Web site: http://www.pwgsc.gc.ca/realproperty/text/index-e.html

Contact

Director
Innovations and Solutions Directorate
Tel.: (819) 956-3423
Fax: (819) 956-3875

PWGSC
Portage III, 8B1, 11 Laurier Street
Gatineau, Quebec
K1A 0S5

Eligibility

You must have received a doctoral degree in the natural sciences or engineering from a recognized university within the past five years. Your application will be accepted if you are currently enrolled in a doctoral program at a recognized university; however, you must expect to complete all requirements for your degree (including the thesis defence) within six months of submitting your application. You will not be allowed to take up your award until confirmation of completion of degree requirements is received. You may hold only one Visiting Fellowship.

There are no restrictions on the nationality of applicants, but awards are subject to a citizenship quota: two-thirds of awards must be made to Canadian citizens or permanent residents. The Department of National Defence can consider applications from Canadian citizens only. Successful candidates who are not Canadians or permanent residents of Canada must satisfy Canadian immigration requirements.

Review Procedures and Selection Criteria

Selection committees, appointed by the individual government departments, will be responsible for the preselection of applicants, recommending only the most meritorious applicants whose names will be placed on the inventory of approved candidates for a Visiting Fellowship in Canadian Government Laboratories. Applicants will be informed by NSERC, whether their names have been placed on the inventory, three months after receipt of a complete application. (Note: Candidates should be aware that placement on the inventory does not guarantee a fellowship; it is a preliminary requirement only.)

Approved candidates to be offered a fellowship will be selected by the individual government departments. Successful applicants will be notified by NSERC or by the interested government department. The names of the approved candidates will remain on the inventory for one full year or until they are offered a fellowship.

The selection committee will rate the applications according to the following criteria:

• academic excellence
  • scholarships and awards held;
  • duration of previous studies;
• research ability or potential
  • quality of contributions to research and development;
  • relevant work experience and academic training;
  • critical ability; capacity for critical thought and analysis;
  • ability to apply skills and knowledge;
  • judgement, originality, and curiosity;
  • initiative and autonomy;
  • enthusiasm for research;
  • determination and ability to complete projects within an appropriate period of time;
• communication skills
  • ability or potential to communicate scientific concepts clearly and logically in written and oral formats (e.g., quality of presentation of application, participation in the preparation of publications, special awards for oral presentations or papers);
• interpersonal and leadership abilities
  • professional and relevant extracurricular interactions and collaborations (e.g., mentoring, teaching, supervisory experience, project management, chairing committees, organizing conferences/meetings, and elected positions held);
• justification for location of tenure
• potential benefits to the government department