NRC Institute for Nutrisciences and Health (NRC-INH)

(Charlottetown, P.E.I.)

Science and Nature – Combining Forces to Improve Health

In July 2003, the National Research Council (NRC) in collaboration with the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), the Province of Prince Edward Island and the University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI) announced the establishment of the NRC Institute for Nutrisciences and Health (NRC-INH).

The multi-partner nature of the announcement was a direct reflection of the collaborative, community-based origins of the Institute. The roots of NRC-INH lie in an extensive road mapping exercise that involved all of the contributing partners as well as industry representation. 

Two researchers in a NRC-INH lab

Research at NRC-INH serves Canada and local communities by focusing on the role that naturally-occurring compounds (bioactives) found primarily in renewable plant- and marine-based resources can play in optimizing health. NRC-INH scientists are involved in identifying these compounds and determining how they can be used to improve the health of humans and animals, with a special emphasis on disease prevention. They will also study the role that genetics plays in producing varying nutritional and health outcomes.

Key research areas include:

• Neurological disorders
• Obesity-related disorders
• Infection and immunity-related disorders

NRC-INH builds upon existing strengths in nutrisciences and health research in the region. True to the cluster concept, NRC-INH researchers link to NRC institutes across Canada as well as existing local research programs at UPEI, other government agencies and the private sector. NRC-INH interacts with related programs globally to leverage resources and otherwise maximize the benefits of collaboration.

Due to its multi-disciplinary, collaborative approach to research, the NRC-INH is positioned to make important contributions to global scientific activity in the field of nutrisciences and health and to the growth and competitiveness of Canada's research and development sector.

Construction of the 50,000 square foot facility, to be located on the UPEI campus will begin in fall 2004 with projected completion in early 2006. It is being designed to house leading-edge equipment and to maximize interaction and collaboration among the teams of highly skilled research professionals including NRC and university researchers, undergraduate and graduate students, research technicians, and visiting scientists. Industrial partnership space will also be available within the building. At full complement, the Institute will house approximately 80-100 individuals (research and research support.)