Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada

is committed to supporting Indigenous research, researchers, and trainees as part of Canada’s ongoing journey of reconciliation, grounded in respect, reciprocity, and collaboration.

Building on the foundation set by NSERC’s strategic plan ( ) and guided by the Tri-agency strategic plan (“Setting new directions to support Indigenous research and research training in Canada”), NSERC works to create inclusive research environments that honour Indigenous knowledge systems and worldviews.

By fostering meaningful partnerships with Indigenous communities and organizations, and increasing the participation of Indigenous researchers and trainees, NSERC strives to supports Indigenous-led research and the co-creation of knowledge. These efforts reflect a continuous commitment to reconciliation, ensuring Indigenous voices shape Canada’s research landscape now and into the future.

Visit our webpage on , which provides comprehensive information on NSERC’s initiatives and support:

▶️ tinyurl.com/5n8hez7u

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A new Newsletter is out!

Get the latest news about programs, activities and more!

Top stories:

- Latest edition of IMPACT;

- New Canada Impact+ Research Training Awards results announcement ($84.3 million over three years);

- NSERC is introducing the tri-agency CV in 2027!
This new format allows researchers to highlight a full range of contributions - from publications to leadership, mentorship, and public impact - providing a more complete view of their work;

- Launch of Alliance Quantum Grants to support Canada’s quantum ecosystem;

- $35 million in funding for 21 new training initiatives through CREATE! This funding will help new researchers develop the skills needed to thrive in Canada’s workforce.

Go read it now! ➡️ tinyurl.com/r378a3ba

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RESEARCH STORY.

Bridging humans and machines in modern agriculture.

Through decades of forward-looking research and sustained support from NSERC, Dr. Mann’s work at the University of Manitoba has helped shape not just the future of agricultural technology, but the mindset of the engineers designing it.

Read the story ▶️ tinyurl.com/5n8jcm48

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Traditional clinical advice has often discouraged caregivers of children from raising them in environments.

Olessia Jouravlev's team at Carleton University (Official) challenges this view by exploring whether may actually enhance communication in people with neurodevelopmental and psychiatric conditions.

Learn more ▶️ tinyurl.com/5dsknjxm

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In the latest issue of IMPACT, learn more about -funded defence and security research that can help protect Canada’s infrastructure, its armed forces and remote communities.

▶️ n4.nserc-impact.ca

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public voting is open!

View the 2026 finalist research images and pick your favorite.
Be warned, this is no easy feat!

▶️ ️tinyurl.com/34n6ewd2


Contest presented by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada.

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Over the last few decades, a new type of has shown promise for powering everything from electric cars to renewable energy systems. All-solid-state sodium-ion batteries could be a safer and more affordable alternative to the lithium-ion batteries used today.

The secret to making these batteries work lies in the , which helps ions move inside the battery. Sulfide-based electrolytes are among the best options because they conduct ions well and are easy to produce.

However, current designs for these batteries have problems: they lose power quickly and don’t store enough energy. This happens because sodium ions are larger than lithium ions, making them harder to move, and the battery’s structure changes during use, causing performance to drop.

Researchers with Western University used our HXMA beamline to study the atomic structure of sulfide-based electrolytes. They hope these insights could help to develop these batteries further.

“If this type of batteries can be designed to hold enough power, they could reduce fire risks, lower costs, and help Canada become a global leader in next-generation battery technology,” said Yang Zhao, an Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering. They are working alongside Yi Yuan, Yi Gan, and Mingrui Yang. This project is funded by NSERC.

Western University Faculty of Engineering - Western University Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada