Grants and Contributions

The project aims to improve food production in space by developing a compact, low-power “root-zone lab” that uses engineered capillarity instead of gravity-dependent plumbing for water and nutrient delivery. By leveraging additive manufacturing, all capillary features are integrated into a single efficient part, reducing mass, volume, leaks, and assembly complexity. Real-time monitoring of nutrient balance and root zone stress is achieved through printed organic electrochemical transistor (OECT) based sensors. The project involves bench and clinostat testing of fluidics, staged biology experiments, and comparison with traditional pumped systems to optimize plant outcomes. The main deliverables are a flight-relevant, 3D-printable module with replaceable sensors, offering a reliable solution for space missions and a plug-in, cost-effective monitoring system for terrestrial applications. Additionally, the initiative will provide multidisciplinary training in materials engineering and plant stress biology for six trainees.

This project aims to study flares from Sgr A*, the supermassive black hole at the center of the Milky Way, using JWST/MIRI and Chandra. By characterizing mid-IR spectral changes and X-ray emission, the observations will distinguish between flare models, probe accretion processes, and reveal the physical conditions near our closest supermassive black hole.

This project will develop a compact biosensing system, optimized and validated for space mission conditions, to deliver non-invasive, real-time, and high-fidelity health monitoring while providing students with hands-on experience in payload development, microfluidics, and optical sensing. The envisioned system integrates three state-of-the-art hardware innovations into a compact, reliable, and modular platform: an automated microfluidic unit for hands-free saliva collection, processing, and culture-free preconcentration in microgravity; a consumable Molecularly Imprinted Polymer (MIP) module for stable, selective biomarker capture; and an ultra-sensitive photothermal transducer for amplifying biomarker signals to detect ultra-low concentrations. The system’s software enables Internet-of-Things connectivity, enhanced with AI-driven predictive analytics, delivering results within minutes for intelligent, real-time health monitoring and decision support in space. The project will target three biomarkers relevant to proactive health management in space: cortisol, a stress hormone; IL-6, an inflammatory cytokine linked to immune dysregulation; and 8-OHdG, a marker of DNA oxidative damage associated with radiation exposure. Beyond astronaut health, the technology enables point-of-care diagnostics in remote and Arctic communities, strengthening healthcare resilience and reinforcing Canada’s leadership in space and terrestrial medical innovation.

The Breaking Barriers retrofit project will enhance the energy efficiency and accessibility of the ACB Wellness Resource Centre. The project includes building upgrades to reduce environmental impacts and operating costs, as well as accessibility improvements such as barrier‑free access and inclusive building features. These enhancements will ensure safe, accessible access to community services offered at the centre, including its food bank and related supports.

The John Rhodes Community Centre Retrofit Project will upgrade the facility to improve energy efficiency and accessibility. The project includes building improvements to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and operating costs, as well as accessibility enhancements within the arena to ensure inclusive use of community spaces. These upgrades will support continued community programming and improve access to recreational facilities for residents of all ages and abilities.

To support the federal government’s commitment to maintain a strong and effective publicly funded health care system through investments in emerging and demonstrated innovations in priority areas, such as palliative and end-of-life care, home and community care, mental health care and other federal, provincial-territorial and emerging priorities.

The objective of this AO is to support Canadian students to participate in national and international space conferences and training events that will offer them the opportunity to learn about and be involved in the latest developments in space science and technology, to develop their professional network, and in some cases, present their research results at the national and international level.

The objective of this AO is to support Canadian students to participate in national and international space conferences and training events that will offer them the opportunity to learn about and be involved in the latest developments in space science and technology, to develop their professional network, and in some cases, present their research results at the national and international level.

The objective of this AO is to support Canadian students to participate in national and international space conferences and training events that will offer them the opportunity to learn about and be involved in the latest developments in space science and technology, to develop their professional network, and in some cases, present their research results at the national and international level.

The objective of this AO is to support Canadian students to participate in national and international space conferences and training events that will offer them the opportunity to learn about and be involved in the latest developments in space science and technology, to develop their professional network, and in some cases, present their research results at the national and international level.