Grants and Contributions

The aim of this project is to develop vertebra automatic segmentation and identification tools, in two different modalities: (1) pre-operative MRI scans and (2) per-operative surface scans. For (1), we will exploit existing public (open-source) spine MRI/CT datasets to train a convolutional neural network (CNN) for the task of segmentation. In contrast with existing methods, we will focus on combining local vertebra receptive fields with global spinal structure in a multiscale CNN framework. For (2), the goal is to segment and identify the level of the vertebra in a textured 3D point cloud of the surgical field of view. Since 3D point clouds are unstructured (no regular grid) in nature, we will explore graphical convolutional networks for the task of semantic segmentation.
The pre-operative and per-operative 3D spinal segmentations could then be used to track the spine during the surgery and to assist surgeons in the realignment of the spine.

One critical stage for Canola production is robust seedling establishment which is directly influenced by seed vigor, the innate capacity for germination and strong seedling growth. This collaborative project between NRC and Univ. of Saskatchewan scientists aims to develop technologies to precisely assess seed quality and seedling vigor in Canola. We will define “seed age” with molecular markers and digital imaging, and perform transcriptome analysis on germinating seeds differing in vigor. In support of this project, the Univ. of Saskatchewan laboratory will develop molecular tools to define seed quality, use a digital imaging-based system established by the NRC laboratory to phenotype seed germination and seedling growth, and provide assistance to the NRC lab on transcriptome analysis. This work will help to identify key factors for strong seed vigor and seedling establishment.

The project adopts the Validation of Acquired Experience (VAE) approach, which recognizes the knowledge and skills that women have acquired throughout their life and in their everyday work, to make it easier for them to access training programs tailored to their needs.

Project activities include: (1) developing and delivering technical and vocational training programs in growing sectors, based on the VAE approach and tailored to the needs of some of the most vulnerable and marginalized women; (2) supporting the selected women as they develop their businesses, market their products and join the workforce; (3) training the instructors, directors and officers of ministries involved in gender equality so they can provide more effective support to the selected women; (4) conducting outreach, advocacy and promotion activities related to the role of women in the economic and social development of communities; and (5) supporting collaboration and networking with economic associations to promote women’s participation.

This project aims to improve the well being of the most vulnerable children, particularly young girls and adolescent girls, by supporting the relaunch and improving the quality of essential services in health, nutrition, education and child protection that have been delayed or disrupted in the wake of the COVID 19 pandemic. The project also aims to reduce gender inequalities and support the empowerment of women and girls to increase their resilience to crises and strengthen their role at the social, economic and community level. Finally, the project improves the planning, management, coordination and collaborative response associated with the current crisis, while laying the groundwork for the more effective management of future crises.

Project activities include: (1) building staff capacity and strengthening health, education and child protection structures and facilities through training, the supply of equipment, and the procurement and distribution of essential nutritional inputs; (2) implementing special measures to respond to the specific challenges caused by the pandemic, such as financial support to address the risk of children dropping out of school, supporting children to return to school, and the civil registration of undeclared children; (3) strengthening the skills and resilience of women and girls to participate in and lead initiatives that focus on civic engagement, advocating for their rights, entrepreneurship and decision making within their communities; and (4) strengthening the intra- and inter sectoral structures and mechanisms for evidence-based decision making at the central and decentralized levels, taking into account gender dimensions in order to better respond to the challenges that have been exacerbated by the health crisis.

January 2021 – The International Committee of the Red Cross’ (ICRC) primary mission is to help protect the lives and dignity of people affected by conflict and other situations of violence. The ICRC provides assistance and works to prevent further suffering by promoting and strengthening international humanitarian law and universal humanitarian principles. The ICRC works with local Red Cross and Red Crescent national society staff and volunteers to implement its protection and assistance programmes worldwide.

With the support of GAC and other donors, the ICRC’s 2021 humanitarian operations in Africa aim to provide protection, emergency relief and other essential services to people affected by armed conflict and other situations of violence, as well as to promote respect for international humanitarian law. This funding supports activities aimed at responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, that bolster health care and physical rehabilitation services, and help communities build their resilience to the effects of violence. Project activities include: (1) protecting and assisting people affected by conflict and violence, through providing medical care, income support, and food assistance; (2) ensuring that international humanitarian law is respected in the treatment of civilians not taking part in hostilities, as well as for detainees; and (3) ) increasing technical, financial and material assistance to respond to the COVID-19 outbreak and deliver health services.

This project aims to o accelerate the development of vaccines against prominent epidemic and pandemic threat pathogens and ensure equitable access for affected population during outbreaks.

Modern drug development relies on the preparation of important “chiral” building blocks. One strategy to access such molecules in a green and sustainable manner is to exploit enzyme biocatalysts. However, such catalysts often evolved to preform chemical reactions on very specific structures. To overcome such limitations for chemical synthesis, directed evolution of enzymes will be explored. An important goal will be to evolve enzymes that can link molecules with photoactive motifs. The transformation of molecules using light is a green and sustainable technology. Through the development of novel enzymes, the preparation of high value molecules can be streamlined and made environmentally friendly through tandem biocatalytic and photocatalytic processes.

The Habitat StewardshipProgram (HSP) contributes to the recovery of endangered, threatened, and other species of concern, by engaging Canadians in conservation actions to benefit wildlife to protect aquaticspecies at risk.

To support the participation of Indigenous peoples in activities relating to theconservation and protection of fish and fish habitat, including the development of theDepartment of Fisheries and Oceans' (DFO) policies, program elements and regulationsand the development of their technical capacity to support greater involvement in the conservation and protection of fish and fish habitat.

Grassland Conservation Markets Extension Program