Grants and Contributions

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 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 primary objective of this project is to develop and validate laser-thermal propulsion for spacecraft, leveraging affordable fibre optic lasers and a phased-array system to achieve faster and safe travel to Mars and deep space. Key deliverables include designing and testing a fully integrated thruster system—enhanced by recent breakthroughs in propellant absorption—within a space simulation chamber, engineering a novel inflatable optical concentrator for precise laser energy focusing, and employing high-performance computing to model energy transfer and thrust generation. The project also aims to demonstrate readiness for in-space deployment, with immediate applications in orbit transfer, station-keeping, and debris remediation, while providing hands-on training to students in collaboration with aerospace experts to ensure graduates are proficient in modern spaceflight engineering practices.

The University of Toronto (U of T) will advance Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy through a multifaceted outbound mobility program supporting at least 17 research fellows, 8 PhD students, and 17 master’s students across India, Indonesia, Japan, and South Korea. Leveraging U of T’s deep regional expertise and strategic partnerships, the initiative will foster innovation, regional diplomacy, and technological collaboration in areas such as climate change, energy transitions, and AI. This program’s three key components include PhD and postdoctoral research stays, dual degree programs with the University of Tokyo, and an international entrepreneurship bootcamp with Sungkyunkwan University. Developed in consultation with internal and external stakeholders, the program offers strong value for investment, enhances Canada’s academic presence in the region, and prepares a new generation of experts to contribute to policy, security, and economic development across the Indo-Pacific.

This project will strengthen the resilience of the financial systems of six Latin American and Caribbean beneficiaries against exploitation by North Korean proliferation finance activities. Key activities include: (1) researching and producing training materials tailored to the identified needs of each beneficiary; (2) delivering tailored two-day training sessions to stakeholders in each beneficiary; and (3) conducting follow-up engagements with beneficiaries to monitor how the provided training has been implemented in practice and, if necessary, providing further guidance and tools.

This project aims to provide a youth with work experience and skill development opportunities in the agriculture sector.

This project aims to provide a youth with work experience and skill development opportunities in the agriculture sector.

This project aims to address identified gaps by demonstrating an innovative soil processing and sampling optimization approach that integrates with existing spectroscopy and imaging tools.