About Northern Research

Canada’s North is a socially, economically and strategically vital area. Covering half of the country’s landmass, but containing only one percent of its population, the North faces unique challenges related to such issues as resource development, increased self-government and land claims settlements. More recently, climate change, which has its greatest impact on the North, has become an increasingly important issue. Conducting research in the North can yield invaluable information about the causes and impacts of climate change, the movement of pollution, the importance of biodiversity and other issues of importance to Canadians.

In response to concerns about inadequate research capacity in the North, NSERC has made major investments in northern research this past decade through a variety of programs (see the NSERC Northern Research Report for more information). The most recent initiative came in the context of Canada’s contribution to the International Polar Year (IPY), which ended in March, 2009. In addition to its ongoing support for northern research, NSERC administered more than $30 million of the federal government’s $98 million in IPY research funding.

With the IPY officially concluded, the next steps in northern research are under way. NSERC is currently developing a Northern Research Strategy, which is intended to build on the legacy of the IPY and to propose new ways to support northern research. Its goals and priorities are aligned with  Canada’s Northern Strategy, announced by the federal government in August, 2009.

The future of northern research includes exploring the possibility of building a High Arctic Research Station (HARS). The concept received a strong endorsement in 2008 from an expert panel appointed by the Council of Canadian Academies. Indian and Northern Affairs Canada is currently conducting a feasibility study to determine the best location and infrastructure needs for HARS.

Northern research is, by its nature, collaborative, interdisciplinary and international. Canadian researchers work with, and play host to, many colleagues from other countries in an effort to better understand an area that is changing in ways that can affect the whole world.