Canada stands out as a global research destination known for its excellence in science, innovation and a fore-runner in information and data science. Discover this dynamic research environment with HIDA!
A Strong Canadian Research Network
Canada offers a vibrant ecosystem of world-class universities, government laboratories, and cutting-edge research institutions that foster interdisciplinary exchange and technological progress. Backed by strong public investment and an open, international research culture, Canada provides outstanding conditions for researchers seeking to engage in pioneering projects and access state-of-the-art infrastructure across a wide range of fields.
Through the cooperation between HIDA and the National Research Council of Canada (NRC), Helmholtz researchers can now undertake research stays of up to three months at NRC’s renowned research centers across Canada.
Benefits of the Canada Mobility Program
- Conduct research for up to three months at one of Canada’s leading research centers
- Collaborate with Canadian experts in your field or launch new interdisciplinary projects
- Benefit from access to cutting-edge infrastructure, international research networks, and new impulses for innovation at your Helmholtz Center
Our Partners in Canada
The National Research Council of Canada (NRC) operates a network of 12 research centres across the country, covering a wide variety of fields: aerospace, aquatic and crop resources, automotive and surface transportation, clean energy innovation, construction, digital technologies, astronomy and astrophysics, human health therapeutics, medical devices, metrology, ocean, coastal and river engineering, and quantum and nanotechnologies, among others.
The NRC’s mission is to have an impact by advancing knowledge, applying leading-edge technologies, and working with innovators to find creative, relevant, and sustainable solutions to today’s and tomorrow’s economic, social, and environmental challenges.
Aerospace Reseach Centre
Aerospace Reseach Centre
The Aerospace Research Centre is Canada’s leading institution for aerospace innovation.
As a national research center, it combines excellent engineering, systems, and data research in aerospace with industrial application — with direct relevance for data science, autonomous systems, and sustainable mobility.
Aquatic and Crop Resource Development (ACRD) Research Centre
Aquatic and Crop Resource Development (ACRD) Research Centre
The Aquatic and Crop Resource Development Research Centre is a state-of-the-art research and technology facility in Canada dedicated to the sustainable use and advancement of land- and water-based bioresources.
The centre combines interdisciplinary expertise in biotechnology, bioinformatics, analytics, and process development — with direct relevance for data science, agricultural technology, marine biotechnology, and the bioeconomy.
Automotive and Surface Transportation (AST) Research Centre
Automotive and Surface Transportation (AST) Research Centre
The Automotive and Surface Transportation (AST) Research Centre is a leading research and technology organization in Canada in the field of vehicle and ground transportation systems.
The centre combines technology, systems, and data research for the automotive and transportation sectors — with direct relevance for data science, smart manufacturing, autonomous systems, sustainable mobility, and digitalization in transportation.
Clean Energy Innovation Research Centre
Clean Energy Innovation Research Centre
The Clean Energy Innovation Research Centre is a research and technology facility, focused on accelerating the clean energy transition in Canada.
It combines excellent materials, energy, and systems research with data-driven methods — with direct relevance for data science, sustainable technologies, and industrial decarbonization.
Construction Research Centre
Construction Research Centre
The Construction Research Centre (CRC) is a leading research institution in Canada specializing in the technological, digital, and sustainable transformation of the construction and infrastructure sectors.
The centre combines expertise in systems, materials, data, and digitalization — with direct relevance for data science in the building and infrastructure life-cycle context.
Digital Technologies Research Centre
Digital Technologies Research Centre
The Digital Technologies Research Centre (DT) is a central research institution in Canada specializing in digital technologies such as AI, data analytics, cybersecurity, speech and image processing, as well as quantum and IoT technologies.
It integrates fundamental and applied research with strong links to industry, government, and societal applications — with direct relevance for data-science profiles.
Herzberg Astronomy & Astrophysics (HAA) Research Centre
Herzberg Astronomy & Astrophysics (HAA) Research Centre
The Herzberg Astronomy & Astrophysics Research Centre (HAA) is Canada’s leading institution for astronomy and astrophysics.
With two locations — the Dominion Astrophysical Observatory (DAO) in Victoria and the Dominion Radio Astrophysical Observatory (DRAO) near Penticton, British Columbia — as well as leadership or participation in several major international telescope and data projects, the centre provides an excellent platform for data-intensive research.
Human Health Therapeutics (HHT) Research Centre
Human Health Therapeutics (HHT) Research Centre
The Human Health Therapeutics Research Centre (HHT) is a leading institution focused on the development of biological therapeutics, vaccines, and cell and gene therapies.
With one of the largest research and development teams for biologics in Canada, the centre works closely with industry, hospitals, academia, and government.
Metrology Research Centre
Metrology Research Centre
The Metrology Research Centre (MRC) is Canada’s national metrology institution and serves as the foundation for reliable measurement and calibration services as well as measurement standards.
Through its research and services in high-precision measurement technology, the centre supports industry, government, and the research community — with significant relevance for data science and data-driven technologies.
Ocean, Coastal and River Engineering Research Centre
Ocean, Coastal and River Engineering Research Centre
The Ocean, Coastal and River Engineering Research Centre is a major research institution
Its focus is on engineering solutions for the maritime sector as well as inland and coastal waters — with a strong emphasis on resilience to extreme environmental conditions and data-driven approaches.
Quantum & Nanotechnologies Research Centre
Quantum & Nanotechnologies Research Centre
The Quantum & Nanotechnologies Research Centre is a leading research institution at the intersection of quantum sciences, nanotechnology, materials research, and innovative information and sensor technologies.
The centre combines fundamental research with applied technology development — with direct relevance for data science, simulation, multiscale modeling, and the analysis of complex quantum and nanoscale data.
How to Apply
- Step 1: First, contact the NRC International Office (contact person: Terrie Romano: munic.nrc-cnrc@international.gc.ca) to discuss the possibility of a research stay. This ensures that your planned stay aligns with the relevant research areas.
- Step 2: Next, reach out to a research group at one of the NRC institutes in Canada to plan the details of your stay. If you are unsure which research group might be suitable for you, you may also consult the NRC International Office for guidance.
- Step 3: Submit your application through the following application portal.
- Step 4: Your application will be reviewed by a selection committee, and you will receive a notification regarding the outcome of your funding decision.
You can find more details about the application process here!
Contact
You have questions on the Canada Mobility Program? Please contact us, we are happy to help!
Stefanie Gruber-Sliva
Networks & Mobility Program Manager
Contact
