Aquatic and Crop Resource Development Research Centre

The Aquatic and Crop Resource Development (ACRD) Research Centre at Canada’s National Research Council (NRC) is dedicated to turning Canada’s agricultural and marine resources into innovative, sustainable, high-value products.

About NRC

National Research Council 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.

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 centres across Canada.

Learn more about the Canada Mobility Program

Formed in 2012, it integrates expertise across plant biotechnology, marine biotechnology, and industrial bioprocessing. Its work ranges from developing plant-based proteins and climate-resilient crops to advancing aquaculture and creating value-added products from ocean resources.

Researchers have access to advanced facilities such as algal cultivation systems, DNA sequencing and genotyping platforms, bio-processing labs, zebrafish facilities, and controlled plant growth environments.

The centre maintains strong collaborations with academia, industry, and government, offering an ideal setting for research stays that combine scientific depth, interdisciplinary teamwork, and real-world application in areas such as food security, sustainability, and bio-based innovation.

Learn more!

Expertise in Data Science and AI

Extensive use of genomics, multi-omics, and bioinformatics for modeling plant traits, environmental interactions, and climate adaptation.
High-throughput DNA sequencing and genotyping supported by computational pipelines for large-scale data analysis.
Application of data modeling, simulations, and predictive tools in controlled environment agriculture and aquaculture research.
Focus on computational biology and data management, creating opportunities to integrate AI and machine learning into biological discovery.
Strategic research in agri-food genomics demonstrates how big data and AI approaches are central to future-proofing crops and food systems

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.

Apply now!

Step 4: Your application will be reviewed by a selection committee, and you will receive a notification regarding the outcome of your funding decision.

Further information about the application process can be found here.