Automotive and Surface Transportation (AST) Research Centre

The Automotive and Surface Transportation (AST) Research Centre at Canada’s National Research Council (NRC) focuses on advancing sustainable, safe, and innovative ground transportation systems.

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

Established in 2012 through the integration of automotive and transportation expertise across NRC, the centre bridges material sciences, vehicle engineering, and intelligent transportation. Its work spans electrification, lightweight materials, connected and autonomous vehicle technologies, and sustainable mobility solutions for both road and rail systems.

Researchers benefit from unique facilities such as the Manufacturing and Automotive Innovation Hub in London (ON), the Aluminum Technology Centre in Saguenay (QC), and specialized testing environments for vehicle dynamics, structural performance, and climatic conditions.

AST collaborates extensively with industry, government, and academia, providing a fertile environment for applied research, prototyping, and technology validation in areas central to Canada’s clean transportation future.

Learn more!

Expertise in Data Science and AI

Usage of advanced modeling and simulation tools for vehicle dynamics, structural integrity, and rail–track interactions
Development of digital twins and predictive maintenance systems for vehicles and infrastructure
Integration of AI and machine learning into intelligent transportation systems, including connected and autonomous vehicles
Data-driven approaches to optimize manufacturing processes, productivity, and lightweighting strategies
Application of computational models to support electrification technologies, battery performance analysis, and low-emission transport design

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.