The Herzberg Astronomy & Astrophysics (HAA) Research Centre at Canada’s National Research Council (NRC) serves as Canada’s gateway to the stars, operating the country’s major observatories and contributing to leading international astronomy initiatives.
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.
Headquartered at the Dominion Astrophysical Observatory (DAO) in Victoria, British Columbia, the center also runs the Dominion Radio Astrophysical Observatory (DRAO) near Penticton. Its role spans from fundamental astrophysical research — such as exoplanets, star and galaxy formation, transient phenomena, and cosmology — to advanced instrumentation, observatory operations, and data science.
Researchers and collaborators have access to optical and radio telescopes, adaptive optics systems, radio receivers and correlators, large-scale scientific computing via the Canadian Astronomy Data Centre (CADC), and opportunities in offshore and international observatories. With strong collaboration across academia, industry, and global consortia, the centre is ideal for research combining scientific discovery, technical innovation, and instrumentation development in astrophysics.
Expertise in Data Science and AI
- Data archiving, mining and large dataset processing through the CADC, enabling efficient access, storage, and distribution of astronomical data
- Use of digital signal processing, machine learning and controls in instrumentation, radio astronomy, and telescope operations
- Modeling and analysis for astrophysical phenomena – galaxy evolution, transient sources, proto-planetary disks, and exoplanet detection
- Simulation and algorithm development for adaptive optics, spectrographs, correlators and high-contrast imaging systems
- Integration of large-scale computing infrastructure and ethical, open data practices; supporting transparency, reproducibility, and access for Canadian and international astronomy communities
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 three-month 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 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.
Further information about the application process can be found here.
Contact
If you have any questions about the Canada Mobility Program or our other research stay offerings, please don’t hesitate to contact us at any time.
Stefanie Gruber-Sliva
Networks & Mobility Program Manager
Contact
