Human Health Therapeutics (HHT) Research Centre - Helmholtz Information & Data Science Academy

The Human Health Therapeutics (HHT) Research Centre at Canada’s National Research Council (NRC) is focused on accelerating the development of innovative biologics — from discovery through to clinical trials.

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

Its mandate includes designing, developing, and producing biologics such as vaccines, multifunctional antibodies, and cell & gene therapies to address emerging infections, cancer, neurological diseases, and other complex health challenges. Researchers at HHT have access to advanced facilities for preclinical R&D, bioprocess engineering, analytics, GMP-compliant clinical material production, and in-vivo/in-vitro testing.

HHT works closely with industry, academia, hospitals, public health networks, and government to translate discoveries into therapies and support Canada’s biomanufacturing capabilities. One of Canada’s largest biologics R&D teams, it plays a key role in enabling SMEs, policy-relevant innovation, and public health readiness (e.g. antimicrobial resistance, vaccines for underserved populations).

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Expertise in Data Science and AI

Usage of genomics, functional screening (e.g. CRISPR/Cas, single-cell analytics) and bioinformatics for target discovery, biomarkers, and validation.
Analytical modelling and process scale-up for biomanufacturing, including modelling of cell culture, vector production, and antibody engineering.
Real-time monitoring, high throughput analytics and quality control in biologics production, supporting GMP-compliance.
Simulation and in-vivo/in-vitro data modelling for assessing safety, efficacy, and pharmacokinetics/dynamics of novel therapies.
AI-enabled approaches to accelerate vaccine readiness (e.g. emerging infections), antimicrobial resistance tracking, and design of personalized or off-the-shelf biologics.

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.

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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.