Overview

The Networks of Centres of Excellence plays an important role in mobilizing some of the best research talent found in Canadian academia, and engaging their partners in the private, government and not-for-profit sectors.

The centres and networks of the NCE have steadily helped to create the right environment for industry and government to invest in. In an average year, the Networks of Centres of Excellence leverages additional cash and in-kind contributions of almost $71 million from partners, creates eight spin-off companies, files over 100 patents and obtains close to 50 licenses. Since the inception of the Networks of Centres of Excellence in 1989, over 100 companies have spun off from NCE supported research. In addition, NCE centres and networks contribute to the development of more than 6,000 highly qualified professionals, including researchers, research associates, postdoctoral fellows, graduate and summer students, as well as technicians.

Furthermore, the Networks of Centres of Excellence builds on the sustained investment made by Industry Canada and the granting agencies: the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council, the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council. Their support has been central to building research excellence and supporting high-quality training in Canadian post-secondary institutions. The initiative also capitalizes on the infrastructure support and R&D personnel provided by academia that are enabling the centres and networks to forge innovative partnerships.

The Networks of Centres of Excellence programs and partners have developed multi-disciplinary, multi-sectoral research programs that contribute to advancing knowledge and public policies in areas as diverse as engineering and manufacturing, health, human development and biotechnology, information and communications technologies, as well as natural resources, the environment and water quality.