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Canada Foundation for Innovation

Canada Foundation for Innovation

Written by: Canada Foundation for Innovation
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 Since 1997, the Canada Foundation for Innovation has invested in infrastructure that researchers need to think big, innovate and push the boundaries of knowledge. State-of-the-art research facilities and equipment increase the capability of Canada’s universities, colleges, research hospitals and non-profit research organizations to carry out high-quality research. This, in turn, helps them to attract and retain the world’s top talent, train the next generation of researchers and support world-class research that strengthens the economy and improves the quality of life for all Canadians. Website: https://www.innovation.caCopyright 2026 Canada Foundation for Innovation Biological Sciences Hygiene & Healthy Living Science
Episodes
  • 10,000 ways | Jan Rainey is untangling the mysteries of spider silks

    10,000 ways | Jan Rainey is untangling the mysteries of spider silks
    May 20 2025
    The Dalhousie University researcher is looking to create synthetic versions of spider's silk that have the potential to help heal damaged nerves and damaged hearts. Researcher Jan Rainey’s curiosity about synthetic fibres began during an undergraduate work term with DuPont. Years later, he heard stories from a fellow researcher that alluded to the amazing properties of spider’s silk. Now he's studying the unique characteristics of spider fibres in hopes of generating synthetic versions that are stronger than bullet-proof Kevlar and body restorative. Drop in, stick around and get trapped in a great science story from a cutting-edge bio-lab. Want to know more? • Jan Rainey’s biography from Dalhousie University • Learn about the fascinating history of Lycra • Explore the history of a most extraordinary textile fibre, spider silk • Cicada recording courtesy of Songofinsects.com
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    24 mins
  • 10,000 ways | Pooneh Maghoul: Working at the forefront of geotechnical engineering

    10,000 ways | Pooneh Maghoul: Working at the forefront of geotechnical engineering
    Mar 24 2025
    (Available only in French) Can our critical infrastructure withstand the effects of climate change? Pooneh Maghoul and her research team are working to make our bridges, roads and other critical infrastructures more resistant to climate change and extreme environments on Earth and in space.  She founded the Sustainable Infrastructure and Geoengineering Lab at Polytechnique Montréal. In this podcast, she explains the complexities of permafrost engineering and shares the most important lesson life has taught her. Some of the additional content for this podcast is only available in French. Read Pooneh Maghoul's biography on the Polytechnique Montréal website; Read the La Presse article: Du permélisol... jusqu'à la Lune! Read the blog post from the school of engineering at Polytechnique Montréal: An earthworm robot ... for the Moon!; Awards and honours: Winner of the prestigious ISSMGE (International Society for Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering) award; Recognized by the Canadian Geotechnical Society
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    21 mins
  • 10,000 ways | Researchers from the University of Saskatchewan are global leaders in pandemic preparedness

    10,000 ways | Researchers from the University of Saskatchewan are global leaders in pandemic preparedness
    Jan 21 2025
    In 2002, German researcher Volker Gerdts relocated to Saskatoon. Cutting-edge vaccine research was the attraction. Now he is at the helm of the Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO) World-renowned infectious disease specialist Volker Gerdts calls himself a “builder” who is carefully assembling a passionate team working to stop disease outbreaks in their tracks. His passion is infectious as he strives to keep people in Canada safe from future pandemics. The Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO), working out of the University of Saskatchewan, is at the frontline of Canada’s pandemic preparedness initiatives. Want to know more? Learn more about VIDO and how it’s helping to build a healthier world Click here if you’re interested in knowing more about immunology and vaccinology Find out how VIDO is working to identify future diseases in order to control and contain initial outbreaks Visit VIDO’s profile on the Research Facilities Navigator to learn more about research and business opportunities
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    24 mins
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