2025–2026 Annual Report


 

 
 

A woman wearing safety glasses in a dimly lit lab looks intently at an instrument as she adjusts settings.

Delivering in a defining moment


The world is changing—and Canada is changing with it. The National Research Council of Canada (NRC) was built to help the country meet moments such as these, mobilizing research and innovation to seize opportunities and address Canada's most pressing needs.

In 2025–2026, we sharpened our focus on the areas where our research and innovation could have the greatest impact: from strengthening Canada's defence and security capabilities to giving innovative companies the tools and support they need to find new markets internationally. Through these efforts, we are helping Canada be more resilient, secure, sustainable and prosperous.


Headshot of President Davies.

Message from the President

NRC President Mitch Davies shares his thoughts on the past year

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The NRC at a glance

Facts and statistics on our programs and activities

Highlights and achievements

A look back at some of our accomplishments from 2025–2026

A sleek jet with NRC and Government of Canada logos on the fuselage and tail flies high above the clouds.

Defence and security

Advancing made-in-Canada dual-use technologies to help keep our country safe and secure

A man wearing dark laser safety glasses looks at the camera, with a large out-of-focus device in the background.

Digital, AI and quantum technologies

Continuing Canada's leadership in quantum technologies, artificial intelligence and machine learning

A person wearing PPE swabs a sample in a petri dish, creating a streaking pattern on the bottom of the dish.

Health and biomanufacturing

Advancing new therapies and health technologies

A snowmobiler pulls a utility skid across frozen sea ice, passing in front of a massive iceberg.

Climate change and sustainability

Developing green technologies and solutions to help adapt to the impacts of climate change

An array of many six-metre diameter reflector dishes installed on a grassy clearing and pointing toward the sky.

Foundational research

Contributing to breakthrough discoveries and maintaining Canada's reputation for research excellence

Supporting business innovation

Providing advice and funding to help Canada's small and medium-sized enterprises innovate and grow


A close-up of a gold medal representing excellence at the NRC.

Awards and honours

Recognizing the accomplishments of our people

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NRC leadership

The people who lead the NRC