Table of Contents

• From the President
• Science at Work for Canada
• NRC at a Glance
• A Force for Canadian R&D
• A Valued Partner to Industry
• Sparking Innovation in Canadian Communities
• NRC at Work on the World Stage
• Highlights of 2005-2006
• The Way Forward – NRC's Roadmap for 2007-2011

NRC was established to provide the research, expertise and facilities needed to help Canadian industry grow. It was also mandated to address the nation's most critical issues through R&D, helping Canada forge ahead in key sectors of the economy. Today, NRC has state-of-the-art research facilities located across Canada. With research focused on life sciences, physical sciences and engineering, NRC translates discoveries and technological advances into value and a better quality of life for Canadians.

Biotechnologies for Health and the Environment

In Montréal, NRC performs leading-edge R&D in biochemical engineering and molecular-level biology, serving the pharmaceutical and environmental industries. Our biotechnology research program focuses on new strategies for treating diseases, preventing and cleaning up pollution, and developing new bioprocesses.

Innovative Diagnostic and Medical Devices

In Winnipeg, NRC develops medical devices and technologies to quickly and accurately diagnose health conditions such as cancer, stroke and cardiovascular disease. We focus primarily on the diagnostic use of magnetic resonance and infrared spectroscopy, and work with university, industry and other partners to commercialize advanced medical devices.

Therapeutics to Combat Debilitating Diseases

In Ottawa, NRC conducts innovative research in biological sciences to reduce the impact of age-related and infectious diseases. Our research program focuses primarily on neurodegenerative diseases such as stroke, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, and vaccines and immunotherapies against infectious diseases. We collaborate with industry, universities, hospitals, and other R&D organizations to transfer health-related technology to Canadian and multinational firms.

Discoveries Supporting Marine Life

In Halifax, NRC is investigating marine life — from the genome to the whole organism. Our multidisciplinary approach targets three core areas: aquaculture, natural marine toxins, and advanced research technologies. Our expertise includes analytical chemistry, bioinformatics, finfish and shellfish health and nutrition, functional genomics, metabolomics and proteomics. Our objective is to help Canada protect and enhance marine life while drawing benefits from it.

Natural Compounds for Better Health

In Charlottetown, NRC is determining how bioactive compounds found in nature can be used to improve human and animal health. The research program focuses on the role that natural compounds could play in treating neurological disorders, obesity-related disorders, infection and immunity.

Improved Crops and Nutraceuticals

In Saskatoon, NRC performs R&D to increase Canada's crop production and improve plant stock for nutraceuticals. Our main objective is to develop disease-resistant, higher-yield varieties of crops that will thrive in Canada's climate and increase revenues for Canadian farmers. Another of our objectives is to help Canada become a world leader in developing plant-based pharmaceuticals and natural health products.