The need for new technologies, sustainability and new research means that international co-operation is more important than ever.
The seventh volume of our Canada and Horizon Europe special focus publications explores how Canada’s leading researchers and institutions are using Horizon funding to address the world’s most pressing challenges.
The edition features five thought-provoking articles that explore how cross-country collaboration and partnerships are redefining the global ecosystem in various critical sectors, including nuclear energy, sustainability, artificial intelligence, and a circular economy.
Throughout the publication, you’ll learn how Canada’s deepening relationship with Horizon Europe is accelerating its already well-defined research and innovation landscape.
A strategic collaboration with global impact
Horizon Europe, the European Union’s flagship research and innovation programme, is the largest of its kind worldwide, with a budget exceeding €95 billion.
Canada’s formal association with this initiative goes far beyond diplomacy – it opens the door to substantial funding opportunities, international research collaborations, and shared scientific advancement.
As Canadian universities, provinces, and tech leaders increasingly align with Horizon Europe’s objectives, the results are already taking shape on the ground.
Whether it’s pioneering battery technologies in British Columbia or advancing next-generation nuclear science in Ontario, Canadian contributions are helping to drive innovation on a global scale.
This special focus publication highlights the concrete impacts of these partnerships – and explores where Canada’s involvement could deliver even greater value in the years ahead.
Here’s what to expect:
Canada’s Horizon Europe Roadshow: Innovation on the road
In today’s interconnected world, collaboration in research and innovation is crucial for addressing global challenges and advancing our collective understanding.
ISED’s nationwide set out to inform and equip researchers with the tools needed to engage in international research partnerships and funding opportunities.
To learn more, The Innovation Platform spoke with ISED about the roadshow, its highlights, and its outcomes for the programme.
Accelerating nuclear innovation through the Brilliant Energy Institute at Ontario Tech
As new nuclear projects are proposed across the country, there is a growing demand for research, innovation, and workforce development.
Ontario Tech University excels in nuclear and clean energy research and innovation through its Brilliant Energy Institute, which holds Canada’s only accredited nuclear engineering programme and an IAEA Collaborating Centre designation.
In this article, the organisation discusses BEI’s nuclear portfolio, which includes projects on innovative nuclear energy systems and technologies, system modelling, and digital trust, including cybersecurity and artificial intelligence (AI) for nuclear security.
Building a greener, circular economy with a multi-disciplinary synergy
As the world realises the urgent need for sustainable practices across the board, the University of British Columbia’s Okanagan campus (UBCO) stands at the forefront, with its Green Construction Research and Training Centre (GCRTC) and Materials and Manufacturing Research Institute (MMRI) leading the charge in transforming the built environment with state-of-the-art materials and approaches.
Through creative research, innovative training, and strategic partnerships, the GCRTC and MMRI are not only addressing the critical environmental impact of the construction industry with cutting-edge research at the interface of basic and applied sciences, but are also advocating for a robust circular economy R&D framework.
The Horizon’s Academy’s role in the Horizon Europe Roadshow
Further building on the importance of the Horizon Europe Roadshow, Maurizio Toscano, Horizon Academy Project Coordinator, spoke about the Horizon Academy’s participation in the roadshow and their takeaways from the event.
In March 2025, the Horizon Academy joined other representatives from the European Union, along with ISED, on the roadshow to help educate Canadian researchers on the benefits and opportunities offered by Canada’s partnership with the Horizon Europe programme.
RSRI: Building collaborative innovation projects in Québec
Québec has a rich history of research and innovation, marked by groundbreaking contributions in fields such as aerospace, biotechnology, and artificial intelligence, supported by world-class institutions and a strong culture of scientific excellence.
RSRI is supporting Québec organisations to connect, animate, support, fund, manage, communicate, and disseminate information about collaborative projects between industry and public research centres based throughout the province.
Advancing a global research network
Canada’s expanding partnership with Horizon Europe is unlocking new pathways for international collaboration, knowledge sharing, and groundbreaking innovation.
This special edition highlights the pioneers who are pushing the boundaries of research across Europe and Canada, demonstrating how joint efforts can address today’s most pressing global challenges.
Research knows no borders – and Canada’s engagement with Horizon Europe reflects a shared commitment to building a more connected, resilient, and forward-thinking world through scientific cooperation.
Click here to read and download the full publication for free.
