NRC — Canadian Astronomy Data Centre - Research Facility
Last Update: July 22, 2025
BC, Canada
Astronomical data research facility in Victoria
NRC — Canadian Astronomy Data Centre - Research Facility at a glance
Eligible Funding
- No Condition
Timeline
- Continuous Intakes
Financing Type
Researchers And Facilities
Eligible Industries
- Information and cultural industries
- Professional, scientific and technical services
- Educational services
Grant Providers
- National Research Council Canada (NRC)
- Government of Canada
Status
Open
Overview of the NRC — Canadian Astronomy Data Centre - Research Facility program
Large-scale scientific computing infrastructure, as well as specialized astronomy and data management expertise to enable new astronomical discoveries.
Eligible projects & activities
This grant supports activities related to the management and processing of large astronomical data sets using advanced computing and cloud technologies. Eligible projects include the development and integration of data services, as well as fostering partnerships within the research community.
- Development of sophisticated tools for astronomical data mining, processing, and distribution.
- Integration of cloud computing capabilities with existing data management systems.
- Collaboration with research networks like CANFAR for enhanced virtualization of astronomical data resources.
- Design of generic cloud and data services for community-specific functionalities.
- Transition of data storage infrastructure to national platforms like Compute Canada.
Examples of admissible projects:
$ 520,000
Enhancing data visualization capabilities for next-generation telescope data
$ 960,000
Partnership with cloud service providers for scalable astronomical data processing
$ 600,000
Development of cloud-based tools for real-time astronomical data analysis
$ 800,000
Creation of a high-performance computing cluster for astronomical data analysis
$ 400,000
Implementation of an advanced data storage system for astronomical data archives
$ 720,000
Integration of machine learning techniques for advanced astronomical data mining
Eligibility criteria of the NRC — Canadian Astronomy Data Centre - Research Facility program
Who is eligible?
Astronomy research institutions, universities, and organizations involved in data-intensive scientific computing within Canada are the primary applicants for this grant. They must be aligned with the CADC's focus on astronomical data management and cloud-based research initiatives.
Who is not eligible
There are some types of companies that are not eligible for this grant. Specifically, companies operating outside of the astronomy and data-intensive scientific computing fields may not qualify.
- Companies in industries not related to astronomy or data-intensive scientific computing.
- Non-Canadian companies.
Eligible expenses
This grant is targeted at expanding the scientific capabilities and collaborative reach of the Canadian Astronomy Data Centre (CADC). Eligible activities include projects that enhance data processing infrastructure, develop partnerships with other research institutions, and facilitate advanced astronomical research.
- Development and integration of high-performance cloud computing infrastructure for data-intensive astronomy research.
- Collaborative projects with the Canadian Advanced Network For Astronomical Research (CANFAR) and Compute Canada to establish a cloud ecosystem supporting astronomy data management.
- Transition of CADC hardware and data storage services to national advanced computing infrastructure as part of the CADC-CANFAR-Compute Canada Transition Project (C3TP).
- Creating tools and software frameworks to enhance the research capacities of Canadian and international astronomers.
Eligibility criteria of the NRC — Canadian Astronomy Data Centre - Research Facility program
The Canadian Astronomy Data Centre does not provide specific evaluation and selection criteria for grants.
How to apply to the NRC — Canadian Astronomy Data Centre - Research Facility program
1
Registration and Access
- Create an account on the Canadian Astronomy Data Centre (CADC) platform if not already registered.
- Access the online portal for grant applications provided by the CADC or affiliated organization.
2
Application Preparation
- Draft a comprehensive proposal detailing your project objectives, methodology, and expected impact in the field of astronomy.
- Gather supporting documents such as organizational credentials, past research achievements, and any partnership details.
- Prepare a detailed budget outlining the financial requirements for your project.
3
Review Instructions
- Carefully review the grant guidelines and instructions provided by the CADC to ensure compliance with all requirements.
- Ensure all sections of the application are complete and all necessary documents are included.
4
Submission of Application
- Log into the grant application portal and complete all required fields in the online form.
- Upload all prepared documents, ensuring each meets the specified format and size requirements.
- Submit the completed application before the stipulated deadline.
5
Confirmation of Submission
- Receive an email confirmation that your application has been successfully submitted.
- Print or save a copy of the confirmation for your records.
Additional information
Here are additional relevant details for this grant:
- The Canadian Astronomy Data Centre (CADC) operates in collaboration with the Canadian Space Agency and NRC.
- CADC is part of a global network and supports international collaboration in astronomical research.
- It provides significant resources for large-scale data storage and processing, facilitating research that leads to groundbreaking discoveries.
- CADC transitions from traditional data hosting to an integrated systems provider, emphasizing the use of cloud computing models.
- Partnerships with CANFAR and Compute Canada are crucial for its transition to a cloud-based ecosystem.
Contact National Research Council Canada (NRC)
jj.kavelaars@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca
250-363-8694
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