Neutrons Canada Welcomes Recommendations for Implementing the Major Research Facility Policy

Neutrons Canada welcomes recommendations from experts in operating Major Research Facilities (MRF) regarding the implementation of the Government of Canada’s new decision-making framework for MRFs that are strategic to the country’s long-term socioeconomic success.

The expert report, which includes 17 recommendations, stems from a session at the 2024 Canadian Science Policy Conference (CSPC) focused on positioning Canada’s National Research Infrastructures (NRI) for impact. NRIs encompass not only the six facilities designated as MRFs but also the CFI-funded Major Science Initiatives and emerging nationally-significant research organizations such as Neutrons Canada.

“Canada’s economic sovereignty and security amidst a fast-changing world require an advanced research ecosystem, of which NRIs are essential components,” says Dr. John Barrett, Chair of the Neutrons Canada Board of Directors. “They advance science and technology to generate economic and societal impacts and inspire and train young people to create highly qualified personnel needed for Canada’s innovation economy. Documented economic returns from neutron beam facilities, for instance, have been more than triple Canada’s investment. These returns arise from research on advanced materials that underpin today’s nuclear and hydro power stations, energy pipelines, computers, and automotive and aerospace manufacturing.”

Now, leading research that relies on neutron beams aims to enable the economic sovereignty and security needed to meet whatever challenges may arise. For instance, innovative materials will enable expanded nuclear technologies for Canada’s energy sovereignty, while quantum computing and sensors will enable control over critical technologies. Sustainable crops and materials will secure Canada’s food supplies and manufacturing capabilities.

This CSPC session brought together policy experts, science administrators, researchers, and other stakeholders to discuss the new decision-making and funding framework for MRFs.

The recent introduction of a national MRF framework is crucial as each NRI must be regarded as a national asset requiring national stewardship. The report’s recommendations at the MRF ecosystem level highlight the need for an inclusive portfolio road-mapping approach to ensure that Canadian scientists have the resources to fully utilize NRIs and that Canada partners with infrastructures abroad for capabilities impractical to provide within Canada.

“The recommendations align well with the Canadian Neutron Long-Range Plan,” says Barrett. “Its proposed national neutron beam program will facilitate access to neutron sources abroad. Such access is critically needed for world-leading Canadian research that enables energy and manufacturing supply chains that are less reliant on high-risk trading partners. Simultaneously, it will build up neutron beam capabilities within Canada to maximize the benefits from such NRIs.”

The 2024 CSPC session was organized by the Canadian Light Source with input from Neutrons Canada and major facilities nationwide. This session built on the foundation laid by the Neutrons Canada-hosted 2023 CSPC session on the prospect of a MRF framework.

“The standing-room-only session prompted a lively discussion,” said Kevin Fitzgibbons, who moderated both the 2023 and 2024 sessions and serves on the Neutrons Canada Board of Directors. “A shared view emerged that Canada is now at a critical point regarding national support for vital research through MRFs. Decisive action must be taken to maximize the benefits Canadians receive from decades of investment in these facilities.”

The full report is entitled “Positioning Canada’s National Research Infrastructure for Impact: Implementing the Major Research Facility Policy”