Research & Innovation

UNENE’s research program brings together universities, industry, and government to advance innovation, strengthen Canada’s nuclear sector, and develop the next generation of expertise. Through long-standing partnerships and co-funded initiatives, UNENE supports research that directly addresses industry priorities—from safety and performance to waste management, new technologies, and beyond.

Each year, UNENE members invest in research programs that are fully leveraged by NSERC, maximizing impact and enabling world-class work across Canada’s leading nuclear institutions.

Explore the pillars of UNENE’s research ecosystem below.

Industrial Research Chairs (IRCs)

UNENE’s Industrial Research Chairs program builds deep, long-term research capacity within universities. Industry partners and NSERC co-fund professorships and research programs focused on priority areas such as:

  • Nuclear safety and regulatory support
  • Plant operation, reliability, and materials performance
  • Decommissioning, lifecycle planning, and waste management
  • Emerging technologies and innovation

IRCs strengthen both people and infrastructure—supporting academic leadership, research teams, and the resources needed to advance high-impact, industry-aligned research.

Want to learn about IRCs?

Learn more here

Research Cooperative Projects

Research Cooperative Projects (RCPs) complement the IRC program by supporting targeted, grant-funded research initiatives. These projects address specific, time-sensitive challenges identified by industry, often involving multidisciplinary teams and cross-institutional collaboration.

Like IRCs, RCPs are co-funded by industry and fully leveraged by NSERC, ensuring maximum value and impact for every research dollar invested.

Want to learn about RCPs?

Learn more here

Looking for more resources? Explore our news and events:

News

Explore the latest updates from UNENE and key nuclear industry news—stay informed, stay ahead.

Publications

Access key UNENE publications highlighting research, partnerships, and progress in nuclear innovation.

UNENE Events Calendar

View upcoming courses, conferences, and collaborations on the UNENE Events Calendar.