Impact Clusters
CIFAR’s research programs are organized into 5 distinct Impact Clusters that address significant global issues and are committed to fostering an environment in which breakthroughs emerge.
Each cluster bridges CIFAR’s diverse global community by looking ahead to the challenges on the horizon, encouraging scholars from across disciplines to work collaboratively towards a bold and innovative future. Research programs may span multiple clusters depending on the nature and goals of their work.
BUILDING THRIVING SOCIETIES
A world that is fair, just and inclusive. While it may seem impossible, we’re actively building the foundations to achieve it.
Boundaries, Membership & Belonging; Child & Brain Development; Future Flourishing; Humanity’s Urban Future; Innovation, Equity & the Future of Prosperity
In the face of environmental, political, social and technological challenges, CIFAR researchers are asking what it takes to create prosperous, thriving communities that are just, inclusive and resilient. Bridging diverse perspectives and approaches, CIFAR researchers are examining the interconnected building blocks of our societies, including how norms, identities, our institutions and economies, and even physical environments shape our ability to build resilient and equitable societies for the future. Building Thriving Societies seeks to make progress on how we can create an inclusive and sustainable world, how we ensure a secure and just future, and how our understanding of sociocultural systems helps to shape our identity, opportunities and values.
DECODING COMPLEX BRAINS AND DATA
Much about the brain remains a mystery, but as researchers unlock its secrets, powerful data analysis techniques and computing power open new avenues of analysis.
Brain, Mind & Consciousness; Child & Brain Development; CIFAR MacMillan Multiscale Human; Future Flourishing; Learning in Machines & Brains; Pan-Canadian AI Strategy
Complex questions such as “What is consciousness?”, “How does the human brain learn?”, and “Can machines be taught to think?” present enormous challenges to researchers, but have the potential to generate groundbreaking discoveries and transformative advances in our understanding of the human brain, consciousness and intelligence. Innovative ways of collecting and analyzing data can help us gain deeper insights into these complexities. Taking cues from the way the brain learns, processes and relays information, CIFAR researchers are probing the mysteries of how our brains work and how machines can learn to mimic human intelligence and even consciousness. Advancing this research could inform policy discussions, medical interventions and technical innovations.
EXPLORING EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES
The pace of technology development is dizzying. Innovations have the potential to shape society positively and negatively — governing emerging technologies is key to ensuring a just future.
Accelerated Decarbonization; Child & Brain Development; CIFAR MacMillan Multiscale Human; Earth 4D: Subsurface Science & Exploration; Future Flourishing; Innovation, Equity & the Future of Prosperity; Learning in Machines & Brains; Quantum Information Science; Quantum Materials; Pan-Canadian AI Strategy
CIFAR researchers are exploring emergent technologies and systems that show great promise for future technological application and are examining their implications for society. From advancing capabilities in quantum computing and bioengineering to developing clean initiatives that accelerate decarbonization, CIFAR researchers are at the vanguard of innovation and discovery. Responsible innovation also requires understanding and assessment of the ways new technologies impact and shape our world. Exploring Emerging Technologies probes the cultural contexts in which the technologies of tomorrow emerge, drawing on lessons from the past as well as the current social, economic and political constraints that determine future adoption. Researchers survey the broader supporting environment (i.e. policies, regulations and social structures) in which new technologies emerge. CIFAR researchers examine how new and emerging technologies have the potential to mediate between progress and opportunity on the one hand, and further societal stagnation and stratification on the other.
NURTURING A RESILIENT EARTH
The pressures on our planet are increasing, creating threats and opportunities to strengthen the place we call home.
Accelerated Decarbonization; Earth 4D: Subsurface Science & Exploration; Fungal Kingdom: Threats & Opportunities; Future Flourishing; Humanity’s Urban Future; Humans & the Microbiome; Pan-Canadian AI Strategy
Nurturing a Resilient Earth centres on the idea that our planet’s health and resilience hinges on the connectedness and interdependence of human and natural systems, encompassing energy, water and life. As human populations grow, expanding and altering land usage is disrupting the delicate balance between humans, animals and plants, creating more opportunities for humans to come into close contact, and conflict, with animals. The profound impact of human activity on the environment and the climate is also altering how carbon, water and other substances cycle through Earth’s systems, affecting all life on our planet. Understanding how the changing climate is impacting Earth and living systems is essential to exploring the potential of new decarbonization strategies and technologies; novel and responsible ways for exploiting Earth’s energy and mineral resources; adaptive, integrated and holistic responses to ensure long-term human coexistence with the natural world; and the stewardship and fortification of Earth’s ecology and environment for an increasingly fragile future.
SHAPING THE FUTURE OF HUMAN HEALTH
We only get a short window of time on this planet. The key to extending that window is good health,
and researchers are determined to improve it.
Brain, Mind & Consciousness; Child & Brain Development; CIFAR MacMillan Multiscale Human; Fungal Kingdom: Threats & Opportunities; Humans & the Microbiome
CIFAR researchers are focused on gaining a comprehensive understanding of human development from conception through old age. They adopt a holistic approach, considering factors such as life experiences, genes and microbes in shaping the lifecourse. Through advances in biological and social data collection and analysis, this research uncovers valuable medical insights, leading to a deeper comprehension of human health, well-being and aging. Shaping the Future of Human Health is focused on establishing a pathway for future generations to thrive at all stages of the life cycle. By lowering the burden of intergenerational trauma, genetic perturbations, and environmental or epigenetic stress, as well as countering the rise of modern diseases such as obesity, cancer, juvenile diabetes and asthma, the researchers explore the potential impact of innovative health approaches on global well-being. This work empowers us to make more informed decisions in healthcare, policy-making and resource allocation, ultimately leading to better health outcomes and a healthier society.