Grant: Canada First Research Excellence Fund

The goal of this initiative is to establish global leadership in Safe and Sustainable Development of the Ocean Frontier. The institutional strategy to achieve this goal will be realised by establishing the Ocean Frontier Institute (OFI) - a transnational institute that will serve as a global hub for ocean exploration, discovery and co-creation of solutions for safe and sustainable ocean development. The OFI will link and leverage Canadian resources and expertise with those of world-leading international partners in the European Union and the United States by facilitating the exchange of personnel and data among partners and supporting shared access to world-class infrastructure. The Research Program of the OFI has three goals: 1) Build scientific understanding of the changes that are underway in the globally significant Northwest Atlantic Ocean and adjacent Canadian Arctic Gateway; 2) Create strategic and effective solutions for safe and sustainable ocean development in the region; and 3) Deliver strategically relevant ocean data science and technology tools. In support of these research goals, the OFI will: 1) Provide flexible funding opportunities to support the development of research breakthroughs; 2) Enhance existing expertise through the recruitment of leading ocean researchers; and 3) Enable a world class international training program for HQP. Supported by a robust governance and management structure to ensure timely and effective implementation, the OFI will assure delivery of the science research modules, mobilize knowledge, engage with industry and partner with national and international institutions. Together, this will position Canada as a world leader in ocean research.