NRC Frequently Asked Questions
About NRC
Contact NRC
NRC News, Updates, Resources and Visuals
NRC Services
NRC Employees
NRC Employment
NRC Time
NRC Astronomy
About NRC
What does NRC do?
NRC is a leader in scientific and technical research, the diffusion of technology, and the dissemination of scientific and technical information.
NRC helps turn ideas and knowledge into new products, processes, and services. Outstanding people work hand in hand with partners from industry, government, and universities to help ignite the spark of innovation in communities across the land.
Research is conducted in many different disciplines, including: biotechnology, manufacturing technologies, information and communications technologies, nanotechnology, national measurement standards, molecular sciences, aerospace, transportation technologies, astronomy, marine dynamics, and construction technologies.
NRC provides a variety of services, including the development of national measurement standards and calibrations. It is also responsible for developing and maintaining Canada's national building code.
For additional information on NRC research.
For additional information on NRC services.
What is the annual NRC budget?
The 2002-2003 NRC budget was approximately CA$754.5 million. Revenues in 2002-2003 were roughly CA$77.8 million.
Latest NRC Annual Report.
Who is the president of NRC?
Dr. Pierre Coulombe has been the president of NRC since February 2005.
For additional information on Dr. Coulombe.
How many institutes does NRC have?
NRC has 19 different institutes, which are located in every province in Canada. They are organized into two key areas: Technology and Industry Support and the Research and Technology Development Program. NRC also has an Innovation Centre and three Technology Centres.
NRC has institutes in the following areas:
- Aerospace
One research institute, one technology centre
- Biotechnology
Five research institutes
- Engineering and Construction
Three research institutes, two technology centres
- Fundamental Sciences
Three research institutes
- Industry Support
One institute, one national program
- Information and Communications Technologies
Three research institutes
- Manufacturing
Four research institutes, one technology centre
For NRC institutes, programs and technology centres.
Is NRC part of the federal government?
NRC is an agency of the Government of Canada, reporting to Parliament through the minister of Industry.
To which minister does NRC report?
NRC reports to Parliament through the the Honourable Maxime Bernier, Minister of Industry and the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Industry, Colin Carrie.
Where is NRC located?
NRC corporate offices are located in building M-58, 1200 Montreal Road, Ottawa, ON, K1A 0R6.
NRC is present in more than 90 communities across Canada, with a network of 19 research institutes, six technology and innovation centres, 260 industrial technology advisors in its Industrial Research Assistance Program, and more than 1,000 Canadian Technology Network members.
For NRC locations by region.
Where are the NRC institutes located?
NRC institutes are located across Canada.
For locations of NRC institutes.
What is the stainless-steel sphere outside of the NRC building at 1200 Montreal Road in Ottawa?
The sphere in front of NRC Corporate Services on Montreal Road in Ottawa is a sculpture by Canadian Arthur Price. The sculpture is a symbol of excellence and represents knowledge. It was commissioned in 1966 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the NRC.
Which laws govern the NRC?
NRC falls under the National Research Council Act (NRC Act).
For more information, visit NRC'S Mandate and the Justice Canada Web Site where you can learn more about NRC's legislative framework.
Contact NRC
How do I contact an NRC employee or guest worker?
To contact an NRC staff member use our on-line staff directory.
Where can I find an expert in a specific field?
Consult NRC's directory of experts called NRC Expertise
How do I contact NRC?
Direct your questions and information requests to:
National Research Council of Canada
NRC Communications & Corporate Relations
1200 Montreal Road, Bldg. M-58
Ottawa, ON
K1A 0R6
Canada
Phone: (613) 993-9101 or toll-free 1-877-NRC-CNRC (1-877-672-2672)
Fax: (613) 952-9907
E-mail: info@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca
For additional NRC contact information.
Who do I contact to report broken links and corrections about this Web site?
To provide us with your comments, please fill out a Feedback Form.
NRC News, Updates, Resources and Visuals
What resources are available to teachers?
NRC has a Website called Students Science & Tech where teachers will find many useful tools related to NRC and science.
You can also receive print material such as paper rulers, a poster on Canadian skies, the periodic table of elements in various formats, a document on NRC's achievements thought the decades and more. All this material is free but in limited quantities!
You can email us to receive more information or to order some of our print material.
Where can I find an NRC Logo?
NRC identity standards can be found on the NRC Web site, note that there are conditions to the use of these. Employees can also find them in the Tools and ressources (in focus on communications section of the intranet.
As an external partner, what are the conditions to use NRC identity material?
It is recommended that the partnership patch be used, however in order to use any NRC identity standards, you must have approval from Andrée Boisvenue-Smith.
Where can I find some interesting science-related visual material?
You can download screensavers, wallpapers and backgrounds as well as images from various research areas.
You can also order NRC postcards.
Is there a way to keep up to date on NRC and its research?
You can subscribe to the monthly NRC Highlights or to the Science & Tech Bulletin aimed at teachers.
Curious about astronomy? Subscribe to the weekly Skygazing articles.
NRC Services
Does NRC offer research grants or funding?
The NRC Industrial Research Assistance Program offers three types of financial assistance to Canadian small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs):
- Contributions for R&D Activities
- NRC-IRAP Technology Partnerships Canada
- Youth employment strategy programs.
For additional information on the NRC Industrial Research Assistance Program.
What are NRC-IRAP Industrial Technology Advisors and how can they help my business?
NRC-IRAP Industrial Technology Advisors (ITAs) help to identify and address the technical and research needs of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), as well as their sustainable development issues, at every stage of the R&D development process and the innovation cycle.
For additional information on NRC-IRAP Industrial Technology Advisors.
How can NRC help me with my new invention or my new technology?
NRC can help you form a spin-off or spin-in company to commercialize a new technology or product.
For additional information on how NRC can help you with your invention or technology.
Where can I find help with patents or intellectual property?
Many NRC patents are available for use through licensing agreements.
For more information in general on patents and intellectual property phone the Canadian Intellectual Property Office at (613) 997-1936.
For additional information on NRC and patent licensing and on NRC and intellectual property for the Canadian Intellectual Property Office.
Where can I obtain scientific and technical information?
Scientific and technical information is available from the Canada Institute of Scientific and Technical Information (NRC-CISTI).
NRC-CISTI maintains, publishes, and provides access to the scientific, technical, and medical information essential to Canadian researchers. It provides access to Canadians through NRC Information Centres (NICs) across Canada as well as virtually via the Internet.
For the NRC-CISTI Web site.
How do I obtain NRC publications?
To obtain NRC publications phone 1-877-NRC-CNRC (1-877-672-2672).
For additional information on NRC publications.
Where are the NRC archives?
The NRC Archives is a resource centre providing a comprehensive reference service on the development of scientific research at the NRC and the history of science in Canada.
The NRC historical archives can be found at 100 Sussex Drive in Ottawa, room1038.
Phone: (613) 993-5032
Fax: (613) 990-4478
E-mail: archives@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca
For additional information on the NRC archives.
How many companies have spun-off from NRC?
There have been 61 NRC spin-offs since 1995.
For additional information on NRC spin-off companies.
Whom do I contact for help with building a house?
For information on building a house please contact the Canadian Mortgage & Housing Corporation (CMHC).
The NRC Institute for Research in Construction is a research institution and is not equipped to deal with questions on building homes.
For additional information on the NRC Institute for Research in Construction.
Where can I get a copy of the National Building Code?
To obtain a National Building Code phone (613) 993-2463.
For additional information on Canadian building codes.
Which are the most recent versions of the NRC National Construction Codes available?
The 2005 National Construction Codes - the National Building Code of Canada 2005, the National Fire Code of Canada 2005 and the National Plumbing Code of Canada 2005 - are presently available. For more information on the National Construction Codes.
How can I buy NRC's Certified Reference Materials (CRMs)?
The products are sold to more than 90 countries around the world. Shipments are planned and monitored carefully to ensure the products are held under appropriate conditions and integrity of the product is maintained.
- Your order may be phoned, faxed, or e-mailed, but please do not send credit card information by e-mail.
- Please allow 5 business days for delivery from receipt of order.
- All deliveries are by courier.
- Certificates of analysis, MSDS, invoice documentation are shipped with each order. Please forward these to the end-user or finance personnel as appropriate.
- Store environmental CRMs at room temperature upon receipt.
- Store shellfish toxin CRMs at recommended temperature as stated in the relevant certificate of analysis.
- If stored unopened under the recommended storage conditions, the certified concentrations are valid for one year from the date of sale.
For further information on CRMs.
Can NRC perform a Glow Discharge Mass Spectrometry (GD-MS) survey element analysis?
Where can I get a Glow Discharge Mass Spectrometry analysis order form?
What type of calibration services does NRC provide?
NRC's calibration services cover the following domains: accoustical standards, chemical metrology, dimensional metrology, electrical power measurements, electrical standards, frequency and time, ionizing radiation standards, mass standards, photometry and radiometry and thermometry.
NRC's calibration services are designed to help the manufacturers and users of precision instruments achieve the highest possible levels of measurement quality and productivity. These services are the highest order of such services available in Canada and they provide a direct link between a client's precision equipment or transfer standards and the national measurement standards. These services are available to all public and private organizations and individuals.
For additional information on the type of calibration services that NRC provides
What type of contract research can NRC provide?
NRC conducts collaborative and free-for-service research in facilities and offices across Canada. Examples of research areas and facilities include:
- Construction materials evaluation
- Transgenic plant centre
- Medical device prototyping
- Bioprocessing
- DNA microarray facilities
- Mass spectrometry labs
- Aquaculture station
- Offshore engineering basin
- High-throughput sequencing
- Virtual environment technology centre
- Wind tunnels, engine test beds and numerous aerospace testing services
For additional information on Contract research.
Contact a Business Development Officer.
NRC Employees
How can I access NRC's Intranets and Zone from home or remotely?
In order to access NRC's Intranets visit the following links:
- Go to: http://login.pass.cisti-icist.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca/login
- At this this login page, enter the generic username and password which will allow you to access NRC intranets.
- Or, enter your CISTI account number and password. This will give you access to licensed resources in NRC's Virtual Library and NRC intranets.
How can I access my Outlook from home or remotely?
In order to access Outlook via the Internet, go to the login page, then enter your username and passeword as you would at your station
NRC Employment
How can I find out more about employment opportunities at NRC?
To view NRC jobs that are currently open.
What kinds of employment opportunities are typically offered at NRC?
Because the NRC's main focus is research, many of its employees are scientists, researchers, engineers, technicians, business officers, and librarians. NRC also employs administrative staff, computer scientists, financial officers, human resources officers, and other managers and professionals.
For more information on whom NRC hires.
How do I get a job with NRC?
Does NRC have a student employment program?
NRC sponsors employment programs for high school students, undergraduate students, graduate students, and post-graduate students.
Student programs include:
- NRC Co-op programs
- NRC summer-student programs
- The Design and Fabrication Services Apprenticeship Program
- A scholarship-supplement program
- Research internship and associate programs.
For additional information on NRC student employment programs.
How many employees are there at NRC?
NRC employs close to 4,000 researchers, technologists, and support staff across Canada. It also employs over 1,200 guest researchers from Canadian and foreign universities, companies, and public and private sector organizations.
NRC Time
What is the current time?
Voice announcements of Eastern Time are made every 10 seconds, followed by a tone indicating the exact time. The time is based on the NRC cesium clock.
This service is available to the general public by phoning (613) 745-1576 for English service and (613) 745-9426 for French service. Long distance charges apply.
To view the NRC-Institute for National Measurement Standards Web clock.
For additional information on NRC time.
How do I link my computer clock to NRC time?
You can link your computer clock to NRC time by calling (613) 745-3900. Long distance charges apply.
For additional information on computer NRC time and date.
When do I change my clock for Daylight Savings Time?
Starting in March 2007, the standard North American period for Daylight Saving Time is to be from the second Sunday of March to the first Sunday of November.
For additional information on Daylight Saving Time.
NRC Astronomy
When is the sunset? Sunrise?
To view the times of the sunsets and sunrises for cities across Canada.
When is the next leap year?
The next leap year takes place in 2008. Every fourth year is a leap year, meaning February has 29 days instead of 28.
For additional information on leap years.
How do I report meteorites?
Natural Resources Canada will analyze meteorites found in Canada. To contact the Minerals and Regional Geoscience branch please phone (613) 995-4686.
For additional information visit Natural Resources Canada.
How do I report unidentified flying objects?
To report unidentified flying objects visit the URSI Canadian National Committee's Web site.
Can NRC name a star on my behalf?
No. By international agreement, only the International Astronomical Union assigns "official" names to stars or other celestial bodies. You may find it helpful to read a notice about naming stars on their Web site. These names are not for sale.
No one owns the stars. While a number of private companies make business out of selling names, these names are not generally recognized. Some planetariums, universities, and astronomy hobbyist clubs offer "adopt a star" or similar programs as a fundraising technique. These make clear that they are not officially naming the star for you, but simply raise public interest in astronomy and generate funds for further research or public programming.
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