NEW DIGITAL RESEARCH INFRASTRUCTURE ORGANIZATION
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada Renews Contribution Agreement with NDRIO

The New Digital Research Infrastructure Organization (NDRIO) is pleased to announce that its federal funding partner, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED), has renewed its Contribution Agreement for the national not-for-profit's coming 2021-2022 fiscal year, ending March 31, 2022.

The $14.2M funding contribution will further support the establishment of the new organization, with the mandate of working with DRI partners across Canada to create a coordinated, operating ecosystem for the benefit of researchers nation-wide.

"During these challenging times, Canadian researchers need digital tools and infrastructure to support cutting-edge science, research, and innovation - so they can continue to respond to the world's most pressing challenges," said the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry. "That's why our Government is proud to continue supporting the New Digital Research Infrastructure Organization and its members, including Canada's top universities, colleges and research hospitals."

In the coming year, NDRIO will focus on the transition of existing research data management (RDM), research software (RS) and advanced research computing (ARC) services in a researcher-focused manner. Through the formation of its 2022-2025 Strategic Plan, NDRIO will also build its National Service Delivery and Funding Models. The delivery and funding models, developed in consultation with our stakeholders and in partnership with Deloitte, will largely inform NDRIO's core activities for future fiscal years.

"We are deeply appreciative of ISED's continued support and partnership, as we further establish and grow our organization," said NDRIO CEO, Nizar Ladak. "With the support and collaboration of our DRI partners, we are encouraged by the progress made to date on the restructuring of Canada's DRI ecosystem, but this is only the beginning. From our Canadian DRI Needs Assessment, to upcoming funding opportunities, we look forward to further engaging and serving Canada's researchers."

NDRIO also continues to work collaboratively with partners CANARIE and the Compute Canada Federation (CFF) to align investments to increase capacity and availability of national ARC, RDM and RS resources. The Portage Network and its national secretariat will also be fully integrated into NDRIO by April 1, 2021. This enhanced DRI ecosystem will promote productive networks and collaboration among Canadian universities and colleges to improve research outcomes and maximize efficiencies. In addition, NDRIO will identify and define the roles and interactions with other key DRI funders, including provinces and other research organizations across the country.

As the year unfolds, NDRIO will jointly plan with the CCF and Research Data Canada to transition the delivery of national-level services, including establishing an integrated organizational structure, policies, procedures and controls to further support and benefit Canada's research community.

To view a copy of NDRIO's 2021-2022 Corporate Plan, please visit the NDRIO website.