The Multi-Partner Research Initiative (MPRI) advances science and technology for oil spill response in Canada through funding collaborative research projects. The initiative will provide approximately $20 million in contribution funding to global researchers from government agencies, academia, private sector, industry, and Indigenous organizations through calls for proposals.
Objectives
Under Canada’s Oceans Protection Plan, the Multi-Partner Research Initiative (MPRI) aims to:
- increase oil spill response knowledge, innovation and technology options to support evidence-based decision-making
- foster Canada’s involvement in international networks of oil spill response experts
- promote/foster meaningful Indigenous participation in oil spill research
- mobilize knowledge
- train the next generation of oil spill responders
Funding
The initiative gathers leading researchers and knowledge holders, domestically and internationally, to design and collaborate on research projects related to oil fate, behaviour, environmental impacts and spill response in marine, coastal, and freshwater environments.
The initiative funds projects in 6 areas of focus:
- fate, behaviour, and transport of oil in the environment
- in-situ burning and spill treating agents
- oil detection and monitoring
- biological effects of oil
- physical recovery of oil
- planning and decision-making
Closed for applications
The objectives of this call are to:
- advance the inclusion of Indigenous voices in oil spill response research, preparedness, and decision-making
- bridge, braid, or weave Western and Indigenous science methodologies into oil spill response research projects to advance knowledge and technologies for response to oil spills in marine, coastal and freshwater environments
- Indigenous-led and Indigenous-focused oil spill research
Progress and results
Funded projects
- A list of Multi-Partner Research Initiative-funded projects is now available. This list contains project descriptions, timeframes, lead organizations and funding amounts.
2024 update
- The Call for Expressions of Interest (EOI) for the Indigenous-led and focused oil spill research projects closed on May 31, 2024. Selected EOIs have advanced to the full proposal stage. A total of $2.8 million over 3 years is available to fund successful projects.
Feature
Development of smoke suppressants for in-situ burning of oil spilled in inland waters
This study is developing a cost-effective, environmentally friendly smoke suppression system for use in in-situ burning.
Background
The Initiative was first launched in 2016 and renewed in 2022 for an additional five years. Prior to 2022, the MPRI was led by Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO). Now under the leadership of Natural Resources Canada (NRCan), the Initiative will provide approximately $20 million in contribution funding to collaborative research projects in the areas of focus.
Related links
Contact us
For questions about the initiative, please contact us at nrcan.opp.mpri-ppo.irmp.rncan@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca.