Multi-Partner Research Initiative

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 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, including Indigenous-led and focused research, 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

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.

Feature

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Description automatically generated

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 was led by Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO). In 2022, it was renewed for an additional five years under the leadership of Natural Resources Canada (NRCan).

Related links

Contact us

For questions about the initiative, please contact us at nrcan.opp.mpri-ppo.irmp.rncan@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca