CNL and University of Ottawa Forge Partnership to Enhance Low Dose Radiation Research

CHALK RIVER, Ontario, June 9, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL), a leading entity in nuclear science and technology in Canada, has announced a strategic partnership with the University of Ottawa (uOttawa) aimed at advancing research and education in low dose radiation (LDR) exposure and its health effects. This collaboration is set against a backdrop of increasing global interest in the implications of radiation exposure on public health, particularly in the workplace and medical settings.

The partnership establishes a CNL-led LDR innovation hub that is expected to accelerate critical research in a field of increasing significance for public safety. Dr. Stephen Bushby, Vice-President of Science & Technology at CNL, emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, "As a major player in the global research and development effort to support LDR research, CNL is focused on the prevention or reduction of radiation exposure effects in workers, patients, and the larger population. We are very excited to include uOttawa as a major partner in the work needed to shed light on this complex field of research."

A key component of this partnership is the establishment of a satellite laboratory at uOttawa’s forthcoming Advanced Medical Research Centre (AMRC), slated to open in 2026. This facility will be co-located with the Ottawa Institute of Systems Biology (OISB) and will enhance uOttawa’s capabilities in radiation sciences and systems biology. As part of this initiative, CNL is contributing towards the acquisition of a mass spectrometer for the Metabolomics Core Facility at uOttawa, which will enable cutting-edge research in metabolomics—a rapidly advancing discipline with significant implications for biomedical research.

The mass spectrometer will be the only one of its kind in Eastern Canada, offering high-resolution chemical imaging capabilities that could attract national and international collaborations. Julie St-Pierre, Interim Vice-President of Research and Innovation at uOttawa, stated, "This new equipment positions the University of Ottawa as a leader in metabolomics and precision health research while attracting national and international collaborations."

This partnership builds on over a decade of collaborative research between CNL and uOttawa, spanning various faculties including Engineering, Science, and Medicine. Past studies have contributed to a deeper understanding of the biomedical impacts of low dose radiation, covering areas such as DNA damage and repair, protein synthesis, and stem cell functions.

Both entities have expressed their commitment to exploring additional opportunities to strengthen their collaboration. The potential for international leadership in LDR research highlights the growing importance of this field amid global health concerns regarding radiation exposure.

CNL operates under the auspices of Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL) and is guided by its Vision 2030 strategy, which emphasizes environmental restoration, clean energy technologies, and health contributions. The University of Ottawa, recognized for its innovative approach, engages scholars to address pressing global challenges, enhancing its role as a leader in research and education.

This partnership marks a significant step towards consolidating Canada’s position as a leader in low dose radiation research, with implications for public health and safety, and represents a substantial investment in the future of research and educational opportunities in this critical area.