NC-CIPSeR Researchers

Our Focus:

Our research is anchored within four interconnected domains of critical infrastructure protection:

National Security
Critical Infrastructure
Emergency Management and Preparedness
Defence

Within these domains, our work is organized into key research areas that bring together cross-disciplinary expertise and practical partnerships in the areas of protection, security and resilience:

Critical Infrastructure Interdependencies (CII) – applying supply-chain statistics to Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) and analyzing them over time has revealed significant shifts in the interdependencies and associated risks among various Critical Infrastructures (CI). Examining how stakeholders can employ quantitative measures to gain a deeper insight into Critical Infrastructure Interdependency (CII) for strategic and tactical objectives. How are Canada’s national economic indicators linked to CII and how can the priorities indicated by these metrics guide policymakers and business leaders about potential risks?We are extremely fortunate to have the opportunity to work with the following researchers:

Threat risk analysis and infrastructure resilience research – conduct research and investigate sources of threats and risks to infrastructure systems. Both natural and man-made hazards are investigated to establish the level of risk they pose to infrastructure systems and when the risk is high enough for mitigation action. This includes creating and integrating a comprehensive Canadian-specific dataset that can be updated, maintained, researched, and utilized for risk assessments and emergency management planning for CIP – enhancing the resilience and security of critical infrastructures across Canada.

Infrastructure analysis and design – the development of robust and cost-effective solutions for resilient infrastructure systems is based on a sound understanding of their behaviour under natural and man-made hazards. This branch of research is aimed at developing an in-depth understanding of infrastructure systems, innovation material properties evaluation, and the development of hybrid materials for use in the construction, retrofit, and rehabilitation of ageing infrastructure systems.

Policy solutions for critical infrastructure protection – CIP requires policy contributions to not only provide additional effective protection strategies, but also to make solutions cost-effective. Policy contributions to CIP research will investigate protection and resilience strategies for infrastructure.

Governance & Policy Solutions – Effective protection requires more than technical fixes—it requires strong governance structures and smart policies. Our research examines how mandates, roles, and accountabilities are shared across government, industry, and civil society, identifying gaps, overlaps, and opportunities to modernize Canada’s governance models. We analyze how regulations align with cyber-physical realities, compare Canadian approaches with international frameworks, and develop evidence-based policies that can be embedded into practice to strengthen national resilience.

Tools & Standards – Strengthening critical infrastructure also requires the creation and application of practical instruments that guide protection and preparedness. Our research advances threat and risk assessment frameworks, resilience metrics, and performance scorecards, while also contributing to the development of standards and codes that can be incorporated by reference into policy and regulation. By turning theory into practice, these tools ensure that decision-makers, practitioners, and industry leaders have consistent and reliable methods to manage risk and enhance resilience.

AI & Cyber Research – Digital systems are now the backbone of critical infrastructure, creating both opportunities for innovation and vulnerabilities that must be addressed. Our research explores how artificial intelligence, machine learning, and advanced analytics can strengthen cybersecurity, improve threat detection, and support real-time decision-making. We also examine how digital twins, cyber-physical resilience strategies, and Canada’s evolving cyber legislation, including Bill C-26, shape the protection of critical systems in an increasingly interconnected world.

Civil Readiness – Resilience depends on more than infrastructure—it depends on people and communities. Our research on civil readiness examines how civil protection and preparedness frameworks can be strengthened through whole-of-society approaches. We study the role of volunteers, communities, and civil society organizations in supporting emergency response and recovery, while also exploring education and training initiatives that enhance readiness across Canada’s regions and municipalities. By bridging government, industry, academia, and citizens, we help build a culture of resilience that is embedded at every level of society.

Our Team

Our research leadership team works with partners across government, industry, and academia to drive innovation and build resilience. To be added: Research Vision documents and Profiles of Research Fellows.