What is Digital Research Infrastructure?

Digitial Research Infrastructure (DRI) encompasses high-performance computing power, data storage, high speed networks, software, expertise and training. Its purpose is to enable researchers to work with massive data-sets and use artificial intelligence, machine learning, mathematical modelling and other advanced technological methods to power scientific breakthroughs. In 2023-2024, over 7,000 Ontario-based researchers made use of Ontario’s DRI systems to improve the health and prosperity of Ontarians through pandemic modelling, drug discovery and design, development of next-generation materials and advanced manufacturing. Ontario’s publicly funded DRI ecosystem provides these critical resources to researchers at approximately 20% of the cost to obtain them from commercial sources.

DRI-enabled research improves the health and quality of life of Ontarians. Recently, for example, DRI-based research has:

• Improved patient care and reduced health-care costs by developing a process to perform thousands of diagnostic tests in a single hour from a drop of blood

• Created new methods  for treating cancer by transforming drug delivery and screening

• Improved safety by modelling crash and impact scenarios that reduce injuries

• Ensured the health and safety of Ontario’s food supply

• Boosted high-tech industry and commercialization 

• Informed the Ontario Science Advisory Table regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, better preparing Canada for future pandemics 

• Enabled the development of an anti-cancer vaccine program for earlier detection of cancer, ultimately reducing cost and improving patient outcome

• Produced innovative materials that can reduce weight and improve fuel efficiency in automobiles and aircraft, which will reduce greenhouse gas emissions 

Ontario’s publicly funded DRI-ecosystem also generates significant economic impacts by supporting the creation of high-tech businesses, product development and innovation, and new industry-academic collaborations. Together, these lead to the creation of new jobs, an influx of talent and additional investment into the province, economic growth and industry success. In the past 5 years in Ontario, shared DRI has led to:

• an estimated 300 new high-tech companies in Ontario 

• 386 patents in sectors such as drug discovery, advanced materials and manufacturing, transportation, building and city design, and climate change. 

• 800+ Academic-Industry collaborations