The Networks of Centres of Excellence (NCEs) mobilize research talent across Canada and apply it to creating social and economic benefits for all Canadians. The NCEs foster partnerships of business, education and government to accelerate the exploitation of knowledge, research and technology, and to speed their transfer to the marketplace and to the public.

National and international in scope, the NCEs include thousands of highly qualified personnel, from postdoctoral fellows to world leaders in the most sophisticated fields of research. With more than a thousand partners, they have contributed to significant advances in disciplines ranging from genetic research to child development and literacy. And, to prepare for Canada’s future needs, the NCEs have contributed to the education, training and employment of thousands of university graduates.

The NCEs have made real differences to the lives of Canadians. The NCE 2002–2003 Annual Report illustrates in detail how their investments have paid off handsomely in economic and social benefits, and in Canada’s quality of life.