The GRAND NCE (Graphics, Animation and New Media / Graphisme, animation et nouveaux médias NCE Inc.) is Canada’s most comprehensive digital media research network and knowledge mobilization engine with the goal of improving the quality of life of all Canadians and maintaining Canada’s role as a significant player in the global digital economy.

Launched in 2009 through the federally funded Networks of Centres of Excellence program, GRAND addresses a wide range of complex issues in digital media through receptor-driven interdisciplinary research, training, partnerships, and policies, as well as through the commercial development of emerging research technologies and innovation. GRAND is funded through the NCE program from January 2010 to June 2015. For information about the future of GRAND, please see the Reboot Project.

GRAND supports 24 Interdisciplinary Research Projects divided into 7 Themes. Our network spans 31 universities across Canada with more than 200 industry, government, and nonprofit partners.

Our Mission

GRAND’s mission is to accelerate Canadian leadership in the digital economy to improve our economic impact, quality of life, and global influence. Our network strives to:

• Integrate and enhance Canada’s thriving digital media sector through policy and practice
• Focus research and knowledge mobilization efforts towards solution-driven products and services
• Facilitate research across the broad spectrum of digital media by linking computer scientists and engineers with artists, designers and social scientists
• Develop opportunities for researchers and partner organizations to work together
• Teach and mentor the next generation of digital media innovators

Our Values

GRAND is committed to receptor-driven research that is solution-oriented. Our aim is to create capacity for Canada to further develop and enhance its position of global leadership in new media, animation, and games.

GRAND Challenges

GRAND’s Research Program addresses seven “Challenges” or problem areas deemed of strategic importance to Canada. Each comprises projects focused on one or more specific issues within the overall problem. Led by academic experts, projects have industry partners who help define, execute, and evaluate the research activities.

DATA: Living with Big Data

CITIZENSHIP: Digital Citizenship and Civic Engagement

ENTERTAINMENT: Entertainment in an Always-Connected World

HEALTH: Patient-centred Healthcare and Wellness

LEARNING: Learning in the Digital Age

SUSTAINABILITY: Sustainable Communities

WORK: Work in a Global Economy