Research
OPPORTUNITIES AT CNSC
support
for your subarctic research
The Churchill Northern Studies Centre offers unparalleled research opportunities.
It is the only field station in Canada to offer year-round hospitality and logistical support at the intersection of three distinct eco-zones.
Want to pursue your project with us? Apply now!
Why choose the cnsc?
A wide array of representative environments
- Convergence of ecosystems: forest, tundra, taiga, freshwater, estuary, and marine
- Transition zone where the northern extent of the boreal forest meets the southern edge of the arctic tundra
- Near the Churchill River where this freshwater river enters the marine ecosystem of Hudson Bay
- Arctic migratory birds and northern nesting fowl are seen in great numbers each spring
- The area is home to arctic foxes, caribou, snowy owls, beluga whales, polar bears, and harbour seals
- Over 500 species of arctic wildflowers and boreal plants grow in this environment
- The Centre is located inside Manitoba Wildlife Management Area
COMPREHENSIVE SUPPORT FOR YOUR RESEARCH
- Full-time research personnel
- Research assistance
- Contracted research
- Vehicle rentals
- Logistical support
- Wet and dry laboratories
- Reference collections
- Bear guarding
STATE-OF-THE-ART FIELD STATION
- Dormitory-style accommodations
- Housekeeping services
- On-site cafeteria
- Classrooms
- High-speed wireless internet
- 360 degree Aurora dome
- Outdoor observation deck
Together, we can understand and sustain the north
Accessible north
The Arctic and subarctic are markedly understudied, since harsh environments and remote locations make northern research a daunting, expensive, and often dangerous task.Â
The Churchill Northern Studies Centre makes it easier, more affordable, and safer for you to pursue your work.
With laboratory space, equipment, vehicle rentals, accommodations, cafeteria, and storage space all on-site, you can focus on your research and leave the rest to us.
Plus, our full-time science staff are available year-round to help with coordination, logistics, data collection, and equipment monitoring as required.Â
All of these services are offered at extremely competitive rates.
Funding Support
The Churchill Northern Studies Centre offers funding support for its research users through the Northern Research Fund (NRF).
The NRF is a matching funds program, meaning the award takes the form of matching user- and vehicle-days for successful applicants to offset the cost of accommodation at the CNSC and research in the north.Â
Applications are accepted annually in the winter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter to receive notifications about the NRF.
History of Success
The CNSC has supported the work of over 300 researchers through logistical support and the Northern Research Fund.
CNSC has supported the research for over 500 journal articles and theses have been published in a diverse array of fields.
The staff at the CNSC took me in with open arms, provided me with the resources I needed to make my research successful, and were willing to help me in any way they could.
Jamie D’Souza, polar bear researcher
FEATURED PROJECTS
We’ve selected a few recent projects that we’ve been involved with to brag about some of the smart, passionate people we are so privileged to get to work with.
This is just a tiny sampling of the research we support. If you’d like to explore a broader view of research projects we’ve been a part of, check out Research Projects.
Fees for Researchers
Wherever possible, the CNSC endeavours to provide secure storage facilities, staff assistance, and logistical support to meet the needs of all research conducted at the facility.
A part of our mission, we subsidize room and board for researchers.
Room & Board
Current fees for researchers:
$89/night (first 14 nights in a year*)
$73/night (night 15 and beyond)
Fees effective April 2023:
$93/night (first 14 nights in a year*)
$76/night (night 15 and beyond)
Notes:
Eligibility for long-term rate is determined by individual, not by research team.
Subsidized rates are not available from October 15 to November 30.
TYPE
|
CURRENT RATE
|
---|---|
First 14 nights in a year*
|
$93/night
|
Night 15 and beyond: researchers are eligible for long-term rate
|
$76/night
|
Fees include CNSC subsidy. Subsidized rates are not available from October 15 to November 30.
*Year is from April 1 to March 31.
Vehicle Rental
TYPE
|
HALF DAY
|
FULL DAY
|
---|---|---|
SUV (6 to 8 occupants)
|
$50
|
$80
|
Passenger van (up to 15 occupants)
|
$90
|
$150
|
2WD Pick-up (2 to 3 occupants)
|
$40
|
$70
|
Passenger bus (up to 24 occupants)*
|
$200
|
$300
|
Passenger bus (up to 44 occupants)*
|
$250
|
$400
|
Snowmobile**
|
$60
|
$110
|
SUVÂ (6 to 8 occupants)
Half day: $50
Full day: $80
Passenger van (up to 15 occupants)
Half day: $90
Full day: $150
2WD Pick-up (2 to 3 occupants)
Half day: $40
Full day: $70
Passenger bus (up to 24 occupants)*
Half day: $200
Full day: $300
Passenger bus (up to 44 occupants)*
Half day: $250
Full day: $400
Snowmobile**
Half day: $60
Full day: $110
*Fees for passenger bus do not include operator fee.
**Snowmobile rental includes use of komatik (sled) or toboggan where available.
Bicycles are available to guests for rent free of charge on a first come, first served basis.
Technical Service Fees
TYPE
|
RATE
|
---|---|
Fuel
|
Please call for rate
|
Research/Technical services*
|
$55/hour
|
Bear guarding services*
|
$25/hour or $150/day
|
Maintenance services*
|
$65/hour
|
Fuel
Please call for rate
Research/technical services*
$55/hour
Bear guarding services*
$25/ hour OR $150/day
Maintenance services*
$65/hour
*Subject to staff availability.
These services may be made available on a reduced cost-recovery basis for graduate students or those with modest funding.
Storage fees
TYPE
|
UNHEATED
|
HEATED
|
---|---|---|
Small storage (2m cubed - approx. 1 pallet - shared)
|
No charge
|
$60/year
|
Large storage room (45m cubed - 9.5' X 16' X 10' - private)
|
$50/month
|
$100/month
|
Recreational vehicles and sleds (shared indoor storage)
|
$60/year
|
|
Outdoor storage (roadworthy insured vehicles)
|
$50/year
|
|
Small storage
2m cubed – approx. 1 pallet – shared
Unheated: No charge
Heated: $60/year
Large storage room
45m cubed – 9.5′ x 16′ x 10′ – private
Unheated: $50/month
Heated: $100/month
Recreational vehicles and sleds
shared indoor storage
$60/year
Roadworthy insured vehiclesÂ
outdoor storage
$50/year