INQ at the Heart of Discussions on Dual-Use Research

On February 10, 2026, the Institut nordique du Québec (INQ) participated in the Forum on Dual-Use Research, organized by the Fonds de recherche du Québec (FRQ) at the Québec City Convention Centre. This event, opened by Québec’s Chief Scientist Rémi Quirion, aimed to explore how scientific innovation can meet current geostrategic needs while stimulating the development of dual-use technologies (civilian and military).

"As geopolitical tensions continue to rise and countries—including Canada—increase their defense budgets, how can research address geostrategic needs while also driving the development of dual-use technologies? How can we strengthen the capacity of Canadian and Quebec government authorities, through science and innovation, to understand major crises and contribute to their resolution? How can universities, colleges, and businesses form strategic alliances to drive high-impact research?"

Fonds de recherche du Québec

Leading Expertise for Northern Issues
INQ was prominently represented during Panel 4: Challenges and Opportunities of Dual-Use Research in Northern Territories. Moderated by Normand Voyer, Professor in the Department of Chemistry at Université Laval, Scientific Director of the FRQ strategic cluster Centre for Northern Studies, and INQ-affiliated researcher, the discussions highlighted the specific challenges facing Arctic and Northern regions.

Jean-Éric Tremblay, Scientific Director of the INQ and Scientific Director of the CFREF program "Transforming Climate Action," shared his insights on the importance of high-impact research within the context of global tensions.

The panel also brought together a range of complementary expertise:

• Pooneh Maghoul | Professor in the Department of Civil, Geological, and Mining Engineering at Polytechnique Montréal, Chair in Science Diplomacy on Northern Issues, and INQ-affiliated researcher;
• Jasmin Raymond | Professor at INRS, Canada Research Chair in the Analysis of Sustainable Geoenergy Systems, INQ Northern Geothermal Potential Research Chair, and INQ-affiliated researcher;
• Tom Robert-Henault | Policy Advisor for Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami.

This strong presence underscores the leadership of INQ researchers and their essential role in understanding major crises affecting the territory, whether climatic or geopolitical.