Research
NOHEIC and scientific research
The NOHEIC mobilizes and advances knowledge regarding environmental and health issues associated with smelters. Rooted in a sustainable health approach, the observatory fosters synergies within the research ecosystem, supports evidence-based decision-making, and promotes the adoption of sustainable practices for the socio-ecological transition.
Collaboration with FRQ
NOHEIC collaborates with the Fonds de recherche du Québec - Santé (FRQ), which administers the $9.5 million government investment allocated to the creation of NOHEIC in order to provide research grants to members of the scientific community. The FRQ’s proven grant-awarding process involves independent peer reviews conducted in accordance with strict evaluation rules and criteria.
Fonds de recherche du Québec
The FRQ is a government agency whose mission is to support the strategic and coherent development of scientific research in Quebec.
Research programs
PRÉCISE
The Programme de recherche sur l’évaluation des contaminants et des incidences sur la santé et sur l’environnement (PRÉCISE- Research program on the assessment of contaminants and their impacts on health and the environment) was the first program established to address the priority issues identified by the NOHEIC scientific council regarding the impacts of contaminant emissions on health and the environment.
The PRÉCISE program encourages collaboration across various disciplines, including the natural sciences and engineering, the social sciences and humanities, the arts and literature, and health. The objective is to develop innovative approaches that address one or more topics within the two proposed themes. This approach aims to involve all sectors of society in the projects by adopting collaborative research methods, engaging in dialogue with users, citizens, and organizations, and sharing scientific and experiential knowledge.
The recipients of this competition were announced by the FRQ in May 2026 during the NOHEIC annual symposium at the Rouyn-Noranda Convention Center.
COHÉSIF
The COHorte pour l'Évaluation des effets Sanitaires et Incidences des Fonderies (COHÉSIF- Cohorte program for the assessment of health effects and impacts of smelters) is the second program launched by NOHEIC. This program aims to establish and support a research infrastructure dedicated to the collection and organization of human and environmental health data, in the form of a longitudinal cohort and a biobank. This infrastructure will study and evaluate possible associations between individuals’ health profiles and their exposure profiles to industrial contaminants. Priority will be given to populations living or having lived near the Horne smelter in Rouyn-Noranda, with the possibility of expanding to other industrial settings in Quebec.
The program is accepting project proposals until November 12, 2026.
Knowledge transfer
Another objective of NOHEIC is to disseminate scientific knowledge, including the results of research projects. To this end, NOHEIC organizes scientific and public conferences throughout the year, as well as an annual symposium.