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HUPR – Research Centre for Human Potential conducts applied research projects in collaboration with a vast network of partners. With a focus on the performing arts and human potential, HUPR offers technical assistance, information and training to support professionals and organizations in this field.

Recognized as a Centre collégial de transfert de technologie (CCTT), HUPR was recently designated a Technology Access Centre by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC). This recognition will enable HUPR to develop digital technologies, while strengthening its research, training and support capabilities.

HUPR shines both nationally and internationally, bringing together researchers, technicians, designers, educators and managers. With a transdisciplinary approach, it supports artists and organizations in integrating new tools and knowledge to innovate sustainably and push back the boundaries of creation.

Mission

HUPR is redefining the intersection of innovation and performing arts. The collective of researchers, experts, and artists aims to advance human potential and socio-economic development through transdisciplinary collaborations, embodied movement research, technology, and innovation.  

Vision

To be a global leader in the development of human potential.   

History

The National Circus School (NCS) has been carrying out research-creation and educational research activities for nearly forty years. It was in 2010, after having put in place policies and procedures to oversee such activities, that the NCS created its own research service. The latter is now recognized and supported by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) of Canada. 

As of 2011, the NCS’s research service receives grants from the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Higher Education and the College and Community Innovation Program (ICC) offered by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Center of Canada (NSERC). 

In 2012, the department was awarded a SSHRC College Industrial Research Chair in Circus Arts. The mandate of the Chair was then renewed in 2017 for five years, thus confirming the relevance of its mission and the excellence of its achievements. 

Following a resolution by the NCS Board of Directors, the Center for Research, Innovation and Knowledge Transfer in Circus Arts (CRITAC) was officially constituted in 2013. CRITAC is recognized as a Centre collégial de transfert de technologie (CCTT) since 2018. 

In 2024, the Centre de recherche, d’innovation et de transfert en arts du cirque (CRITAC) became HUPR – Research Centre for Human Potential. In the same year, HUPR receives recognition as a Technology Access Centre from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), along with a grant. This support strengthens its ability to develop digital technologies and excel in research, training and coaching.

Institutional research strategy and policies

Objectives

  • Specify the fields of application, the guiding principles and the reference framework of the research and innovation functions within the institution.  
  • Define the organizational framework and the support offered to research activities. 
  • Promote the integration of research for the full realization of the mission and institutional orientations of the NCS. 
  • Create an environment conducive to carrying out research and innovation projects, developing skills and improving the quality of work in this field. 

 

Discover the institutional research strategy and policies of the NCS: 

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