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.
develops applied research projects in collaboration with many partners. HUPR also offers technical assistance, information and training to people working in the circus, performing arts and human performance sectors.
HUPR is at the heart of the performing arts research and development ecosystem, both nationally and internationally. The Centre brings together people from the circus industry who work in research, technique, design and pedagogy, as well as the NCS student community and its managers.
HUPR works with small, medium and large educational, community or institutional organizations. In addition, it collaborates with other companies from the creative and artistic industries.
HUPR is recognized as a Centre collégial de transfert de technologie (CCTT) and held an Industrial Research Chair in SSHRC Colleges in Circus Arts until 2022.
The reputation of the NCS, HUPR and Quebec companies in the circus arts sector results not only from the quality of local artistic productions, but also from the ability of the local industry to enrich and renew aesthetics.
In the digital age, artists as well as people who work in design and/or teaching must master certain tools in order to develop new knowledge and integrate it into creative and educational frameworks. Companies specializing in the creation of circus works must develop sustainable development strategies to ensure the uniqueness of the works and the sustainability of their organization.
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.
To be a global leader in the development of human potential.
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.
Discover the institutional research strategy and policies of the NCS:
*French only