The origin of the term moonshot can be traced back to United States (U.S.) President John F. Kennedy and the expansion of the U.S. space program in the 1960s to pursue manned space flight and lunar exploration. While space exploration continues today, moonshot has come to apply more broadly to risky, resource-intensive, large-scale, long-term and collaborative research programs with ambitious goals.

To consider factors facilitating the successful implementation of a moonshot program in Canada, the House of Commons Standing Committee on Science and Research (the Committee) embarked on a study of international moonshot programs that “aim to resolve difficult environmental and social problems, set ambitious research and development programs, and attract researchers from around the world.”^[1]

During its study, the Committee heard that moonshot programs need to include both fundamental, curiosity-driven research, as well as applied research and development. While existing funding programs were highlighted, witnesses also spoke to the need for additional funding and more long-term funding opportunities. The Committee also heard testimony on ways to ensure that non-research policies support and enable research goals, the importance of developing and maintaining research infrastructure, and challenges related to education and workforce development. Witnesses also identified the many opportunities for collaboration on moonshot programs, with diverse partners that include provincial and territorial governments, industry and international collaborators.

Finally, the Committee heard testimony related to selecting topics and goals for moonshot programs, including both general tenets related to focusing efforts and addressing global challenges, as well as specific topics for exploration, including climate change, artificial intelligence and health.

Based on the testimony it heard, the Committee made 15 recommendations to government.