GRAND's research program was originally involved 38 projects structured around five themes that provided the framework on which the core research capabilities of the network were established. Each theme represents a key element of GRAND’s success in the field of digital media.

With the introduction of a new multifaceted research program in Phase 2, GRAND has taken bold steps towards better addressing Canada’s digital media research challenges. All research projects in Phase 1 concluded on March 31, 2014, in preparation for this new set of projects and themes. Building on GRAND’s research capacity established in Phase 1, the new program encompasses seven critical research problem areas, multiple interdisciplinary research teams, invested industry and community partners, and innovative approaches to knowledge mobilization.

Below are the five core capabilities ("themes") that continue to serve as inputs to the research program.

PHASE 1: Themes

	New Media Challenges and Opportunities (nMedia) The tools, skills, and techniques needed to advance the next generation of new media applications and distribution channels.
	Games and Interactive Simulation (GamSim) The construction, use, and understanding of games and simulation in three areas: game development technologies, education, and applications.
	Animation, Graphics and Imaging (AnImage) New knowledge and technology addressing the challenge of content generation and scalability required for deployment of digital technologies in a large range of social contexts.
	Social, Legal, Economic and Cultural Perspectives (SocLeg) Research results made available to policymakers about how best to adopt legal and regulatory processes to the challenges of digital media so that technological innovations are relevant and beneficial to Canadians in all walks of life.
	Enabling Technologies and Methodologies (TechMeth) The building blocks that will be used to invent, design, produce and evaluate the next generation of games, animation and new media technologies for use by consumers, research and industry.

PHASE 1: Projects (Matrix)

In Phase 1, the GRAND network completed 38 projects cross-pollinated around 5 themes. These projects explored the use and application of digital media in a variety of settings including entertainment, healthcare, education, environmental sustainability, and public policy.