New Concordia sustainability research project gets $1.6 million boost
From solar energy to water treatment, from smarter buildings to electric cars: at Concordia University, sustainability is more than just a buzzword.
On June 26, the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) announced that Concordia had received $ 1,643,700 in support of research and training via an Institute in Water, Energy and Sustainability.
Not only is this the first Concordia project to be awarded funding through NSERC’s Collaborative Research and Training Experience (CREATE) program, it is also one of only three projects in Quebec to be selected this year.
Catherine Mulligan, the grant holder as well as a professor within Concordia’s Department of Building, Civil and Environmental Engineering, says the funding “will kick-start research and training in the important area of sustainable development.” She goes on to explain that the funding will go towards training approximately 20 students a year in research areas, including the production of renewable energy and the optimization of water usage in industry.
The CREATE grant focuses on socially conscious and eco-friendly engineering practices that educate students in methods of preserving our planet, while producing groundbreaking research that does exactly that. From greener engineering inventions to better business practices, Concordia’s long-standing interest in sustainability is now being amply supported by the federal government.
Giving young researchers the opportunity to learn the technical and professional skills that will prepare them for successful careers in science and engineering is a key focus of the CREATE program.
NSERC President Suzanne Fortier explains that it “is providing a valuable experience for students and postdoctoral fellows to learn practical skills and to engage in cutting-edge, multidisciplinary and, in some cases, international research. Exposing our trainees to an innovative, collaborative training environment will enable them to succeed in careers that contribute to the world’s top research.”
Mulligan sees a bright future for sustainable engineering here at Concordia. “Through this initiative, we can make major and unique contributions on sustainable development in water, buildings, infrastructure and energy development through programs and research,” she says.
With this federal funding, the new initiative, which unites Concordia with local universities as well as industry partners and government laboratories, will help pave the way to a sustainable future.
Related links:
• Faculty of Engineering and Computer Science
• "Greengineering" – NOW, May 30, 2011
• NSERC Press Release
• Collaborative Research and Training Experience Program