Power your future with Volt-Age
Join a PhD program focused on electrification at Concordia University and become part of an initiative actively building the future of energy. Through Volt-Age, you'll have the opportunity to work on large-scale, multidisciplinary initiatives to develop and implement new technologies and solutions for the electrification of society in Canada.
Supported by over $123 million from the Canada First Research Excellence Fund (CFREF), this initiative is driving real change in the energy landscape.
Why pursue research with Volt-Age?
Secure generous funding
Groundbreaking research requires support. That’s why Volt-Age offers PhD students a scholarship of $35,000 per year for 4 years and access to state-of-the-art labs and research. Your ideas deserve the best resources.
Make a global impact
As a student working on Volt-Age research, you won’t just study sustainable energy—you’ll help create it. Collaborate with industry leaders like Northvolt, Tesla, Schneider Electric, and Hydro-Québec to develop real-world solutions that matter.
Work on cutting-edge projects
From decarbonized mining to smart grids, advanced energy storage systems, and AI-driven energy management, you’ll be at the center of innovation. This is your chance to contribute to technologies that will shape the future.
Volt-Age research areas
We are looking for students passionate about advancing research in two key categories within the green electrification space.
Technological innovations in the green electrification supply chain
Explore critical areas across the entire supply chain, from raw materials to recycling, such as:
- Advanced technologies: Artificial intelligence | Automation | Cybersecurity | Monitoring technologies
- Energy solutions: Battery and energy storage | Renewable energy systems | Infrastructure
- Construction and design: Buildings and envelopes | Modelling and design | Manufacturing and machinery
- Sustainable resources: Raw materials | Mining | Recycling | Transportation solutions
Societal and human impacts of electrification
Examine the broader societal effects of electrification through a social sciences lens, including:
- Cultural and knowledge integration: Co-creation | Indigenous knowledge in electrification
- Economic and entrepreneurial research: Economy | Entrepreneurship | Research-to-market approaches
- Policy and ethics: Political science | Risk management | Philosophy
- Social justice and community engagement: Social equity | Accessibility | Storytelling and oral histories.
Be a part of Volt-Age
1. Submit your PhD application to Concordia University.
Express your interest in Volt-Age research within your statement of purpose when applying. This step initiates your journey towards joining this innovative research community.
2. Complete the Volt-Age Interest Form.
Fill out this form to stay connected with the Volt-Age team. This will help keep you updated and enhance your chances of being selected by a Volt-Age researcher.
Core research themes
Whether in engineering or the social sciences, you'll collaborate with global industry leaders and Concordia’s top researchers to push the limits of what’s possible in sustainable energy.
Creating a smart, sustainable, and healthy built environment
Design buildings that generate more renewable energy than they use. Through Volt-Age, you'll redefine living spaces for a smarter, greener future by advancing net-zero building technologies.
Building resilient community energy and transportation systems
Tackle challenges like energy storage and grid security. Your research will drive next-generation batteries and off-grid solutions, ensuring communities are powered efficiently and sustainably.
Planning and governance for social equity and citizen engagement
Drive inclusive, participatory approaches to electrification and decarbonization, with a focus on the social, political, and economic dimensions of the energy transition. Ensure voices are heard in shaping a sustainable future.
Volt-Age goals
Drive research and innovation
Over the next six years, Volt-Age is investing in research that will have a lasting impact on both industry and society. You’ll be part of a team that’s setting new standards in energy innovation.
Bridge the gap
We’re committed to ensuring that the research you conduct at Volt-Age doesn’t just stay in the lab. You’ll play a key role in designing strategies to transfer this knowledge into real-world applications.
Lead pioneering projects
Imagine being at the helm of projects focused on decarbonization, from energy-saving devices to environmentally friendly technologies. Your work here will define the next generation of sustainable solutions.
Research with Volt-Age
If your research interests align with Volt-Age, seize the opportunity to be part of transformative work backed by generous funding. Apply to Concordia University, complete the form, and make your mark with Volt-Age today.
Haven't applied yet, but interested in Volt-Age?
Volt-Age is funded by the Canada First Research Excellence Fund (CFREF)