June 22--The Canadian automotive research community received a cash injection that will drive this area forward for the next two years. At a ceremony in Toronto, the AUTO21 Network of Centres of Excellence announced the funding of 41 innovative auto-related research projects. Through AUTO21, the Government of Canada is investing up to $9.8 million in funding for the projects, which range from studying ways to increase safety and protection of vehicle occupants to investigating new materials and manufacturing processes to advance Canada's leading edge in fuel cell research.
In addition to the Feberal government contribution, the projects are supported by an additional $14.7 million from industry and other public sector partners, including several vehicle manufacturers, automotive suppliers, and federal and provincial government departments and agencies.
Each project will be led by an expert researcher who will coordinate a national team of investigators. More than 230 researchers at 37 universities across Canada will work on the 41 projects. Some of the projects and their leaders include laser welding of thermoplastics, Dr. P. Bates, Royal Military; high efficiency machining processes, M. Elbestawi, McMaster University; and welding processes of advanced materials, Dr. N. Zhou, University of Waterloo, and Dr. D. Mitlin, University of Alberta.
For further information, contact Stephanie Campeau, communications manager, AUTO21 Network of Centres of Excellence, at 519-253-3000 ext. 4129.
