The form and materials of the buildings and landscape in urban areas alter wind patterns, solar radiation, humidity and air temperature. A collaboration between Mitacs, KPMB Architects and Ryerson University facilitated the creation of tools that allow architects to have a better understanding of these effects and use them to optimize their projects.

The traditional residential-building industry in Canada suffers from poorly designed ducts with undervented and over-vented areas causing large temperature variations, discomfort, and inefficiency. With the support of Mitacs and University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon-based tech company, SenergyK Innovative Creations, has been developing an innovative technology called UCTUPUS.

Considering a single burst pipe can cost millions, a new predictive model can save cities significantly by identifying which pipes are likely to break.

This research is being used to guide dam safety regulations worldwide to ensure infrastructure is examined before catastrophe hits.

Although an earthquake can devastate in a few short seconds, restoration and reconstruction can take years to complete. So, Professor Lydell Wiebe and Mitacs Globalink Research Intern, Soundarya Govindaraj from partner university, NIT Tiruchirappalli, India, have been researching building materials suited to withstand earthquakes. Wood is the chosen material.

Partnership with University of Regina researchers leverages technology to enhance worker safety

Companies like Les Enduits STEF stepped in to fill the gap by developing water-tight membranes and coatings that could be applied to a house’s exterior during construction. In need of a research-based solution, the company was introduced to a postdoctoral fellow from the Université de Sherbrooke to do the job.

“We pushed the limits of the connector’s material and structure. In the end, we learned how to make a better connector..."

"Investing in philosophy has produced a tremendous enhancement of the outcomes of our work.”

Professor Alan Fung, a professor of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering at Ryerson University, was the recipient of the 2014 Mitacs Professor Award for Outstanding Leadership.