Mitacs and IBET PhD Project extend partnership to support Indigenous and Black researchers in engineering and technology

Vancouver, BC — Mitacs, a national innovation organization, and the Indigenous and Black Engineering and Technology (IBET) PhD Project today announced the renewal of their partnership through a new three-year agreement that will expand research, training, and industry opportunities for Indigenous and Black doctoral researchers in engineering and STEM fields. 

The renewed memorandum of understanding (MOU) builds on a collaboration that began in 2021, through which IBET Fellows have accessed Mitacs research and training opportunities that provide hands-on research experience, strengthen professional networks, and foster collaboration between academia and industry.  

The new agreement, effective through 2029, will extend access to Mitacs programs such as Accelerate, Business Strategy Internship (BSI), and the Globalink Research Award.  

Through the partnership, Mitacs industry partners benefit from a reduced financial contribution when they host IBET Fellows as interns, helping to lower barriers to collaboration and expand research placement opportunities.  

The agreement will also extend the IBET Connect Award, a Mitacs-funded initiative that enables IBET Fellows to conduct research and innovation projects at partner institutions across Canada. 

Together, the two organizations will collaborate to advance a shared goal: increasing the representation of Indigenous and Black scholars in engineering and technology and building a more diverse and inclusive pipeline of research talent in Canada.

Quotes 

“The IBET PhD Project was created to address systemic barriers and create meaningful pathways for Indigenous and Black scholars in engineering and technology. Our continued collaboration with Mitacs expands opportunities for our Fellows to gain research experience, build networks, and pursue careers across academia, industry, and beyond.”

Dr. Tiz Mekonnen, Director, IBET PhD Project 

“Advanced research training is essential to developing the expertise Canada needs to compete globally. Through this partnership, we’re expanding access to hands-on opportunities, from funded research placements to tailored supports for IBET Fellows, to help more Indigenous and Black researchers gain the experience and connections they need to succeed.” 

Dr. Stephen Lucas, CEO, Mitacs 

About Mitacs 

For over 25 years, Mitacs has helped grow the economy and develop the workforce of tomorrow, connecting industry with academia and global partners to solve real-world challenges. We support business-academic research collaboration through internships, co-funded with businesses, for undergraduate to graduate students and post-doctoral fellows, acting as an essential research-commercialization bridge. Mitacs is funded by the Government of Canada, the Government of Alberta, the Government of British Columbia, Research Manitoba, the Government of New Brunswick, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, the Government of Nova Scotia, the Government of Ontario, Innovation PEI, the Government of Quebec, the Government of Saskatchewan, and the Government of Yukon. 

About IBET 

The Indigenous and Black Engineering and Technology PhD Project (IBET) is a partnership program launched in 2021 by six powerhouse engineering and technology faculties in Ontario. The project aims to foster equitable and inclusive research and teaching environments by increasing the presence of Indigenous and Black academics in STEM disciplines across Canada. The partnership has since expanded to 18 universities across Canada. 

The IBET PhD Project offers a Momentum Fellowship of $30,000 per year for four years, along with industry/academic mentorship and professional development opportunities to Indigenous and Black fellows in engineering and technology. The success of these scholars will lead to teaching and research careers in academia, industry, and policy-making.