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The Selkirk Ion-source Research Centre (SIRC), led by Dr. Morgan Dehnel, Selkirk’s Ion Source Research Chair, is advancing next-generation ion-source technologies through collaboration between academia and industry. With support from Mitacs, this work connects talent to applied research with real-world impact, including contributions to emerging quantum technologies through advanced modelling and diagnostics. Read the full interview with Dr. Dehnel to learn more.
Mitacs: What challenge were you trying to address, and why does it matter?
Dr. Morgan Dehnel: Ion sources are a critical component of particle accelerators, which underpin technologies across key sectors, from medical imaging and isotope production to semiconductor manufacturing and energy systems.
As demand grows for next-generation accelerators, there is an urgent need to improve ion-source performance, including beam current, efficiency, and operational lifetime. At the same time, Canada faces a gap in highly qualified personnel with the specialized skills required to support these industries.
Addressing both the technical challenges and the talent gap is essential to ensuring Canada remains competitive in these advanced technology sectors.
Mitacs: What solution did you develop to address this challenge?
Dr. Morgan Dehnel: The Selkirk Ion-source Research Centre (SIRC) was established to bring together a national network of academic and industry partners into a collaborative research environment.
This includes partnerships with organizations such as TRIUMF, Selkirk Technology Access Centre, D-Pace, Busch, the University of Victoria, the University of Saskatchewan, Polytechnique Montreal and international collaborators including CNRS and U. Marseille in France.
Together, we are advancing ion-source technologies with strong commercialization potential across sectors such as medical isotopes, semiconductors, and clean energy. Our work integrates experimental R&D, advanced manufacturing (3D metal printing), advanced computing, and machine learning to accelerate innovation while ensuring real-world applicability.
Mitacs: How has Mitacs supported this work?
Dr. Morgan Dehnel: Mitacs is a key enabler of this collaborative model. Through co-funded internships, Mitacs connects academic and industry partners while supporting the deployment of highly skilled talent into applied research projects.
This support allows us to build a critical mass of expertise at SIRC and advance multiple R&D initiatives simultaneously, strengthening collaboration and helping move innovations closer to commercialization.
Mitacs has also sponsored the Negative Ions, Beams, and Sources (NIBS2026) symposium which will be held in Nelson, BC, Canada in September 2026, and is hosted by Selkirk College’s SIRC. NIBS2026 will bring 100+ world-class international ion source researchers and manufacturers to the region to advance science and technology of negative ion sources through oral talks, poster presentations, and refereed proceedings papers.
“By bringing together partners like TRIUMF, D-Pace, and leading universities, and connecting them with highly skilled talent through Mitacs, we’re building the foundation for the next generation of accelerator technologies in Canada.”
Dr. Morgan Dehnel, Selkirk’s Ion Source Research Chair
Mitacs: How are Mitacs-supported interns contributing to your work?
Dr. Morgan Dehnel: Our approach brings together graduate researchers and vocational interns to work collaboratively on complex R&D challenges.
Mitacs-supported interns contribute across the full innovation cycle, from 2D/3D plasma modelling (utilizing Digital Research Alliance of Canada clusters) and diagnostics to precision advanced manufacturing and system integration, including building ion-source test stands and supporting experimental campaigns.
Through this experience, interns gain hands-on skills in advanced technologies while helping accelerate innovation, with many going on to careers in sectors such as accelerator & ion source technology, advanced manufacturing, medical isotope production, vacuum systems, and power electronics.
Mitacs: What impact has this work had, and why does it matter for Canada?
Dr. Morgan Dehnel: SIRC is emerging as a centre of expertise in ion-source research in Canada, advancing technologies that are close to commercialization across sectors including healthcare, semiconductors, and clean energy.
At the same time, we are building a pipeline of highly qualified personnel with the specialized skills needed to support these industries. This model demonstrates how connecting talent, research, and industry can accelerate innovation and contribute to a more productive, competitive, and resilient Canadian economy.
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.
As a national innovation connector, Mitacs takes a talent-first approach to strengthen innovation capacity and drive global competitiveness. We serve as an essential research-commercialization bridge, accelerating market entry and growth for new products and services.
This is a critical time for Canada to think big and take bold action. Mitacs is ready to help build a strong and resilient Canadian economy, powered by ideas, talent and innovation.
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.
