Vancouver, BC – The Mitacs Board of Directors announce the appointment of Ridha Ben-Mrad as the new Associate Academic Director. Currently a Professor in the Department of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering at the University of Toronto and the Director of the Mechatronics and Microsystems group, Ridha Ben-Mrad will assume his new role on January 1, 2016.
Professor Ben-Mrad joined the University of Toronto in 1997 and was previously with the National Research Council of Canada (NRC) and the Ford Research Laboratory. Professor Ben-Mrad developed a number of new technologies through collaborations with industrial partners from across Canada. His research led to a number inventions as well as ten US, Canadian, European, and Chinese patents along with more than 160 research publications.
Professor Ben-Mrad received a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Pennsylvania State University; a Master’s degrees in Mechanical Engineering and Electrical Engineering both from the University of Michigan; and a PhD in Mechanical Engineering also from the University of Michigan.
In his new role Professor Ben-Mrad will succeed Professor Aftab Mufti, who will continue to serve as Chair of the Mitacs Research Council.
Quotes:
Alejandro Adem, CEO and Scientific Director, Mitacs
“I am delighted to welcome Dr. Ben-Mrad as the Associate Academic Director of Mitacs. He is a highly distinguished academic with a strong background in innovation. We look forward to his expertise and vision, which will help us continue to advance innovation in Canada.”
Ridha Ben-Mrad, Incoming Associate Academic Director Mitacs
“Mitacs has done a great job of growing Canada’s knowledge economy and making many young Canadians achieve their dreams of being leaders in their fields. I am looking forward to contributing to this great effort.”
Cristina Amon, Dean, Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering, University of Toronto and Member, Mitacs Research Council
“The University of Toronto Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering, along with Mitacs, is focused on developing the next generation of innovators and strengthening partnerships with industry and government. We are honoured that Mitacs has chosen Professor Ridha Ben-Mrad to continue advancing innovation in Canada, and I congratulate him on this prestigious appointment.”
Quick facts:
- Mitacs is a national, private not-for-profit organization that develops the next generation of innovators with vital skills through a suite of unique research and training programs.
- Mitacs runs programs for undergraduates, graduate students, and postdoctoral fellows: Accelerate, Elevate, Step, and Globalink.
- In partnership with companies, government and universities, Mitacs is supporting a new economy using Canada’s most valuable resource — its people.
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