Innovative Projects Realized

Navigation autonome de drones en environnements GPS-denied

Ce projet vise à accomplir une revue de l’état de l’art des solutions de système de navigation autonome pour drones capable de fonctionner sans GPS. Le résultat de ce projet offrira à NGC une analyse des solutions potentielles de contingence lors de missions en environnements GPS-denied, soit dans des environnements où le signal GPS est faible ou inexistant. Les solutions potentielles envisagées rassemblent plusieurs expertises, soit celles de la robotique et de la navigation autonome, de la vision par ordinateur, du traitement de signaux, du contrôle et de la dynamique des véhicules aériens, ainsi que des systèmes embarqués.

SAGA: Translanguaging and Urban Green Transitions

“Finding the right words in place for the green transition” in Helsinki and Copenhagen is a component of the larger, SSHRC Insight grant SAGA: Translanguaging and Sustainability (2024-29). Building upon a foundation of policy discourse analysis specific to the terminology of green transition in these two cities in Finnish and Danish, respectively, interns will pursue an ecocritical analysis of justifications and the strategies for ecological transition in policy documents completed in the English language, intended for external, international communication, and compare the results with the previously completed analysis in native language policy discourse. This analysis will serve the objective of identifying key arguments, strategies, and processes related to urban ecological transition that may be distinctively available in a place-based language, compared with items that may be equally easily expressed in English language. As a study of ecocritical discourse analysis, it will also document the evolution of language of the ecological transition in each of these cities. An engaged component of the research will entail constructive discussion of the products of the discourse analysis with bilingual researchers and experts on urban change and the ecological transition and participant observation of the implementation of a number of case sites of ecological transition.

Advancing nonstationarity hydroclimate frequency analysis through regional information and multi-covariate models

This project aims to improve the prediction of extreme precipitation by enhancing a widely used open-source tool for frequency analysis. Predicting these extremes remains challenging, particularly when incorporating physical covariates and complex models, which often lead to instability in estimation methods. The updated framework will include advanced models that account for a changing climate using one or more physical covariates and leveraging regional hydroclimate information across Canada to improve predictions. The project will provide practical solutions for water management agencies, researchers, and policymakers. Through collaboration between USask and UNAM, this initiative will strengthen expertise in climate-resilient water management and deliver tools to help protect communities and infrastructure from the growing flood risks. The partnership will also result in joint publications and future research proposals to pursue additional funding opportunities.

Évaluation, comparaison et optimisation de solutions de câblage cryogénique pour les communications numériques

L’émergence de l’informatique quantique marque une ère de transformation dans la science informatique, promettant une puissance de traitement sans précédent pour les problèmes complexes. Cependant, l’évolutivité de l’électronique de contrôle classique, à température ambiante, reste limitée pour les applications quantiques cryogéniques.

L’équipe de Sherbrooke, en collaboration avec celle de Paris-Saclay, développe une plateforme électronique cryogénique modulaire flexible. La plateforme requiert diverses connexions électriques avec une bande passante suffisante pour communiquer efficacement avec un ordinateur de contrôle. Bien que les connexions haute performances des cryostats répondent aux exigences de ces protocoles, leur nombre est insuffisants pour pourvoir à la fois aux besoins de la plateforme de contrôle et à ceux des composants quantiques. Les connexions de basse ou moyenne performance existantes, quant à elles, sont fragiles, en densité insuffisante et n’ont pas la bande passante requise par les protocoles électriques modernes.

Pour répondre à ce problème, le projet de ce stage prévoit l’exploration de technologies de connectivité haute densité, robustes, compatibles avec les environnements cryogéniques et répondants aux exigences des protocoles électriques modernes. Le travail consistera en tests en laboratoire de différentes solutions initiales de connectivité, leur analyse, la sélection de la solution en termes de performance, robustesse et rapport qualité/prix.

Development of low-defect-density materials for the fabrication of quantum devices

Quantum computing can revolutionize secure communications and advanced computing, but current devices suffer from noise and instability caused by fabrication defects. This project aims to improve silicon and germanium spin qubits by developing advanced surface passivation, optimizing dielectric stacks, and engineering high-quality Ge/SiGe heterostructures.
Research will involve thin-film deposition, interface characterization, and electrical testing using cutting-edge facilities at Université de Sherbrooke. By reducing defect density and enhancing qubit fidelity, the project will enable scalable quantum processors.
The work strengthens Canada’s leadership in quantum technologies and fosters collaboration with Université Gustave Eiffel. These advancements have transformative potential for cybersecurity, information technology, and energy-efficient electronics.

Modeling Particle Aggregation and Transport in Magnetic Resonance Navigation for Liver Cancer Treatment

This project aims to develop Magnetic Resonance Navigation (MRN), an innovative technique for treating liver cancer. MRN uses the magnetic fields of clinical MRI systems to form and guide aggregates of micro-particles toward tumor-feeding arteries using controlled magnetic field gradients and gravity. Compared to current treatments, this approach has the potential to be less invasive and more precise, allowing drugs to be delivered directly to tumors while reducing damage to healthy tissue. A key challenge is understanding how these particle aggregates behave in flowing blood, which is essential for ensuring safe and effective treatment. This project focuses on modeling the forces that influence particle motion and aggregation under realistic blood flow conditions. The collaboration between CR-CHUM in Canada and Inria in France combines clinical expertise with advanced computational modeling. It is expected to improve liver cancer treatment strategies while strengthening research capacity, knowledge exchange, and international collaboration between the participating institutions.

Optimisation du procédé SACE pour l’usinage de murs minces en verre de quartz

Ce projet de recherche vise à améliorer une technique de fabrication miniature appelée « gravure chimique assistée par décharges » pour sculpter le verre de façon très précise. Pendant son stage à l’ÉTS, Augustin Mazet utilisera des équipements de pointe pour tester de nouvelles méthodes de fabrication de composants en verre de quartz extrêmement fins. En s’appuyant sur des outils de haute technologie et des analyses statistiques, il cherchera à rendre ce procédé plus rapide et plus fiable pour une utilisation en usine. À terme, ces travaux faciliteront la création de nouveaux dispositifs médicaux et électroniques miniaturisés, tout en consolidant la position du Canada comme leader en fabrication de haute technologie.

Development of an online visual scanning treatment (SpyTrain) for visuo-spatial neglect post stroke

Stroke happens every 5 minutes and one common and disabling disorder due to right-brain stroke is spatial neglect, a problem with paying attention to the left side of the body and world. Spatial neglect is chronic and leads to slower recovery and longer hospital stays, and effective treatment requires significant health care resources. The purpose of the intern’s project is to test the feasibility and effectiveness of an online rehabilitation program that can be delivered in the community needing less therapist time in order to improve spatial neglect, reduce disability and enhance recovery. If successful, this treatment option can be added to the therapist toolbox for dealing with spatial neglect and decrease the need for hospital resources while extending rehabilitation into the community.

Étude de la trajectoire cérébrale des troubles alimentaires restrictifs chez une population pédiatrique.

Ce projet de recherche constitue une étape préliminaire qui vise à comprendre comment le cerveau des adolescent.e.s évolue à la suite d’une anorexie mentale. L’objectif est d’analyser des images cérébrales de jeunes patient.e.s prises au début de leur hospitalisation (TP1), puis après leur récupération pondérale (TP2), afin de caractériser comment la sous-nutrition affecte le cerveau. Des analyses de médiation permettront d’évaluer la part des changements cérébraux expliquée par la variation d’IMC (indice de masse corporelle), distinguant les effets liés à la renutrition de ceux liés à d’autres facteurs neurobiologiques. Ce travail constituera une étape préliminaire à un suivi plus long (jusqu’à un an, TP3), permettant à terme d’identifier des marqueurs cérébraux prédictifs de rechute.

Culturally-Centred, Integrated Care for Cardiovascular Diseases among Indigenous People in Colombia

This project addresses the growing burden of multiple long-term conditions (MLTCs) among Indigenous populations in Vaupés, Colombia, with a focus on cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) such as hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidaemia. Using participatory, qualitative methods, the intern seeks to understand how culturally-centred, integrated models of care can be designed to improve coordination and continuity of care for Indigenous people living with MLTC-CVDs. More specifically, the internship will explore how Indigenous people living with MLTCs, their families, and community leaders describe their experiences of navigating care across different services. It will also examine the main gaps, bottlenecks, and sources of fragmentation in the coordination of care for MLTCs in Indigenous communities, as well as identify the existing strengths or informal coordination practices that can be built upon. For the Colombian host institution, the project will strengthen collaboration with Indigenous communities, support primary healthcare innovation, and contribute local data to guide policy formulation and implementation. For the Canadian home institution, it will build expertise in Indigenous global health and strengthen cross-cultural partnership, generating insights and approaches that can be applied to advance equitable MLTC care with Indigenous and other underserved populations in Canada.

Fathers’ Support Roles in Postpartum Care in Japan

This project will explore how Japanese fathers understand and carry out their role in supporting their partners during the postpartum period. By reviewing research, examining existing programs, and learning from experts at Niigata University, the study will describe the cultural, social, and workplace factors that shape fathers’ involvement after childbirth. The project will benefit both institutions by strengthening collaboration between McMaster University and Niigata University, supporting joint learning on family health, and creating opportunities for future research partnerships. It will also help both universities deepen their expertise in cross-cultural approaches to postpartum health and caregiving.

Understanding the principles of building rapport and trust with children across diverse settings in the context of public health research

The Mitacs Globalink research project focuses on building trust and rapport with children from newcomer families in public health research through community-based participatory research (CBPR). The findings will inform McMaster University’s SCORE! Project in Hamilton, Ontario, and contribute to advancing inclusivity in public health research. Effective communication is crucial, particularly with children from diverse cultural, linguistic, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Literature emphasizes child-centered approaches, empathy, and culturally sensitive strategies as essential trust-building principles that enhance participation, improve data quality, and promote inclusivity. Applying these principles can strengthen child-centered care, support primordial disease prevention, and advance global health equity.
However, major gaps remain, including the lack of standardized definitions of trustful relationships, limited analysis of trust variability across child contexts, and insufficient research on rapport-building in online environments. Evidence-based principles specific to children, distinct from those used with adult are scarce and cannot be generalized globally.
This project aims to develop a knowledge base on trust and rapport principles for children in public health research through mixed-methods secondary analysis. Objectives include examining CBPR practices in Canada, assessing their transferability to Indian contexts, linking findings to relevant SDGs, and recommending best practices for future public health researchers.