Schulich School of Engineering celebrates research that makes a difference

The University of Calgary's engineering school is celebrating the work of eight prestigious Industrial Research Chairs. Pictured above, top row, from left: Jalal Abedi, Zhangxing (John) Chen, Apostolos Kantzas, Nader Mahinpey. Bottom row, from left: Pedro Pereira Almao, Joo-Hwa (Andrew) Tay, David Wood, and Harvey Yarranton. See slideshow below to learn more about their individual research projects.  

A sustainable energy sector, cleaner air and water and more renewable power — that’s what a team of world-class researchers at the Schulich School of Engineering is working to achieve.

The engineering school is celebrating the work of eight prestigious Industrial Research Chairs dedicated to finding energy and environmental innovations that can transform our society for generations to come.

Their revolutionary work wouldn’t be possible without the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada and a team of partners — including Alberta Innovates, The City of Calgary, and dozens of engaged industry stakeholders — who have come together to make this research possible.

“Our scholars in the Schulich School of Engineering are addressing some of the biggest energy challenges of our time,” says University of Calgary Vice-President (Research) Ed McCauley. “The vital support from NSERC and dozens of program partners is instrumental in our endeavour to find lasting solutions to benefit Canadians.” 

One of Canada’s key innovation instruments

The NSERC Industrial Research Chairs program is one of Canada’s key innovation instruments. NSERC and industry each provide matching funding to support a major research endeavour into an area of critical importance for the entire country. Results from this research are then shared publicly through peer-reviewed sources and help drive innovation from coast to coast.

“These prestigious chairs enable long-term, productive relationships between forward-looking businesses and strong centres of expertise in universities. They will not only benefit the companies, but also enrich the training of students and inform the future research of faculty,” said Bert van den Berg, director, colleges community and portfolio planning, Research Partnerships Directorate at NSERC.

Making a powerful impact on people’s lives

Investigating and evaluating new methods to extract Alberta’s oil in more efficient, more affordable and more sustainable methods represent five of the Schulich School’s eight Industrial Research Chair projects.

The remaining three researchers are focused on efforts to improve the effectiveness of renewable energy systems, to enhance wastewater treatment facilities, and to remove greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the air.

“Our researchers are making a powerful impact on people’s lives and the economy,” said Bill Rosehart, dean of the Schulich School of Engineering.

“Innovation is critical to the long-term success of our energy sector and to protecting our environment. And partnerships with NSERC, industry and government make this innovation possible,” said Rosehart.

Energy innovations for today and tomorrow

Schulich’s Industrial Research Chairs are among the more than 270 researchers from across the University of Calgary currently engaged in energy research as part of Energy Innovations for Today and Tomorrow Energy Research Strategy. Located in the heart of Canada’s energy sector, the University of Calgary has built a reputation as a global leader in energy research and innovation. With a focus on our low-carbon future, diverse teams are also assessing the effects of energy-related processes while harnessing unconventional hydrocarbon resources. 

To learn more about the individual Industrial Research Chair projects, see the slideshow, below.

Energy Innovations video

Hear from our Industrial Research Chairs how their work is helping create a more sustainable energy sector, more sustainable energy sector, finding ways to improve oil recovery while using less water and energy to do so.

Environmental Innovations video

Listen as our Industrial Research Chairs describe how their work into renewable energy, carbon capture and improved wastewater treatment processes is positive impact on the environment.