Tag: MemberInTheSpotlight

Getting to know Southern Alberta Institute of Technology

Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) formally became a member of the World Technology Universities Network in February 2024. We asked their Operational Board member, Mark Butler, Vice President for Corporate Development, Applied Research and International, to get to know more about SAIT and the city of Calgary, Canada, where its campus lies.

How did you come to work at SAIT and what do you like most about it?

I was working at another institution in the city of Calgary, and when looking to advance my career to a more global-looking and entrepreneurial focus, a role opened up at SAIT that fit my vision. I knew of SAIT due to its brand and from co-collaborating with them on a few international initiatives, so I was excited for the opportunity to work with a truly global and forward-looking institution.

If someone were to visit SAIT, what should they see and do in and around the city of Calgary?

Like in most big cities, I would recommend exploring the city complimented by a visit to Calgary Zoo or an evening visit to Calgary Tower. We are home to the hockey team, Calgary Flames, and (American) football team, Calgary Stampeders so if there’s a match on, anyone visiting should definitely watch a game. There is also the chance to visit Calgary Stampede, the world’s largest Outdoor Rodeo, which hosts a daily evening show and to float down the Calgary River in a canoe.

Stepping outside of the city, visitors must visit the Canadian Rockies for a horseback ride to soak in the landscape and a trip to Banff and the beautiful blue waters of Lake Louise. For anyone particularly interested in nature, a visit to Colombia Icefield Park is a must to take in the chillier side of the Canadian Rockies or the World Heritage Site, Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump is perfect to see the Plains Buffalo culture. For any archaeology enthusiasts, Dinosaur Provincial Park is great and if you happen to be passing through in winter, you can’t miss snowtubing, which is a great winter activity that doesn’t require too much athletic skill.

What are some interesting research projects and work taking place at the university?

SAIT has a number of interesting research hubs such as the Alternative Construction Technologies (ACT) hub, the first of its kind in Canada working to advance innovative construction solutions using advanced manufacturing technologies such as robotics, automation, and advanced materials. The Alberta Aerospace Research Centre (AARC) focuses on the development of novel aerospace materials and is crucial to the growth of the aerospace industry in Canada whilst the Automation and Robotics Technologies (ART) hub assists SMEs and corporations in adopting advanced digital manufacturing technologies, with a focus on AI, machine learning and robotics.

In addition to these initiatives, CIRAMM is actively engaged in several novel R&D projects, including:

  • Developing carbon-negative masonry materials for 3D construction printing.
  • Developing high-performance alloys, ceramic materials, and metal-matrix composites for applications in aerospace, automotive, energy, and defence industries.
  • Large-scale robot-assisted additive manufacturing (3D printing) of metals, concrete, and high-performance polymers.
  • Developing smart systems and machine vision for laser-based 3D printing processes.
  • Prefabrication of modular houses using robotic systems.
  • Developing advanced nanomaterials for applications in filtering and carbon capture membranes.
  • Developing sustainable composite materials using plant-based products and by-products.

The CERCUTS research area have several interesting projects including:

  • Water Treatment Residuals as a Biofilter – waste products from water treatment will be repurposed to create a biofilter to remove other water contaminants such as phosphorous.
  • Orphan Wells for Energy Generation – gravity will be exploited in abandoned oil wells to drop a mass and spin a generator to generate electricity.
  • Frog Lake First Nations – CERCUTS is developing alternative energy storage solutions in the form of vanadium redox flow batteries.
  • Alternative Water Treatment Technologies – Two projects that will explore alternative water treatment technologies, hybrid water desalination and electrodialysis for produced and/or wastewater from oil and gas wells.
  • Once Through Steam Generation Innovation- CERCUTS is exploring several research avenues to increase efficiency in steam generators used for SAGD applications.

The UN’s SDGs are a focus point for the work and activities of the network (WTUN). Could you tell us more about SAIT’s approach to sustainable development?

SAIT’s academic programming and facilities management work collaboratively to deliver 200+ initiatives under the UN’s SDGs. Our campus is a learning lab, taking a multifaceted approach to sustainable development including embedding sustainability into our programs and everyday practice and the development of the Sustainable Development Advisory Council which unites a network of experts at SAIT in education, applied research, facilities management, communication, and health and public safety to provide mentorship and guidance.

The Department of Applied Research and Innovation Services (ARIS) works alongside industry, communities and social agencies to enhance the well-being of Canadians, tackle climate change, and create an equitable, diverse and inclusive society. We aim to transform challenges into practical solutions, based in real-world settings, through our four research centres; Clean Energy, Green Building, Advanced Materials and Manufacturing, Unmanned Drone Systems.We look at sustainability through the lens of the curiosity to empower terrific teams to tackle big problems such as renewable energy, water analysis, circular economy, power storage, alternative energy generation, CO2 sequestration, greener oil and gas, and use reduction, retro-fits of buildings, improved air quality in buildings, unconventional energy integration, and mapping to name a few. By conducting regular evaluations and assessments, researchers measure the impact of interventions, identify gaps and adjust strategies accordingly to ensure the achievement of goals.

Some of our members have campus’ which have sustainability built into their design whilst others have campuses focused on nature, technology and research centres or their student body.  Can you tell us more about the campus at SAIT and your favourite things about being on campus?

On campus, the Green Building Technologies and other Applied Research and Innovation Services living labs use their experts and collaborate with SAIT partners to formulate innovative sustainable solutions to industry and communities.

One of my favourite things about being on campus is the pride I feel when I step into a LEED Gold building such as the Aldred Centre and I am looking forward to our new LEED Standard Campus Centre Redevelopment Project.

Are there any WTUN activities and/or institutions that, as an institution, SAIT is particularly looking forward to connecting with?

At SAIT, we’re looking forward to engaging with WTUN on opportunities to partner with international institutions who have interests in similar areas of applied research.

We’re looking to expand the number and breadth of our international program in the areas of business, advanced digital technology and hospitality and tourism, and feel that our new colleagues at WTUN member institutions will be able to aid us in doing so.

Finally, we’d like to expand on the mobility and exchange opportunities for students, faculty and staff at SAIT, and our membership to WTUN will support us in achieving this goal.

What are some of your local and international partnerships as an institution outside of the WTUN?

We have numerous Canadian Partnerships, including with a number of universities  and institutions here in Alberta. We are also connected to Cape Breton University in Nova Scotia, Lakehead University in Ontario, Capilano University, Royal Roads University, Thompson Rivers University, University of British Colombia and University of Victoria in British Colombia.

Across the globe we have partnerships in Europe with Edinburgh Napier University in the UK and Aspira University College in Croatia. We’re proud to have partnerships with Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Lovely Professional University in India, Queensland University of Technology and Griffith University in Australia, and numerous institutions in the USA including Embry-Riddle Aeronautical, Northwood University, University of North Dakota and Golden Gate University,

What are some of the things you’re most proud of at SAIT and some milestones the institution has achieved?

When SAIT was established in 1916, Sit was the first of its kind, publicly funded technical school in North America. Since, SAIT has continued to be a pioneering institution and opened Canada’s first remotely-piloted aviation training centres, through an academic partnership with ANAVIA, SwissDrones, Dufour Aerospace, and Velos Rotors and joined NATO’s Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA) Network.

We celebrate being recognized by Mediacorp Canada Inc. as one of Alberta’s Top Employers for 2024, and to be ranked sixth by Research Infosource Inc. in the Top 50 Research Colleges in Canada for 2023. CEOWORLD Magazine ranked the SAIT School of Business #49 on the list of Best Business Schools in the World for 2024, and the School of Hospitality and Tourism placed #14 on their list of Best Hospitality and Hotel Management Schools in the World for 2024.

Our programs focus on curriculum and research priorities through industry partnerships to ensure graduates have the skills and knowledge required to fulfil the demand for talent.

Finally, looking forward, what are some goals and milestones that SAIT would like to achieve in the future?

To continue to expand our network around learning from a global lens and to give back to the world where we can, from our long and varied history of learning.

Member in the Spotlight: Southern Alberta Institute of Technology

Welcome to our ‘Member in the Spotlight’ series, where we showcase the research focuses and work of our members. We hope these profiles support you in getting to know our members and to identify themes in your work and focuses where you may be able to collaborate with colleagues at member institutions. 

Introducing…Southern Alberta Institute of Technology

Who are Southern Alberta Institute of Technology?

The Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT), based in Calgary, Alberta, is the first publicly funded technical institute in Canada (1916), and the second oldest post-secondary institution in the city. It is also the third largest institution in the province of Alberta. 

As a global leader in applied education, SAIT embeds digital and leadership literacy, continuous and flexible learning and industry experiences and connections in its teachings. SAIT supports over 20,000 domestic students and apprentices attending full-time credit programs, as well as, 6,700 international credit and non-credit students. Of the 270,000 SAIT Alumni, 93 countries are represented. 

SAIT has many local and international partnerships around the world including with 24 Canadian institutions and 17 international universities and through 16 international collaborations.

Southern Alberta Institute of Technology Campus

What are their research focuses?

Through applied research excellence SAIT transforms challenges into solutions. SAIT’s Applied Research and Innovation Services hosts four research centres and independent scientists working on sustainable solutions and innovations (Clean Energy, Green Building, Advanced Materials and Manufacturing, Unmanned Drone Systems) SAIT’s strong collaborative approach includes government, industry, communities and civil society fostering interdisciplinary and collective action toward the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Leveraging expertise from various fields to develop holistic solutions. SAIT looks at sustainability through the lens of the curiosity: of their experts and students, institutional faculty and use their advanced labs to empower terrific teams to tackle big problems. 

The four research focus areas of SAIT’s applied research area include: 

SAIT researchers in CIRAMM have undertaken a project to develop a new device which can bring real-time measurement to the onshore oil market. This device is smaller, cleaner and more efficient, and prevents the need to separate out oil, gas and water in pipes to measure their ratios. With this device, there is capacity to monitor in real-time, increase safety, reduce downtime, and lower greenhouse gas emissions. 

A project within CIRUS looks at using Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS, also known as drones) to be used in industries where human access is difficult or unsafe to improve safety and expand data collection. Examples of use includes delivering medical supplies to remote access communities and in infrastructure inspections.

CERCUTS is developing alternative energy storage solutions with Frog Lake First Nations, in the form of vanadium redox flow batteries while GBTAC researchers focus their projects on net-zero energy, building integrated renewable energy, architectural ecology, smart building management and materials and advanced component assembly. They use their living labs to collaborate with SAIT partners to formulate innovative sustainable solutions to industry and communities. 

SAIT and the WTUN

Dr David Ross, President and CEO, Southern Alberta Institute of Technology

General Board Member: Dr David Ross, President and CEO

Operational Board Member: Mark Butler, Vice President of Corporate Development, Applied Research and International

If you want to learn more about SAIT, you can view their Member Profile or read some recent stories we have shared in our news roundups about their work: 

Member in the Spotlight: University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria

Welcome to our ‘Member in the Spotlight’ series, where we showcase the research focuses and work of our members. We hope these profiles support you in getting to know our members and to identify themes in your work and focuses where you may be able to collaborate with colleagues at member institutions. 

Introducing…University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria

Who are University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria?

University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria (FHOÖ) is a multi-campus university in Austria, Europe with campuses in Hagenburg, Linz, Steyr and Wels.  

The university delivers teaching and research which is practice orientated and dynamically evolves to tackle the challenges of the future. Their staff and students are at the heart of their success in setting important impulses for growth and production within Austria and its business and educational sectors.  

FHOÖ’s motto, “teaching and learning with pleasure – researching with curiosity”, summarises their ethos and mission as a university. 

University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria’s campus.

What are their research focuses?

FHOÖ has four schools across four campus locations: Informatics, Communications and Media (Hagenburg Campus), Medical Engineering and Applied Social Sciences (Linz Campus), Business and Management (Steyr Campus), and Engineering (Wels Campus).  Underpinning the research and teaching undertaken in these schools, are Centers of Excellence, outlining focuses for the research and development projects taking place at the University. 

  • ICT – Information and Communications Technology
    • Advanced Information Systems Technology, Embedded AI and Embedded Systems 
    • Human Computer Interaction, Digital Media Lab, Human Interfaces & Virtual Environments, Education and Life in a Digital World, Secure Information Systems 
    • Prescriptive Analytics 
  • Medical Engineering/TIMed Center 
    • Bioinformatics, Biomimetics and Materials Development 
    • Hybrid Surgical Simulators, Model Building and Simulation, Motion Analysis and Biomechanics 
    • Prosthetics and Sensors, Medical Device Software, Ergonomics and Ageing in the Work Environment
  • Smart Production 
    • Symbolic Regression, Adaptive Optimisation, Smart Operations, Smart Production, Business Analytics, Extender Reality and Intelligent Systems 
  • Societal Transformation and Social Innovation 
    • Digisocilisation – Transformations in a Digisocial World 
    • Social Work Research, Innovations in the Public Sector, Transformation of Organizations People and Planet, Impact Evalution, Living Care Lab 
  • Logistics 
    • AWARD – Automated Transport Logistics Despite Harsh Weather Conditions, Josef Ressel Center for Predictive Analytics and Data-Driven Intelligence in Value Networks (PREVAIL), Predictive Resource Planning in the Warehouse, SURE – SUstainable and REsilient Interconnected Supply Chains 
  • Digital Transformation 
    • Digital Strategy and Innovation, Digital Marketing and Commerce, Digital Work and Life 
    • AI Catalyst for SMEs, Forward-Looking Financial Research: Digital Innovations and Skills Development 
  • Energy & Power 
    • Hydrogen Technologies 
  • Automotive and Mobility 
    • Networks and Mobility Materials
  • Materials
    • Materials with defined properties are the basis for both highly specialized applications and everyday products. At the University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria, research is carried out along the entire process chain, from material selection and modification to the finished component. Plastics, composites, metals and surface coatings as well as the non-destructive testing methods 3D X-ray computed tomography (CT) and active thermography are the focus of the research work.
  • Food Technology & Nutrition
    • K1 Center FFoQSI, Josef Ressel Center for Active Phytogenic Substances, REACT Enabling Technologies for Zero Defect Manufacturing and more
    • The Food Technology  Nutrition platform deals with topics such as ingredients and the modification of food and animal feed. In addition, various plant-based active ingredients are researched at cellular and molecular level. Another topic is quality assurance in the area of food quality (food control) using various measurement methods.

Read more about the research undertaken across FHOÖ’s campuses, schools and Centres of Excellence ‘Range of Services’. 

Examples of the research projects covered include: 

  • Human-Centered Artificial intelligence; a program which aims to develop methods to make Artificial Intelligence more understandable, transparent and fair for humans and to support the interaction between humans and AI systems (pg. 12). 
  • Hybrid – Hydrogen Based Research Infrastructure Development Infrastruktur; a comprehensive hydrogen research and testing infrastructure to support and advance the sustainable structural change of industry and society towards climate neutrality (pg. 38). 
  • FOOD-RESCUE; a project which focuses on the development of a self-service trading platform with a logistics solution for foodstuffs to bring supply and demand together (pg.12). 

Find out more details about ongoing research work in the FHOÖ ‘Research Projects’ booklet. 

FHOÖ and the WTUN

Professor Michael Affenzeller, Provost, University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria

General Board Member: Professor Michael Affenzeller, Provost, University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria

Operational Board Member: Kamilla Trubicki, Head of International Office, University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria

FHOÖ, as a member, has been involved in several WTUN activities from hosting and sending staff for exchange, collaborating on themes such as: Human-Centered Computing and Data Visualisation; Medical Engineering for Medical Implants; Advanced Manufacturing and NanoTechnologies; Hydrogen Technologies. 

They have also deepened collaboration partnerships with WTUN-member colleagues outside of formal network activities including; FHOÖ student attending Suranaree University of Technology’s (SUT) Global Entrepreneurship Camp and Dr Sascha Senck delivering lessons to students at SUT. 

If you want to learn more about FHOÖ, you can view their Member Profile or read some recent stories shared via the WTUN News Roundup: 

Member in the Spotlight: Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte

Welcome to our ‘Member in the Spotlight’ series, where we showcase the research focuses and work of our members. We hope these profiles support you in getting to know our members and to identify themes in your work and focuses where you may be able to collaborate with colleagues at member institutions. 

Introducing…Unviersidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte

Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte

 

Who are Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte?

Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN) is a leading educational and research institution based in Natal, Brazil. Their mission is to promote excellence in teaching and research and to foster sustainable and inclusive growth and development in society. UFRN is committed to innovation, social responsibility and sustainable development. 

UFRN undertakes collaborative work with partners and collaborators from around 25 educational institutions within Brazil and 90 more worldwide. 

Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte’s Campus.

Southern Alberta Institute of Technology Campus

What are their research focuses?

UFRN delivers their research within the socioeconomic interests of the region under strategic areas like regional development, sustainable conservation, energy focuses, health and governance public policies, biotechnology, and nanotechnology.  

Its research is organised into several interdisciplinary cores which include: 

  • Advancement of Public Policies  
  • Studies in Collective Health and Nutrition  
  • Agriculture and Fishing  
  • Education for Sciences  
  • Studies for Marine Resources  
  • Studies for Oil and Renewable Energies  
  • Environmental Studies  
  • Disaster Research  
  • Studies in Sexual Diversity, Gender and Human Rights

Read more about UFRN’s research stories here.

UFRN and the WTUN

Professor José Daniel Melo, Rector at Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte

General Board Member: Professor José Daniel Diniz Melo, Rector of Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte

Operational Board Member: Professor Bruno Motta, Department of International Relations at Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte

UFRN, as a member, has been involved in several WTUN activities from hosting and sending applicants on exchanges on themes such as: Computing; Artificial Intelligence; Music for Game Design; Urban Livability Index; and Gender Based Violence. 

If you want to learn more about UFRN, you can view their Member Profile or read some recent stories we have shared in our news roundups about their work: 

Member in the Spotlight: Atlantic Technological University

Welcome to our ‘Member in the Spotlight’ series, where we showcase the research focuses and work of our members. We hope these profiles support you in getting to know our members and to identify themes in your work and focuses where you may be able to collaborate with colleagues at member institutions. 

Introducing…Atlantic Technological University

Who are Atlantic Technological University?

A founding member of the World Technology Universities Network (via former designation ‘Connacht Ulster Alliance’) Atlantic Technological University is a multi-campus technological university, based in the northwest of Ireland in Europe, with campuses in Galway, Mayo, Sligo and Donegal. (Campus locations)

ATU is also a member of the EU GREEN European University Alliance and has international partners across North and South America and Asia. As such, the university celebrates a diverse student and staff population.  

ATU has a rich history of academic and research excellence, founded on practice-orientated study which addresses major global and societal challenges. As a university, they are dedicated to enabling sustainable economic, social, and cultural development in its surrounding regions. 

Atlantic Technological University – Sligo Campus

What are their research focuses?

With faculties of Business, Science and Health, Engineering and Technology, and Creative Arts and Education, ATU delivers varied research. They have a number of research centres focused on exciting, thematic work. 

The Marine and Freshwater Research Centre (MFRC) unites researchers and students to enhance the management of marine and freshwater ecosystems worldwide. The research centre has origins dating back to 1980s, and with a custom-built research space and laboratories, they have expanded their work to carry out research projects with agencies and industry, providing expertise and advice to national and international bodies. 

Recently, in partnership with Dublin City University, ATU researchers launched a project looking at how marine microorganisms can improve health and wellbeing. The project focuses on bacteria and the diverse chemicals found in marine microorganisms and their pharmacological properties. 

ATU researchers are working on a project which looks at using ‘Smart Pebbles’, placed on beaches by citizens and the public, to monitor coastal areas. These pebbles will be 3D scanned and tracked over time to monitor shoreline variations and beach morphology. 

ATU has a number of research centres: 

National Technology Gateways: 

  • Wireless Sensor Applied Research Laboratory Gateway (WiSAR) 
  • Precision Engineering and Manufacturing 
  • Medical and Engineering Technologies Gateway (MET) 

Industry Innovation Collaborations:  

ATU and the WTUN

Dr Orla Flynn, President, Atlantic Technological University

General Board Member: Dr Orla Flynn, President (www.atu.ie/about/governance/president)

Operational Board Member: Dr Ciarán Ó hAnnracháin, ATU Project Manager (www.wtu-n.net/members/atlantic-technological-university/)

ATU is active member of the WTUN, contributing to the design and delivery of a number of activities. This includes participation in several WTUN Exchange Programme visits, both as host and funding recipient. Past themes include: Nanomaterials; Health; Computing; ThermoFluids and Energy; Materials Engineering; Engineering Management; and Business Sustainability.  

Via sustained engagement with the WTUN, they have forged wide reaching and sustained relationships with other member institutions which has lead to activities such as University of Bradford colleague Dr Colins Imoh, who guest lectured at ATU on peace and conflict resolution. 

If you want to learn more about ATU, you can view their Member Profile or read some recent stories we have shared in our news roundups about their work: 

Member in the Spotlight: Majan University College

Welcome to our ‘Member in the Spotlight’ series, where we showcase the research focuses and work of our members. We hope these profiles support you in getting to know our members and to identify themes in your work and focuses where you may be able to collaborate with colleagues at member institutions. 

Introducing…Majan University College

Who are Majan University College?

Majan University College (MUC) was established in 1995 as the first private university college in Oman and is a national leader in educational quality. Their campus in Muscat, Oman, is home to a multi-cultural academic community. As an institution, they aim ‘to provide an innovative learning environment that supports students in reaching their full potential in a changing world.’  

MUC is an accredited college of the University of Bedfordshire (United Kingdom) and operates under the supervision of the Ministry of Higher Education, Research, and Innovation (MOHERI), Oman. 

MUC has collaborators across the world and is a member of numerous networks and associations such as Advance HE (United Kingdom), British Council (United Kingdom), and European Network of Academic Integrity (ENAI). 

Majan University College - Al Nahda Block
Majan University College – Al Nahda Block

What are their research focuses?

Sustainability is an integral component of MUC’s Strategic Plan which emphasises productive partnerships with local community, industry and other educational providers in innovation, environmental sustainability and sustainable development. 

The majority of MUC’s research responds to the social and economic needs of society and is funded by Oman’s Research Council (TRC). 

The Faculty of Business Management explores themes such as entrepreneurship, business intelligence, tourism, social media and its impact, and employee engagement. A current research project considers the impact of tourism development on coastal communities. 

Researchers in the Faculty of Information Technology undertake projects related to digital image processing, information multimodal analytics, data centre virtualisation, robotics and artificial intelligence and technology assisted learning. A project which investigates using explainable Artificial Intelligence to enhance fault diagnosis in Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) based automation systems is currently being undertaken, whilst another project delves into developing Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning based early detection models to look for disease in fruit trees. 

MUC and the WTUN

Headshot of Dr Maha Kobeil. Smiling woman wearing a light pink top and a blue hijab against a white background
Dr Maha Kobeil, Dean and CEO, Majan University College

General Board Member: Dr Maha Kobeil, Dean and CEO (https://majancollege.edu.om/about/about-majan/senior-management)

Operational Board Member: Dr Susan Trevor-Roper, Associate Dean for Planning & Risk Management (www.wtu-n.net/members/majan-university-college/)

MUC has been involved in several WTUN activities since joining as a member. This includes participation in several WTUN Exchange Programme visits, both as host and funding recipient. Past and current themes include: Entrepreneurship and Gender Equality.  

They have also collaborated with WTUN-member colleagues outside of network activities such as sending students to Suranaree University of Technology’s Global Entrepreneurship Camp  

If you want to learn more about MUC, you can view their Member Profile, have a look at the Press Releases published on their website, or read some recent stories we have shared in our news roundups about their work: 

 

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