AUTO21, a federal Network of Centres of Excellence (NCE), is enhancing Canada’s position as a leader in automotive research and development. With an annual research budget of approximately $12 million, AUTO21 and its private and public-sector partners fund innovative projects in a variety of areas. The Network currently supports more than 230 researchers and nearly 450 student researchers working on 41 auto-related research and development projects at 39 Canadian universities. Research is conducted in the areas of health, safety and injury prevention; societal issues; materials and manufacturing; design processes; powertrains, fuels and emissions; and intelligent systems and sensors. Since the Government of Canada created AUTO21 in 2001, the Network has helped Canadian researchers develop close to 30 patents on leading-edge technologies, some of which are in use by automotive manufacturers and suppliers.
In addition to the innovative technological results, AUTO21 is also developing a new generation of leaders for Canada’s future automotive sector. With more than 450 student researchers, or highly qualified people (HQP) contributing to the projects, AUTO21 has developed a strategy to ensure these young people are well equipped for the future. Besides the benefits of working with Canada’s top research minds in an interdisciplinary approach, the student researchers have opportunities to meet and work with the leading industry organizations and representatives.
An annual conference designed specifically for the student researchers targets their needs and offers a venue to provide them with a broader education of the auto sector as a whole plus the development of the complimentary skills required for business success. Each year, a different automaker hosts this event and provides tours of their facilities so students receive first-hand knowledge of the plant floor, and also provide opportunities to hear from leading automotive industry executives. In the past, DaimlerChrysler Canada, Ford Motor Company, and Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada have hosted the event. The 2006 HQP Conference was supported by Honda Canada Inc. who also sponsored the Honda Canada HQP Poster Competition, a key part of the conference where HQP teams vie for cash awards for the best research poster that illustrates their work.
Networks of Centres of Excellence are unique partnerships among universities, industry, government and non-governmental organizations aimed at turning Canadian research and entrepreneurial talent into economic and social benefits for all Canadians.
Three Canadian federal granting agencies - the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC), and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) - and Industry Canada combine their efforts to support and oversee the NCE initiative.
