United States

The United States is a world leader in science, technology innovation and funding, investing the most in research and development and attracting the most venture capital in the world. It is also the global leader in the production of high-technology manufacturing sectors.  

Canada shares more than just the world's largest border with the US – we are very important partners in terms of trade and investment, joint stewardship of natural resources, and a long history of commitment to principled democracy and security. Over 200 million people and billions of dollars of goods and services cross the Canada‑US border every year, helping to maintain the economic prosperity, security, and quality of life both countries. This relationship of free and fair trade boosts economic growth and creates jobs for millions across the country.

As STEM research is a priority, with nano- and quantum technologies considered at the forefront of enabling technologies, strong and positive Canadian partnerships with US-based universities and research centres can provide WIN researchers with access to the best facilities and academic and commercialization networks in the world. 

Oak Ridge National Laboratories

Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is the largest US Department of Energy science and energy laboratory, conducting basic and applied research in energy and security. Established in 1943 as part of the Manhattan Project in World War II, ORNL now focuses on scientific discovery, clean energy and security.

The diverse capabilities at ORNL span a broad range of scientific and engineering disciplines to explore fundamental science challenges and provide solutions, and houses the world's most advanced facilities in neutron sources (for materials and biological systems), computing (modeling and simulation on powerful supercomputers, and data-intensive science), energy (advanced materials for energy applications); and nuclear (21st century nuclear fission and fusion technologies and systems; isotopes for research, industry, and medicine).

In February 2019, WIN Executive Director and Assistant Director of Research Programs travelled to Knoxville TN to tour Oak Ridge National Laboratories and meet with division directors in each sector, and set plans for WIN-ORNL collaboration.

State University of New York at Buffalo (SUNY-B), Center for Research & Education in eNergy, Environment & Water (RENEW)

The RENEW Institute (Research and Education in eNergy, Environment and Water) at the State University of New York at Buffalo (SUNY-B) is a university-wide and interdisciplinary centre, focusing on complex energy and environmental issues, as well as the social and economic ramifications. RENEW is also instrumental in developing and coordinating innovative research, education and outreach programs for the school.

Research themes at RENEW align very well with those of WIN and specifically Smart & Functional Materials with a focus on theoretical modelling and informatics for materials design with considerable overlap and complementarity between our two institutes.

In November 2017, WIN hosted Professor Amit Goyal (RENEW Director) and Thomas Thundat (Professor of Empire Innovation, SUNY-B) to present at the WIN Innovation Seminar Series.

For more information, please contact Lisa Pokrajac, Assistant Director of Research Programs.