February 14, 2023
Advancing collaborative research in clean energy and nuclear safety
Waterloo partners with nuclear industry leaders to accelerate research for real-world solutions
Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL) and Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL) announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the University of Waterloo to pursue collaborative research opportunities within Canada’s nuclear landscape.
CNL is Canada’s premier nuclear science and technology organization. The collaborative partnership offers Waterloo researchers access to a wide range of advanced nuclear facilities, including AECL’s Chalk River Laboratories, Canada’s largest nuclear science campus, which hosts specialized facilities dedicated to nuclear fuel development and testing, biological research, analytical chemistry, thermal-hydraulics and mechanical testing.
L-R: Jeff Griffin, Vice-President of Science and Technology (CNL), Bernie Duncker, Associate Vice-President, Research and International (Waterloo) and Amy Gottschling, Vice-President, Science, Technology & Commercial Oversight (AECL)
“We are pleased to partner with CNL and AECL on advancing research in critical areas that align with our mutual priorities. This collaboration will fuel innovation and advance training in key areas, including additive manufacturing, clean energy, and security, areas that are important for Canada's future,” says Dr. Charmaine B. Dean, Vice-President, Research and International, University of Waterloo.
Partnerships and collaboration are an essential part of research, allowing the three organizations to share their resources and knowledge to accelerate real-world solutions into sectors critical for innovation and growth in Canada. The MOU includes Waterloo’s focus areas of innovative research in small modular and advanced reactors; additive manufacturing and advanced materials research; nuclear cogeneration and energy storage; infrastructure lifecycle and operational assessment; and cybersecurity and safety.
Research partnerships between the University of Waterloo and organizations that represent and serve the nuclear industry will result in new innovative solutions that will benefit both private and public sectors in addressing the challenges facing Canadians. The partnership will also focus on cultivating a more talented and diverse workforce within the industry by offering professional development in innovative research, training and mentorship for the next generation of nuclear scientists, engineers and technical professionals.
“As part of our new corporate strategy, Vision 2030, CNL has made it an organizational priority to build and grow alliances with Canada’s leading academic institutions, and this agreement with the University of Waterloo is a major step in that process,” says Dr. Jeff Griffin, CNL’s Vice-President of Science and Technology.
The collaborative framework is designed to foster CNL’s three strategic priorities of national importance: restoring and protecting the environment, advancing clean energy technologies and contributing the health of Canadians. The three organizations will combine their resources and Canadian researchers and engineers to work together to address national challenges with real-world solutions.
