Atomic Energy of Canada Limited signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL) and the University of Ottawa to identify and pursue collaborative research opportunities. Building on decades of work together, the MOU formalizes what has been a longstanding relationship between the organizations to facilitate joint research projects, foster the professional development of highly qualified personnel, and encourage shared access to specialized infrastructure. The objective is to advance research in health and environmental sciences, clean energy and nuclear safety.
Among the many promising areas of research identified within the agreement are studies related to radiobiology, epigenetics, environmental impacts on natural systems, cybersecurity, and hydrogen production, storage and safety. Together, the three organizations hope that the MOU will help cultivate closer relationships between their respective researchers, enable knowledge mobilization, spur innovation and the development of intellectual property, and advance solutions to address both national and industry challenges.
“Alongside CNL, AECL is incredibly excited to enter into this agreement with the University of Ottawa, an organization which shares our passion for research, innovation and entrepreneurship,” commented Amy Gottschling, Vice-President, Science, Technology & Commercial Oversight, AECL. “As Canada’s national nuclear laboratory, one of our core objectives is to work with the academic community to advance Canadian science and technology and turn research into reality. This objective is at the heart of this agreement with the University of Ottawa, and we are confident that our work will yield results that offer real, meaningful benefits for Canadians.”
“The University of Ottawa is a key partner in supporting CNL and AECL as they apply their strengths in nuclear science and technology to tackle some of greatest challenges our world is facing,” said uOttawa Vice-President, Research and Innovation Sylvain Charbonneau. “We share their determination to be agile and to seize every opportunity to continually push back the frontiers of research and development.”
“While we have always maintained strong relationships with the academic community, it is a growing organizational priority for CNL to establish closer relationships with leading academic institutions like the University of Ottawa as part of our new vision,” commented Dr. Jeff Griffin, CNL’s Vice-President of Science and Technology. “Over the past few years, we saw first-hand how valuable collaborative research is to this country, as Canada’s science and technology community mobilized to reduce the worst impacts of the pandemic. Given the enormous challenges we face as a country, it benefits everyone to share resources and work together towards common goals. What’s more, we need to help foster the future researchers, engineers, and multitude of other professionals who will continue to advance this critical work.”
The agreement with the University of Ottawa builds on what has been a long and productive relationship between the organizations that dates back decades, and which represents an important step in AECL and CNL’s efforts to foster closer ties with Canada’s academic community. The MOU is designed to establish a closer and more consistent relationship between the organizations, including ongoing engagements between researchers to identify and explore potential collaboration opportunities.