CNL, AECL and Ontario Tech University partner to pursue collaborative research

Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL) and Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Ontario Tech University to pursue collaborative research opportunities.

The MOU represents the second agreement signed by CNL and AECL in recent weeks that is designed to encourage closer working relationships with Canada’s academic community and establishes a framework between the organizations to advance collaborative research in health and environmental sciences, clean energy, and nuclear safety.

As part of the new agreement, the organizations will work together to facilitate joint research programs, foster the professional development of highly qualified personnel, develop academic and non-academic programming, and encourage shared access to specialized infrastructure.

Overall, the MOU is intended to build a closer working relationship between the research organizations, enable knowledge mobilization, spur innovation and the development of intellectual property, and advance solutions to address both national and industry challenges.

A key focus identified in the agreement is the development of highly qualified personnel, a shared interest for all three parties. As the only university in Canada with an accredited Nuclear Engineering undergraduate program, which is the third largest in North America, Ontario Tech University plays a critical role in training the next generation of nuclear scientists, engineers, and operators.

Together, the organizations will explore opportunities to develop undergraduate and graduate learning experiences in the form of co-op and internship placements; encourage mentorship and networking programs for students; establish employment mechanisms for graduates and alumni; and facilitate the development of research chairs and research teams.

The agreement also prioritizes shared access to some of the most advanced nuclear laboratories and research facilities, which includes the Chalk River Laboratories, as well as Ontario Tech’s research institutes and centres, such as the Brilliant Energy Institute, the International Atomic Energy Agency Collaborating Centre and the Centre for Cybersecurity and Resilient Systems.

The recent agreements also align with AECL’s mandate to enable nuclear science and technology in Canada as well as CNL’s new corporate strategy, Vision 2030, which was launched earlier this year, and which identifies what CNL views as its central role within the future Canadian nuclear landscape. Serving as a national resource to all levels of government, the nuclear industry, the broader private sector, and the academic community, CNL aims to work in concert with other organizations to help advance innovative Canadian products and services towards deployment, including carbon-free energy, cancer treatments and other therapies, non-proliferation technologies and waste management solutions.

Pictured above: Representatives from AECL, CNL and Ontario Tech gathered to formalize a long-standing partnership. The new agreement outlines a collaborative approach to developing undergraduate and graduate learning experiences and facilitating joint research programs.