Ontario Tech is a designated IAEA Collaborating Centre
On April 22, 2021 in an inaugural ceremony at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Headquarters in Vienna, Austria, Ontario Tech received the designation as an IAEA Collaborating Centre - the first in Canada.
The scope of the IAEA Collaborating Centre covers integrated energy systems with advanced nuclear reactors with focus on Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) as well as hybrid nuclear-renewable energy systems and their multipurpose applications. This includes hydrogen production, desalination, district heating and cooling, along with other industrial applications. It also covers the role of such systems towards climate change mitigation. Through the Collaborating Centre, Ontario Tech continues promoting women in nuclear science and engineering as well as educational opportunities in Member States of the IAEA.
This partnership will involve researching advanced nuclear power technology, such as small modular reactors (SMRs), as well as the non‑electric applications of nuclear energy, such as desalination for producing potable water, hydrogen production or providing heat for industrial processes.
The agreement was signed by Deputy Director General, Head of the IAEA Department of Nuclear Energy, Dr. Mikhail Chudakov in the presence of HE Heidi Hulan, Ambassador of Canada to Austria and its Permanent Representative to the United Nations organizations located in Vienna (2018 to 2021).
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Management Team at Ontario Tech
Dr. Les Jacobs
Vice-President, Research and Innovation
& Director, IAEA Collaborating Centre
Dr. Hossam Kishawy
Dean, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science
& University Liaison Officer to the IAEA Collaborating Centre
Dr. Kirk Atkinson
Director, Centre for Small Modular Reactor
& Alternate Liaison Officer to the IAEA Collaborating Centre
Testimonials
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Ambassador of Canada to Austria (2018 to 2021)
"This agreement embodies the spirit of innovation and collaboration that we are going to need in the years ahead to build back better."
H.E. Heidi Hulan, Ambassador of Canada to Austria (2018 to 2021) and Chairperson of the IAEA's Board of Governors (2020 to 2021)
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International Atomic Energy Agency
"Ontario Tech IAEA Collaborating Centre’s topics are very timely as we face the great challenge of producing enough energy to power global development, while ensuring we do no harm to our planet. Nuclear power, as a clean, reliable and sustainable source of energy can help us meet that challenge. And innovation, of course, is key to that success.”
Dr. Mikhail Chudakov, IAEA Deputy Director General and Head of the Department of Nuclear Energy
"The IAEA acknowledges Canada’s important international role in R&D and deployment of advanced nuclear power reactors, including the coming new builds in Ontario using small modular reactors and microreactors in integrated energy systems. These topics are timely as we face the challenge of meeting energy demand to power global development. Through Ontario Tech University as an IAEA Collaborating Centre, we will continue to explore how nuclear energy can be used in a more sustainable and versatile way, beyond solely electricity production. Innovation is key to that success."
Ms. Aline Des Cloizeaux, Director, Division of Nuclear Power, Department of Nuclear Energy, IAEA
“As an IAEA Collaborating Centre, Ontario Tech University has the capability to assist the IAEA in implementing its programmatic activities on deploying the integrated energy systems using advanced nuclear power reactor technologies, including Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). The university has top-notch faculty members to conduct efficient cooperative frameworks that encourage highly experienced institutions in Canada to share resources, knowledge, and expertise to accelerate the deployment of SMRs and microreactors in IAEA Member States, including Canada.”
Dr. Hadid Subki, Technical Lead, SMR Technology Development, Department of Nuclear Energy, IAEA
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Ontario Tech University
"This IAEA designation validates Ontario Tech University’s expertise and leadership in numerous clean energy fields. To be recognized by the IAEA as a collaborating centre firmly establishes our research as impactful on the international stage. The Collaborative Centre designation is a timely initiative given the momentum the university has in all aspects of energy."
Dr. Steven Murphy, President and Vice-Chancellor
"As we transition to a carbon emissions-free future, the IAEA Collaborating Centre at Ontario Tech University brings together our researchers and industry partners to make valuable contributions to the energy sector around the world. As a key component of Ontario Tech’s Brilliant Energy Institute, the IAEA Collaborating Centre will be a vital national and international resource that drives new research and discovery on small modular reactors and integrated energy systems."
Dr. Les Jacobs, Vice-President, Research and Innovation
"Since the inception of engineering at Ontario Tech, clean energy is on the top of our research priorities. We offer the only accredited undergraduate nuclear engineering degree in Canada, and our clean energy research laboratory hosts state-of-the-art hydrogen research. The IAEA Collaborating Centre is a testament to Ontario Tech's strength in nuclear energy and integrated energy systems. The Centre brings tremendous opportunities to build on this strength, not only in terms of research collaborations but also in education and training."
Dr. Hossam Kishawy, Dean, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science
Activity Booklet:
Explore Ontario Tech's activities in 2022 toward strengthening the support to the IAEA. Download the IAEA Collaborating Centre activity booklet for 2022 |
Related Links:
- Learn more about small modular reactors
- Workshop on the Role of Nuclear Energy in the Hydrogen Economy (November 2022)
- IAEA Collaborating Centre launch event news release (November 2021)
- IAEA news release (April 2021)