Research Institutes, Centres and Groups
Research entities at Ontario Tech University often use cross-Faculty collaboration and, potentially, external partnerships to capitalize on available expertise to address today's multifaceted issues.
Their aim is to enhance or challenge current knowledge with new activities that may lead to new avenues of research. They are formal bodies which must be approved by the university's Board of Governors. These are the currently approved entities.
For information on creating a Research Entity at Ontario Tech University please see Ontario Tech's Procedures for the Creation of Research Entities.
Research institutes are the largest and most formal of all research entities and conduct research into a number of areas of study. Membership includes faculty members from at least two Ontario Tech University Faculties, as well as significant involvement from other universities, governments, non‐profit organizations and/or businesses. Ontario Tech University is embarking in developing strategic research areas and research institutes are an important part of this goal. These are the currently approved research institutes.

Institute For Disability and Rehabilitation Research
Research centres are more formal than research groups and have a wider research mandate which may involve university resources. Membership includes faculty researchers from different Faculties and disciplines and, perhaps, small‐scale partnerships with other universities, governments, non‐profit organizations or businesses.
Ontario Tech University is embarking in developing strategic research areas and research centres are an important part of this goal. Below are the currently approved research centres.
Centre on Hate, Bias and Extremism
The focus of the Centre on Hate, Bias and Extremism is to explore the ways in which hate, bias and extremism challenge values of inclusion and equity, along lines of race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability and other relevant status characteristics, both singly and interactively. It recognizes the historical continuities that underlie contemporary patterns of discrimination, exclusion and violence directed toward those who are targeted.
Barbara Perry, PhD |
Centre for Small Modular Reactors (CSMR)
Information coming soon!
Contact
Kirk D. Atkinson, PhD
Associate Professor, Faculty of Energy Systems and Nuclear Science
Director, Centre for Small Modular Reactors
Ontario Tech University
Age with Dignity Campus of Care and Best Practices Research Centre
Information coming soon!
Contact:
Manon Lemonde, RN, PhD
Research Director and Associate Professor, Faculty of Health Sciences Manon.lemonde@ontariotechu.ca
Research Cluster Expression of Interest form
IAEA Collaborating Centre
On 22 April 2021, the IAEA designated Ontario Tech University as a Collaborating Centre on integrated energy systems with advanced nuclear power reactors including small modular reactors (SMRs) as well as initiatives such as non‑electric applications of nuclear energy. The institution is the first and only in Canada to receive such a designation.
This partnership involves 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. In addition, Ontario Tech plans to support IAEA activities to attract more women to nuclear science and engineering by selecting an outstanding graduate student to apply for the IAEA Marie Sklodowska Curie Fellowship Programme.
Ontario Tech University is embarking in developing strategic research areas. Joint research centres support that goal by engaging in official agreements with external entities to focus on and promote training and research on a global scale. Below are the current joint research centres at Ontario Tech U.
Joint Research Centre in AI for Health and Wellness
The Joint Research Centre in AI for Health and Wellness is a unique collaborative research centre between Ontario Tech University and the University of Technology Sydney, Australia. Nowhere else in the world exists a similar innovative advanced prototyping and simulation environment to support next-generation health and wellness solutions.
In addition to exciting, new research opportunities, the centre opens vast potential for students at the undergraduate and graduate level.
Joint Research Centre in AI for Health and Wellness CFI Navigator profile
More information is coming! Follow them on Twitter using @OntarioTechHIR and #AI4HW.
Contact information:
Carolyn McGregor AM, PhD, SMIEEE
Professor, Faculty of Business and IT
Director, Joint Research Centre in AI for Health and Wellness
Research Excellence Chair in Health Informatics
Canada Research Chair (Alumni) in Health Informatics
carolyn.mcgregor@ontariotechu.ca
Ontario Tech University is embarking in developing strategic research areas and research groups are an important part of this goal.
Research Groups
Advanced Energy Systems Research Group |
Igor Pioro, PhD |
Advanced Networking Technology and Security (ANTS) Research lab |
Shahram Heydari, PhD shahram.heydari@ontariotechu.ca Richard Pazzi, PhD Khalil El-Khatib, PhD |
Biomolecular Research Group |
Denina Simmons, PhD |
Salma Karray, PhD Professor and Associate Dean of Research Faculty of Business and Information Technology |
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Ken Pu, PhD Associate Professor, Faculty of Science |
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Forensic Science Research Group |
Helene Leblanc, PhD helene.leblanc@ontariotechu.ca Theresa Stotesbury, PhD theresa.stotesbury@ontariotechu.ca
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MaxSIMhealth Research Group |
Adam Dubrowski, PhD (Lead)
alvaro.quevedo@ontariotechu.ca Sayyed Ali Hosseini, PhD |
Power Electronics and Drives Applications Lab (PEDAL) |
Mohamed Z. Youssef, Ph.D, P.Eng, SMIEEE |
Smart Transportation Electrification and Energy Research Group (STEER) | Sheldon Williamson, PhD Associate Professor, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science Canada Research Chair in Electric Energy Storage Systems for Transportation Electrification |
Sport and Physical Activity Research Collaborative |
Meghann Lloyd, PhD Nick Wattie, PhD |
Youth Research Group |
Carla Cesaroni, PhD |