University Collaboration
Pratt & Whitney Canada works closely with approximately 20 universities and the National Research Council to develop new technologies and processes. To date, hundreds of students have worked on more than 600 projects for P&WC. We directly hire about 150 students every year.
P&WC’s sustained investments provide a direct pipeline to the most talented researchers and innovative thinkers in strategic technology fields, allowing for more rapid advancement in developing the next generation of cleaner, quieter and more fuel efficient engines. University collaboration also provides training for the next generation of aerospace engineering experts, keeping P&WC at the forefront of the world aerospace industry.
Centres of Excellence
P&WC funds over 250 research projects with some 20 Canadian universities and National Research Council. This provides more focus and consolidation of collaboration activities and ensures that all projects include the latest technology findings and are performed by recognized leaders in their field of expertise. Centres of Excellence include Carleton University, Concordia University, École Polytechnique de Montréal, l’École de technologie supérieure (ÉTS), McGill University, the University of Calgary, Ryerson University, The University of British Columbia, and the University of Toronto.
Aerospace Institutes
P&WC spearheaded the creation of four university aerospace institutes, providing considerable financial support and assistance for the infrastructure. The Concordia Institute of Aerospace Design and Innovation (CIADI) was established in 2001. CIADI’s success has prompted the creation of three similar institutes: l’Institut de conception et d'innovation en aérospatiale de l'ÉTS (ICIA), Ryerson Institute for Aerospace Design and Innovation (RIADI) and l’Institut d’innovation et de conception en aérospatiale de Polytechnique (IICAP). These institutes provide excellent training opportunities for top students through industry-driven design and research projects.
Industrial Research Chairs
As part of its continuous commitment to collaboration and training of the next generation of experts, P&WC has renewed and expanded its support to industrial research chairs. After the first successful mandate, the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) – P&WC Industrial Research Chair in Virtual High-Performance Machining at The University of British Columbia has been renewed for another five years.
Consortium for Research and Innovation in Aerospace in Quebec – CRIAQ
Consortium for Research and Innovation in Aerospace in Quebec (CRIAQ) is a group comprised of major Quebec aerospace companies and universities whose goal is to undertake collaborative pre-competitive research projects at universities. CRIAQ currently includes more than 50 partners and 80 projects in 9 major topics. P&WC is an active participant in over 40 of these projects.
Some CRIAQ projects have been completed and their success recognized with awards, such as the Association de la recherche industrielle du Quebec (ADRIQ) Partnership Award for the development of a Bonded Composite Wing Box. Other projects are currently ongoing in areas such as combustion, materials, manufacturing, noise control and engine health management, while many other projects are still in the planning phase.
P&WC Research Fellows
P&WC, the no. 1 investor in Canada's aerospace sector, works with about 20 universities across the country on over 250 research projects with 140 professors and researchers to develop new engine technologies for the next generation of environmentally friendly and fuel-efficient aircraft.
The P&WC Research Fellows program recognizes specialists who have been continuously developing their disciplines while mentoring others. To date, P&WC has named eight Research Fellows including seven university professors and a director at Canada's National Research Council (NRC) in recognition of their academic excellence and outstanding contributions to the company's technology programs.
P&WC Research Fellows:
- Dr. Wagdi G. Habashi, McGill University (Computational Fluid Dynamics)
- Dr. Steen A. Sjolander, Carleton University (Experimental Aerodynamics)
- Dr. Yusuf Altintas, University of British Columbia (Manufacturing)
- Dr. Kamran Behdinan, Ryerson University (Design Optimization)
- Dr. Clement Fortin, Ecole Polytechnique de Montreal (Product Life Management)
- Dr. Suong V. Hoa, Concordia University (Composites)
- Dr. Robert J. Martinuzzi, University of Calgary (Compressor Aerodynamics)
- Dr. Prakash C. Patnaik, National Reasearch Council (Structures and Materials)
