Major Research Themes
New this year! Tech Talks are four 15 minute talks presented throughout the showcase highlighting the research within the four themes. Click here to see the list of speakers and their research bios.
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| Imaging |
| Western advances a wide range of imaging research across many disciplines. Work includes computer vision, image processing and image analysis, as well as field cycled MRI and 3D ultrasound imaging. Investigators utilize high resolution imaging resources such as Functional MRI to peer into brain function. Imaging research within Schulich focuses on the discovery and development of innovative imaging techniques and instrumentation to improve the understanding, diagnosis and treatment of human diseases. In Engineering, optical sensing and data processing are used in mechatronics to create high precision products and manufacturing processes. Researchers are also developing techniques for image guided neurosurgery. |
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| Materials and Biomaterials |
| Materials research involves the synthesis, characterization and properties of materials. Areas of interest at Western include semiconductors, polymers, metals, ceramics, natural materials and the growth and formation of new materials. Western also has strong research programs in corrosion science, thin film deposition and surface analysis. Nanotechnology is the study of materials less than one micron in size with innumerable practical applications. Biomaterials research focuses on the design, creation and modification of new and existing biocompatible materials for medical devices as well as dental and orthopedic applications. |
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| Software and Telecommunications |
| The increasingly multidisciplinary research activities in computing, information technology and telecommunications cover a broad spectrum of fields. Artificial intelligence and computer-based games, computer vision, distributed systems, software engineering and human-computer interaction, theoretical computer science, computer algebra, bioinformatics and biocomputing are all part of the mix. Researchers are also looking at minimally invasive and robotic-assisted surgery as well as intelligent navigation systems for mobile robots. |
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| Environment and Energy |
| Western leads in responding to critical global environmental and sustainability issues. Western’s current research includes: renewable and alternative energy initiatives, distribution grids and environmentally friendly chemical processing. Western's research in the area of Environment and Health includes research on the interrelationships between humans and all aspects of their environment, including disease, health and well being. Western also studies nuclear reactor safety, waste containment and disposal as well as photochemical destruction of pollutants and the effects of metals in biological systems. Environmental and ecological research often focuses on organisms from microbes to plants to animals, at levels from the individual to the ecosystem. |
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