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Research Partnerships at Western
Western Strategic Partnerships is the primary contact for industries and communities seeking collaboration in smart systems and mobility research. By partnering with Western, business leaders gain access to cutting-edge research, world-class facilities, tailored innovations, and highly educated talent to drive transformative change across sectors. Our dedicated team offers all-in-one concierge services to external stakeholders, paving the way for successful innovation in one of Canada's fastest-growing markets.
Strategically, we are working in the following key areas:
- Smart Systems and Mobility
- Sustainability
- Neuroscience and Imaging
- Space, Aerospace and Advanced Systems
- Bones, Joints and MSK
While these areas are our focus, we are available to help facilitate research of any kind; Western University has diverse expertise and a broad impact. If you are interested in collaboration outside these focus areas, contact Erin Azzopardi, Director, Strategic Partnerships, to explore new opportunities.
Strategic Partnership Areas
Smart Systems and Mobility
At Western University, we drive innovation in mobility, manufacturing, energy storage, and materials science to address industry challenges and shape the future.
- Our ConveX Living Lab is a leading hub for real-world testing, integrating AI-driven fault detection, secure communication, and advanced sensor fusion to enhance smart, safe, and sustainable systems, including mobility.
- In Smart Manufacturing and Predictive Maintenance, we use AI-powered models, digital twin technology, and additive manufacturing to enhance efficiency, reduce downtime, and support sustainable production.
- Our expertise in Materials and Energy Storage accelerates the development of next-generation battery technologies, with advanced facilities promoting solid-state Li-metal and Na batteries, nanomaterials, and surface engineering for cleaner energy solutions. Surface Science Western offers top-tier Materials and Surface analysis, providing ISO 17025:2017-certified expertise to industry partners seeking high-performance solutions.
Connect with Paul Cardoso, Partnership Development Manager, to push the boundaries of innovation, transforming smart systems into real-world solutions that shape the future.
Sustainability
Western University is at the forefront of sustainability research, driving innovation in food security, clean technology, and nuclear energy. Through interdisciplinary collaboration, we are addressing global challenges and advancing solutions that support environmental preservation and sustainable development.
- Food Security & Climate Change – our researchers are addressing climate impacts and invasive threats to ensure a sustainable and resilient food supply.
- Clean Tech Innovation – Western is advancing renewable energy solutions, including microgrids, biofuels, and wind engineering, to support global decarbonization efforts.
- Nuclear Energy Innovation – through Western’s Nuclear Hub, Western leads research in nuclear by-products, radiation safety/monitoring, medical isotopes, and small modular reactors, bringing together experts from physics, chemistry, engineering, and medical sciences.
Neuroscience & Imaging
Western University is a global leader in neuroscience and medical imaging, advancing brain health, diagnostics, and AI-enabled technologies through interdisciplinary collaboration and world-class facilities.
- Neuroscience & Neuroimaging - Western brings together over 100 neuroscience researchers and 14 Canada Research Chairs through the Western Institute for Neuroscience. Facilities like the Centre for Functional and Metabolic Mapping (CFMM), MouseTRAP, and TRIDENT support preclinical neurotherapeutic development, advanced neuroimaging, and behavioral testing.
- Medical Imaging & Theranostics - Western offers cutting-edge platforms like the Translational Imaging Research Facility (TIRF 3T) and the Centre for Translational Radiographic Imaging (CenTRI) to drive innovation in precision diagnostics, molecular imaging, and theranostics.
- AI & Big Data in Biomedicine - Through the CenTRI and other platforms, Western integrates AI, imaging, and multi-omics to power predictive diagnostics and personalized medicine.
- Neurotechnology & Cognitive Health - From brain-computer interfaces to neuromodulation, Western supports next-gen brain health tools via facilities like CFMM and MouseTRAP.
Connect with Kate Placide, Partnership Development Manager, to explore new frontiers in neuroscience and imaging innovation.
Space, Aerospace and Advanced Systems
- Space Mission Excellence - From hands-on, full-mission-lifecycle CubeSat training at our Mission Control facility to breakthrough advances in space situational awareness, Western equips the next generation of space mission specialists and pioneers to meet their full potential.
- New Frontiers in Remote Sensing – Western researchers are redefining how we observe Earth, our space domain, and the solar system through advances in hyperspectral imaging, photonics, micro-XRF, and LiDAR technologies.
- Smart Materials Development – Through Surface Science Western, Western Nanofabrication Facility, and advanced 3D-printing facilities, Western is advancing the design and manufacture of adaptive aero and space materials for extreme environments.
Bones, Joints and MSK Research
Western’s Bone and Joint Institute unites more than 150 scientists, engineers, and clinicians with industry partners to advance innovations that prevent, repair, and regenerate bone and joint tissue. Together, we translate discovery into practical solutions that enhance mobility, extend quality of life, and strengthen Canada’s Medtech ecosystem.
- Biomaterials & Diagnostic Research – Accessing imaging facilities such as CenTRI, researchers are advancing materials, coatings, and surface technologies for improved joint and implant functionality, longevity, and biocompatibility at the Centre for Advanced Materials and Biomaterials (CAMBR) and Implant Retrieval Lab.
- Rehabilitation & Clinical Translation Labs – Multidisciplinary teams bridge laboratory innovation and clinical practice to develop and test new therapies, techniques, and rehabilitation technologies in real-world settings. The McFarlane Hand & Upper Limb Centre (HULC), Canadian Surgical Technologies & Advanced Robotics (CSTAR), Wearable Biomechatronics Laboratory, and CANSpine teams power innovation and impact across healthcare.
Get into motion by contacting Matt Thompson, Partnership Development Manager, to move MSK research into action for your organization.