Research & partnerships
Our faculty are exploring subjects ranging from mechatronics and robots to advanced manufacturing. Researchers often work on interdisciplinary projects that span various engineering fields, combining theory and hands-on applications.
Research areas
Our research areas tackle current challenges and spark innovation in many sectors.
Dynamics, vibrations & continuum mechanics
Fluid mechanics, microfluidics & thermodynamics
Materials & additive manufacturing
Mechatronics, instrumentation & control systems
Biomedical engineering
Energy systems
Autonomous systems, vehicles & artificial intelligence
Water resources & climate change
Partnerships
We conduct impactful research with industry, government, and communities. Our goal is to create smart and innovative solutions for society’s biggest challenges.
Aerospace innovation
Bombardier, one of Canada’s top aerospace companies, has unveiled the University of Victoria Centre for Aerospace Research (CfAR) as the first academic partner on its trailblazing pan-Canadian and sustainability-focused EcoJet Research Project.
The EcoJet Research Project explores blended wing body (BWB) aircraft configuration and advanced new technologies to reduce business jet emission by up to 50 per cent. The technology has the potential to transform the Canadian and global aerospace industries and to forge a new path forward in the field of sustainable aviation technologies. CfAR has taken a critical and leading role in the project with scale model design, manufacture and flight testing.
A Bombardier EcoJet prototype being readied for a test flight. Credit: Guillaume Plisson
Indigenous-led, community-based
The Pacific Regional Institute for Marine Energy Discovery (PRIMED) is developing a first-of-its-kind renewable energy microgrid incorporating a wave energy device at Yuquot on Nootka Island off the west coast of Vancouver Island. Yuquot is a National Historic site and traditional home of the Mowachaht/Muchalaht First Nation (MMFN).
The project will be at the cutting edge of renewable energy system development, contribute to reconciliation and support the Nation in achieving its long-held dream of re-occupying Yuquot after being forcibly relocated decades ago.
“This is such an exciting, pure and wonderful example of an Indigenous-led, community-based resurgence through clean energy. The idea of reinvigorating a community and helping them return to their traditional lands is powerful. You can’t undo history, but you can change the future and this project represents a symbolic changing of course where all of us are working together to support the Nation to go back to their rightful home in Yuquot.” — Brad Buckham, chair, UVic Mechanical Engineering and co-director, PRIMED
Research centres
Research labs & groups
Andrew Rowe is director of AMRLab, an affiliate of the Institute for Integrated Energy Systems (IESVIC). AMRLab focuses on research in energy systems, including conversion, storage and system optimization. Their areas of interest include caloric cycles, thermal systems, storage, hydrogen systems, electrification and integrated energy system analysis.
Homayoun Najjaran’s ACIS Lab focuses on control systems, artificial intelligence, robotics, industrial automation and microelectromechanical systems (MEMS).
Yang Shi's research team studies advanced control theories and their use in industry. These include model predictive control, robust control and filtering, system identification, adaptive control and information processing.
Chris Dennison and his team work to uncover what causes injuries. They also study the mechanisms behind them. They’re creating research tools to better understand injury dynamics.
Afzal Suleman leads the Centre for Aerospace Research (CfAR). They focus on creating new and sustainable technology for airplanes and drones. Members design, build and test unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and other aerospace technology for different industries, including commercial and military.
Keivan Ahmadi’s lab’s research combines dynamic systems and advanced manufacturing. The team works to improve machine tools and machining processes, making them more precise, efficient and sustainable.
Principal investigator Jason Keonhag Lee and his team work with electrochemical energy conversion devices, such as fuel cells and electrolyzers, to help decarbonize our society.
Bosco Yu leads this materials engineering research group. The team creates new materials by combining designs inspired by nature with advanced 3D printing techniques. They study how these materials behave under different conditions to make them suitable for applications such as aerospace, medicine, environmental solutions and energy systems.
Mohsen Akbari’s Laboratory for Innovations in Microengineering (LiME) studies the interface of cellular biology, biomaterials and microtechnologies. Three key research areas are:
- biofabrication of engineered tissue substitutes for regenerative medicine
- development of biomimetic tissue models using microengineering techniques for disease modeling and drug discovery
- development of advanced drug-delivery systems for therapeutic applications
Mina Hoorfar’s team focuses on creating advanced sensors and improving drug delivery methods. Through these projects, the MiNa Lab aims to develop practical solutions for health and environmental challenges.
Joshua Giles heads a research group that works closely with medical professionals. Researchers are passionate about orthopaedic biomechanics and share a common goal of improving patient care and surgical outcomes.
Visit the Orthopaedic Technologies & Biomechanics Lab website
Dr. Caterina Valeo's research team develops environmental informatics tools for application to urban water resources engineering. They find sustainable ways to protect water resources from urban growth and climate change.
Brad Buckham is the director of the West Coast Wave Initiative (WCWI). This group of academics and industry members studies the feasibility, impacts and possible structure of wave energy conversion on the West Coast of Canada.
Stephanie Willerth’s research team creates new tools for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine with a focus on repairing nerve tissue.
They work with special stem cells that can become any type of human cell, making them useful for medical treatments. Their goal is to develop tissues that can be transplanted to treat diseases like Parkinson’s or help repair spinal cord injuries.