UOIT engineering professor Ibrahim Dincer receives prestigious award

OSHAWA, Ont. - As gas prices hit new highs, an engineering professor with the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) has received one of Ontario's highest research honours for his cutting-edge work involving practical fuel-cell technology for automobiles.

Dr. Ibrahim Dincer, a professor in the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, is the first UOIT faculty member to receive a Premier's Research Excellence Award (PREA), a distinction that brings with it $100,000 in research funding from the province and $50,000 in matching funds from the university.

Dr. Gary Polonsky, the university's President and Vice-Chancellor, said the award adds to UOIT's growing reputation for world-class research. "We're thrilled that Dr. Dincer has received this prestigious award," he said. "History will record that he was the first to do this at Ontario's newest university, and that his brilliance and dedication have set the standard for all research at the university."

The Premier's Research Excellence Award was developed in 1998 to help Ontario's best researchers attract exceptional graduate students, post-doctoral fellows, and research associates to their research teams. The program also aimed to promote innovation among the finest researchers in the province.

"I've received awards in the past, but this is a historical landmark for the university, which makes it even more special," said Dr. Dincer, who has previously received funding from organizations such as the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council and the AUTO21 Network of Centres of Excellence.

Well known in his field for his pioneering work, Dr. Dincer has authored or co-authored several books and has written more than 250 refereed journal articles, conference papers, and technical reports. He has chaired many national and international conferences, symposia, workshops and technical meetings, and has delivered more than 30 guest lectures and keynote speeches. Dr. Dincer is an active member of various international scientific organizations, and serves as editor-in-chief, associate editor, regional editor, and editorial board member for a variety of respected international journals. He is also a recipient of several research, teaching and service awards.

Dr. Dincer is recruiting a team of highly qualified personnel to assist in his current research project, Assessing and Improving Fuel-Cell Vehicles through Sustainability, Thermodynamic, Environmental and Life Cycle Analyses. As part of his project, he is assessing the use of fuel-cell vehicles as a viable option to automobiles powered by fossil fuels, and is looking at the environmental and economic impacts and the technological challenges associated with using fuel-cell technology.

"Research in fuel cells as an alternative means to power vehicles is very important to the Province of Ontario and indeed Canada," said Dr. Kamiel Gabriel, the university's Associate Provost, Research and Graduate Programs. "With the escalating price of fossil fuel, coupled with its vulnerability to ups and downs on the global political scene, fuel cells present a clean and viable solution. I am delighted to see this prestigious recognition given to a UOIT star."

Dr. Dincer's award is an important milestone for UOIT's Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, said Dr. Marc Rosen, the Dean of the faculty. "His work directly complements our strategic research thrust in energy," he said, "and this award will allow him to expand his research significantly in ways that benefit both society and industry."

About the University of Ontario Institute of Technology

As the province's newest university, the University of Ontario Institute of Technology provides a unique combination of academic knowledge, vibrant student life, leading-edge research, and hands-on skills. The university offers career-focused undergraduate degree programs in the fields of business and information technology, health sciences, social science, applied science, the pure sciences, engineering, and education. It is also developing leading-edge research and graduate programs, and is Ontario's first laptop-based university. Sharing selected services with Durham College, UOIT welcomed its first students in September 2003. To find out more, visit www.uoit.ca or call 1.866.844.8648.

About Ontario Tech University
A modern, forwarding-thinking university, Ontario Tech advances the discovery and application of knowledge to accelerate economic growth, regional development and social innovation. We inspire and equip our students and our graduates to make a positive impact in a tech-focused world. For us, it’s not only about developing the next tech breakthrough. Understanding and integrating the social and ethical implications of technology differentiates us as university. Learn more at ontariotechu.ca.

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