UOIT named full academic member of CMC Microsystems

OSHAWA, ON. - Researchers at the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) have an outstanding new tool to help turn their innovative ideas into reality, following the recent announcement that the university has been named a full academic member of CMC Microsystems.

CMC is a federally incorporated not-for-profit entity that provides researchers and graduate students across Canada with access to millions of dollars worth of industry-calibre design resources, state-of-the-art prototyping technologies, manufacturing and test facilities, and tools for support services. CMC membership provides a significant advantage for universities and researchers as often the only impediment to taking research from concepts to prototypes and even start-up companies is having access to equipment and resources that will allow for comprehensive development and testing.

"UOIT is very excited about the opportunities that come with joining CMC as a full academic member," said Dr. Mike Eklund, UOIT's faculty liaison for CMC and an assistant professor and program director for Electrical and Software Engineering with the university's Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science. "With access to CMC's resources and its large community of expertise, UOIT researchers will be able to further their work and develop prototypes that will have the potential to make an impact on society."

Following a visit to campus last fall by Ian McWalter, CMC's president and chief executive officer, UOIT pursued membership and was named a member earlier this year. Dr. Eklund attended the CMC annual meeting on October 13 as the UOIT member representative, followed by the CMC Microsystems Annual Symposium on October 14.

The CMC community of researchers from 43 Canadian universities and one college is currently made up of approximately 3,100 faculty and graduate students. Over the last five years partner universities have received $342 million in services from CMC, which offers products and services in microelectronics, microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), nanontechnology, optoelectronics/photonics, microfluidics and embedded systems, including:

• Computer-aided design tools, methodologies and intellectual property, including libraries;
• Fixture and test instrumentation;
• Packaging, assembly and integration technologies; and
• Prototype manufacturing in technologies sourced worldwide.

In addition, the membership will see CMC provide software, along with support and training, for UOIT Engineering, Information Technology and Science undergraduate and graduate students. Supplying students with access to program- and industry-specific software ensures they graduate with the high-tech skills demanded by today's employers.

The CMC membership provides UOIT with another critical advantage in its growing national reputation for a commitment to research excellence in areas that align with federal and provincial research and innovation priorities. Over the past five years UOIT has received millions of dollars in grants and awards, including five Canada Research Chairs; has been named one of Canada's top 50 research universities; and recently introduced a five-year Strategic Research Plan focusing on five key themes: Community and Social Wellness; Sustainable Energy; Applied Bioscience; Automotive, Materials and Manufacturing; and Information and Communication.

About Ontario Tech University
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