New NSERC-GM of Canada Chair in Engineering Design and Innovation launches unique program at The University of Western Ontario

London, Ontario, January 22, 2002 – Joe Fontana, Member of Parliament for London North Centre, today announced on behalf of Allan Rock, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC), the new NSERC-GM of Canada Chair in Engineering Design and Innovation at The University of Western Ontario.

The Chair will establish an Engineering Design and Innovation Studio (EDIS) that will provide both teaching and multidisciplinary teaming of students, faculty and industrial contributors on a number of large-scale design projects: a vehicle, a processing plant, a communications system and the EDIS building itself. NSERC is providing $1,000,000 over five years; GM of Canada is contributing $250,000; and five other partners are providing a further $414,000 among them.

"Design engineering is the enabler of innovation," said MP Joe Fontana. "Design engineers take an invention and turn it into an economical and safe product that meets people's needs. The federal government is fully committed to NSERC's design engineering chairs program because these are the skills that are essential to increasing Canada's competitiveness."

"Design engineering wears a bewildering number of hats because it can be applied at any point from the conceptual through to every aspect of the manufacturing process," explained new chairholder Brian Thompson. "However, wherever design engineering is applied, it makes the kind of difference that creates market success."

"I congratulate The University of Western Ontario on creating such an exciting and innovative program," said NSERC president Tom Brzustowski. "Its engagement of students, staff and industrial partners in a studio environment marks a radical broadening of engineering practices and the creation of a culture that will foster innovation."

NSERC is the primary federal agency investing in people, discovery, and innovation. The Council supports both basic university research through research grants and project research through partnerships among universities, governments and the private sector, as well as the advanced training of highly qualified people.

For further information contact:

Francis Lionnet
Public Affairs Officer
Communications
NSERC
Tel.: (613) 992-9001
Fax: (613) 943-0742
E-mail: francis.lionnet@nserc.ca

Dr. Brian Thompson
The University of Western Ontario
Tel.: (519) 850-2530
Fax: (519) 661-3020
E-mail: bthomps4@uwo.ca