“World-Class Innovator” to Head NSERC-DaimlerChrysler Research Chair at University of Windsor

Windsor, Ontario, October 28, 2002 – The Government of Canada today announced funding of the new NSERC-DaimlerChrysler Canada Industrial Research Chair in Applied Solid State Physics & Material Characterization at the University of Windsor. The Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) is providing $875,000 over five years, with DaimlerChrysler Canada contributing a further $850,000.

The chairholder is Dr. Roman Maev. His research involves the use of sound waves to look into materials and to display the results in an easy-to-interpret image on a computer screen. His findings have led to innovations such as integrating acoustic imaging equipment into welding tools, thereby providing an instant record and read-out of the quality of each weld during production. This has eliminated the need for a quality control step later. For example, he has already built it into automated manufacturing machinery such as welding and assembly systems.

He was previously involved, in the USSR, with the development of ultrasound technology that was used in health care. Using high frequency waves, Dr. Maev has been able to interpret acoustic data to locate metal fatigue, evaluate the quality of castings, analyze the composition of alloys, assess volume, evaluate adhesives and joints, and conduct other analyses of materials.

In this new program, he will apply similar technology – but using high frequencies – to penetrate metal and other materials. He will develop new ways to integrate this technology into portable equipment.

“Dr. Maev is an innovator of world-class stature,” said Susan Whelan, Member of Parliament for Essex, who made today’s announcement on behalf of Allan Rock, Minister of Industry. “The University of Windsor and DaimlerChrysler Canada have put together a dynamic partnership.”

“The fuel of the new economy is knowledge,” said Allan Rock. “Canada’s success depends on how well and how quickly we can develop and apply the skills and talents of all our people, and commercialize the results of our research and development.”

This chair is the fifth NSERC Industrial Research Chair in which the University of Windsor is partnering with a leading automobile manufacturer.

“In Dr. Roman Maev, the University of Windsor has a remarkable researcher and innovator,” said NSERC president Tom Brzustowski. “His new chair, supported by DaimlerChrysler in partnership with NSERC, further strengthens the university’s outstanding automotive research capacity.”

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

On February 12, 2002, the Government of Canada launched Canada’s Innovation Strategy, two papers that lay out a plan to address skills and innovation challenges for the next decade. The paper released by Minister Rock was entitled Achieving Excellence: Investing in People, Knowledge and Opportunity. It proposes goals, targets and priorities for Canada over the next decade to: create knowledge and bring ideas to market more quickly; ensure a skilled workforce in the new economy; modernize business and regulatory policies while protecting the public interest; and, strengthen communities by supporting innovation at the local level. Today’s announcement supports this strategy.

For more information about Canada’s Innovation Strategy or to obtain a copy of either Knowledge Matters: Skills and Learning for Canadians or Achieving Excellence: Investing in People, Knowledge and Opportunity, please call 1 800 O-Canada (1-800-622-6232) or visit www.innovationstrategy.gc.ca.

For further information contact:

Francis Lionnet
Communications
NSERC
Tel.: (613) 992-9001
Fax: (613) 943-0742
E-mail: fzl@nserc.ca

Marilyn Hood
Director of Communications
University of Windsor
Tel.: (519) 253-5000, ext. 5066
E-mail: mhood@uwindsor.ca

Selena Beattie
Office of Allan Rock
Minister of Industry
Tel.: (613) 995-9001