Driving Innovation Through Research Excellence - AUTO21

A Message from the Scientific Director
and Network Manager
The year 2005-2006 was a time of acceleration for AUTO21. With new funding from the Government of Canada and its
many industry partners, AUTO21 launched 41 projects in its research portfolio. Some of these projects focus on new
areas of research, bringing new people and knowledge into the Network, while several projects build upon previous
work completed by AUTO21 researchers. Armed with results from some of the materials, powertrains and alternate
fuels research conducted during the first four years of AUTO21’s operations, researchers are continuing to break new
ground in these areas.
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In fact, two projects have resulted in spin-off companies that are already providing major automotive suppliers with
leading-edge technologies. Other projects have yielded information that is being tested by industry partners, or are in
the process of obtaining patents for remarkable discoveries. Collaborative research, the cornerstone of AUTO21 and
all other Networks of Centres of Excellence, means that issues can be resolved faster and more efficiently by sharing
intellect, equipment and resources within a secure environment that protects intellectual property ownership and
industrial confidentiality. In its first seven-year funding cycle, AUTO21 will invest approximately $67 million supporting
innovative auto-related research thanks to federal and provincial governments and private-sector contributions.
Another benefit to industry is the development of Highly Qualified People (HQP), the future of Canada’s automotive sector.
These students come from all academic disciplines but share the same committed goal to advancing the state of
the sector. AUTO21 provides the student researchers with opportunities to work with some of Canada’s top automotive
researchers while collaborating with industry on issues deemed critical to the future. The Network helps the students
attain a greater understanding of the global environment in which the industry operates.
To ensure a steady stream of HQP, AUTO21 encourages younger Canadians by promoting automotive careers and
research through events like the Canada-Wide Youth Science Fair. In 2005, AUTO21 partnered with the Canadian
Institute for the Relief of Pain and Disability, the Woodbridge Group and the Yves Landry Foundation to support a new
automotive division at the science fair. The division generated a high level of interest in its first year, with more than
35 entries. In addition, Mr. John McDougall, CEO of the Alberta Research Council and Vice-Chair of the AUTO21 Board
of Directors and Mr. Ali Asadkarami, an AUTO21 student researcher, provided a presentation on the opportunities
AUTO21 offers to students once they reach the graduate level of studies.
AUTO21 Annual Report 2005-2006