September 16, 2010
Surrey, British Columbia
Today the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, announced funding for Simon Fraser University’s (SFU) Surrey campus to purchase cutting-edge scientific equipment for its new Mechatronics Systems Engineering (MSE) program, benefitting students, researchers and companies alike.
“Today’s investment will give students, faculty and industry the essential infrastructure they need to research, develop and commercialize innovative new technologies,” said Minister Yelich. “By investing in these areas, our Government is creating highly-skilled jobs that will improve the long-term competitiveness of our economy.”
Mechatronics is the integration of mechanical, electronic, software and computer engineering for the development of advanced electromechanical products and systems for a wide range of industrial applications. The MSE program will enhance SFU’s capacity to carry out applied research, technology transfer and commercialization in collaboration with industry in British Columbia. Student demand for the MSE program has increased by almost 300% in three years.
"This investment supports SFU’s commitment to be a university that is truly connected to the communities it serves," said SFU president Andrew Petter, "It will enable our mechatronics faculty to work with companies on research that will lead to future technological breakthroughs. At the same time, mechatronics students will be educated to become the next generation of innovators and industry leaders."
The Government of Canada is providing $925,000, through the Western Diversification Program to purchase leading-edge scientific equipment for four laboratories and a fabrication facility. These will play an integral part in the emergence of green energy technology, biomedical engineering and advanced design and manufacturing.
Composed of six faculties across three campuses in Burnaby, Vancouver and Surrey, Simon Fraser University currently has over 30,000 students and 100,000 alumni, and over 900 full-time faculty members. SFU supports excellence and innovation in academic programs; promotes research, scholarship and teaching; and is committed to attracting and developing the best students.
Western Economic Diversification Canada works with the provinces, industry associations and communities to promote the development and diversification of the western economy, coordinates federal economic activities in the West and represents the interests of western Canadians in national decision-making.
For additional information (media only), contact:
Jerra Byrne
Senior Special Assistant - Communications
Office of the Minister of State - Western Economic Diversification
jerra.byrne@wd.gc.ca
Marianne Meadahal
SFU Public and Media Relations
Telephone: 778.782.4323
Marianne_Meadahl@sfu.ca
WD Toll-Free Number:1-888-338-WEST (9378)
Teletypewriter (TTY): 1-877-303-3388
WD Website: www.wd-deo.gc.ca.
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