New institute will be one of the largest university manufacturing research centres in Canada

The McMaster Manufacturing Research Institute (MMRI), one of three new institutes McMaster is establishing, will be one of the largest university manufacturing research institutes in Canada.

The institute, approved Jan. 12 by Senate, will offer courses for both undergraduates and graduate students. Training opportunities will be available for graduate students and post-degree professionals.

Mo Elbestawi, chair of the Department of Mechanical Engineering, says that the institute is in the process of hiring three new faculty members. An additional six new staff members will also be hired.

Elbestawi predicts the institute will have a positive ripple effect at the University. “There will also be a scholarship fund for graduate students. We are hoping this will entice graduate students to the University and we expect a doubling of students to 75 from 35. With the increase at the graduate level, we are investigating a redesign of the the undergraduate degree in manufacturing. We want to take full advantage of the momentum.”

Research will focus on machining, metal 0B0-104
forming, computer-aided design/computer-aided metrology (CAD/CAM), and robotics.

The institute is being funded by the University, the Canadian Foundation for Innovation, the Ontario Research and Development Challenge Fund and industry.

Approval has already been given for the CFI portion ($3.64 M), as well as the Ontario 9A0-125government matching portion ($3.64 M) of a $9.1 million request for funds to buy equipment for the CAD/CAM and metal forming areas. The Ontario government will provide $3.3 million for research personnel support and equipment infrastructure for the polymer processing area.

Senate has also approved the creation of a McMaster Steel Research Centre and an Institute of Applied Radiation Sciences.