The training facility classroom at MIM provides easy access to the equipment and helps foster colloboration. // Photo by Katie Chalmers-Brooks
Grand opening for Manitoba Institute for Materials
Manitoba researchers can now do what most others in the world can’t: improve our materials so bridges stand longer, computers run faster and ramen noodles taste better.
Every material is on the table for examination and improvement at the newly renovated and outfitted $16.7-million Manitoba Institute for Materials (MIM), which officially opened July 8. MIM possesses three microscopes so cutting edge the University of Manitoba was the first institution to order them.
Founded in 2009, MIM recently built a new facility underground to bring together more than 200 researchers and students from across disciplines.
Dan Vandal, Member of Parliament for Saint Boniface – Saint Vital, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and the Minister Responsible for Western Economic Diversification Canada, and Sarah Guillemard, Member of the Legislative Assembly for Fort Richmond on behalf of Education and Training Minister Ian Wishart, joined University of Manitoba President and Vice-Chancellor David T. Barnard for the opening activities.
“This state-of-the-art facility will enable academia and industry to integrate more fully and capitalize on the growing importance of composites, as well as aerospace research and development being undertaken in Western Canada,” said MP Dan Vandal. “The results of their research will provide us with the discoveries, and new materials, we need to build a strong, clean economy.”
The cornerstone of MIM is the three electron microscopes that allow researchers and industry users to study the structure, behaviour, and design uses of materials.
“This world-class facility is an investment by our partners in a collaborative approach,” says Dr. David Barnard, President and Vice-Chancellor at the University of Manitoba. “MIM brings together hundreds of students and researchers, university-wide, as well as industry seeking expertise and access to the finest instruments.”
The Manitoba government provided one million dollars to support the construction of this new, state-of-the-art facility.
“The Manitoba Institute of Materials plays a key role in developing innovative new materials that contribute to leading-edge technology,” says MLA Sarah Guillemard. “With this new facility and equipment, the institute is providing hands-on experience for students while helping to develop skilled workers that enable Manitoba to compete in the global economy.”
President and Vice-Chancellor David Barnard, Vice-President (Research and International) Digvir Jayas, MLA Sarah Guillemard and MP Dan Vandal listen to Composites and Materials Characterization Facility Manager Ravinder Sidhu at the opening of MIM on July 8, 2016.
Accessed by an above ground structure on what is currently parking Lot A (25 Sifton Road), MIM’s labs are located below ground in redeveloped space that once stored a decommissioned cyclotron.
The funding partners for the facility construction and infrastructure are: the Government of Canada through Western Economic Diversification Canada, SFR/FEI, the Province of Manitoba, General Electric, and the Canada Foundation for Innovation (through existing transferred or managed infrastructure).
Research at the University of Manitoba is partially supported by funding from the Government of Canada Research Support Fund.