NSERC CREATE Training Program in Integrated Sensor Systems

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Sensors are the means by which we learn about the world. Sensors are everywhere. They are integrated into cell phones and car airbags (accelerometers that can measure movements or sudden deceleration), and engines (temperature and pressure sensors in cars and aircraft). Sensors which can measure exquisitely small concentrations of chemicals and biological molecules are critical to the pharmaceutical industry in the development and testing of new drugs. Environmental sensors are essential for monitoring and controlling pollution, or understanding the effects of climate change. A sensor is not just the component that detects an external change, but an entire integrated system that includes signal amplification, signal processing, packaging and communications. As such, the development of new sensor systems to meet future needs requires expertise from many disciplines. This program brings together a team from four Montreal-region universities who already have a history of strong research collaboration and who now propose a carefully designed training program to develop the next generation of Canadian experts in integrated sensor systems. This program has been constructed after in-depth discussions with future employers, in order to ensure that it meets their needs for highly qualified personnel. It includes an interdisciplinary research program in integrated sensors, internships in partner companies, international exchanges with leading laboratories worldwide, a series of hands-on workshops in laboratory skills, an annual Sensors Summer School and a set of short-courses that will provide the trainees with skills that are valued and requested by industry, including communication skills, intellectual property protection and management, project management and ethics. The program will directly fund 104 students over 6 years and at least an equal number will benefit from many of the program elements. The graduates from this program will find work in a wide range of fields in the information, communications and technology sector, the biomedical sector and environmental sensing.