Research has always been one of the core strengths of the University of Ottawa. The Faculty of Engineering has embraced this mindset and has become one of the strongest places in Canada in which to conduct research in engineering.

Research at uOttawa Engineering

The Faculty of Engineering’s high-impact research is largely supported through provincial and federal funding.  Our researchers receive grants from organizations such as the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC), the Canadian Foundation for Innovation (CFI) and Mitacs. Many also engage in partnerships with the public or private sector.

With 17 Research Chairs and members of six research centres and Institutes, our research community has an impact that can be seen everywhere.

Research impact

$21.9 M

total research funding in 2023–2024

17

research chairs

8

patents filled

Recent research stories

A wastewater system.
Health

Keeping Ottawa a step ahead of infectious diseases with wastewater monitoring

For several years, wastewater monitoring has quietly supported public health in Ottawa, offering valuable insights into the spread of common infectiou…
Early Career Researchers - 2026 Award Recipients
Research and innovation

Smarter use of mining waste. Healthier starts for children. Two researchers turn lived experience into solutions

Though Sarra Magdouli and Nicole Racine conduct research involving different disciplines, both trace their paths back to lived experience, moments out…
uOttawa's 2025 New Frontiers in Research Fund recipients. From left to right, Jean-Michel Ménard, Arvind Mer and Fabio Variola.
Awards and recognition

New Frontiers-funded research breaking ground in cancer diagnosis, drug resistance and uterine healing

Three uOttawa researchers are pushing the boundaries of health innovation with bold, interdisciplinary projects supported by the New Frontiers in Rese…

Our areas of research

We conduct research across five interconnected areas:  

  • health care  
  • digital transformation  
  • sustainability  
  • emerging materials  
  • photonics  

Using an interdisciplinary approach, our work addresses today’s most pressing local, national and international priorities, creating meaningful societal impact.

Innovating in areas like semiconductors, artificial intelligence, clean energy and sustainable infrastructure, our engineers and computer scientists strengthen communities, drive economic growth and enhance quality of life. 

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Enabling technologies for health care and augmented life

A key driver for uOttawa Engineering researchers is the potential to improve people’s lives. Along with key research partners at the Faculty of Medicine and the Faculty of Health Sciences, our faculty brings a multi-disciplinary approach to making life better.

Grey icon with three people surrounded by lines.

Technology for the digital transformation of society

As a society, we are in a constant state of flux. Aided by technology, we are witnessing a digital transformation of our society, which is fast-tracked by researchers on a daily basis.

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Sustainable and resilient infrastructure

Researchers at uOttawa Engineering working within this field have the safety of society at heart. In addition, our experts go one step further in order to ensure that the work we do is done with sustainability in mind. Our goal is to reduce our environmental footprint and be faithful stewards of our planet and its people.

Icon for process and design.

Emerging materials and processes: design and development

The focus of the research in materials at uOttawa Engineering ranges from the very small (nanomaterials) to the very large (construction and building materials). Our researchers work diligently to design and develop emerging materials and processes ranging from bio-based materials for sustainable applications to metals for transportation needs, as well as sophisticated materials for our digital world and life-saving materials for biomedical applications.

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Photonics for devices, networks and energy

The University of Ottawa Nexus for Quantum Technologies (NEXQT) Institute is a world-recognized research facility in which our Faculty’s researchers are hard at work to bring you the latest developments and innovations to truly transform our present into the future.

Research by departments and schools

Contact us

Hinzer, Karin

Vice-Dean, Research
Room: ARC 345
Office: 613-562-5800 ext. 2872
Work E-mail: [email protected]

Huras, Amy

Lead Research Advisor
Tel. 613-562-5800, ext. 2440
Work E-mail: [email protected]

Pearson, Mark

Senior Research Advisor
Office: 613-562-5800 ext. 7915
Work E-mail: [email protected]

Drouin, Stéphane

Manager, International Affairs
Work E-mail: [email protected]