Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation
Research
Western Neuroscientists Reveal Thoughts of Brain-Injured Patients
Western neuroscientists Adrian Owen, Karnig Kazazian, and their colleagues at Western University, Lawson Health Research Institute, and Harvard University have made groundbreaking advancements in neuroimaging. Published in Lancet Neurology, their research uses fMRI, EEG, and fNIRS to detect conscious awareness in brain-injured ICU patients by analyzing brain activity patterns. This innovative approach aids clinical decision-making and resource allocation, enhancing patient care and prognosis while advancing our understanding of consciousness.
“We now know that we can accurately predict recovery from a serious brain injury if we use the right technique at the right time.” – Karnig Kazazian, research associate in the Owen Lab and first author of the Lancet Neurology paper
Western Space Experts Test New Rover Instrument
Western planetary geologists Livio Tornabene and Gordon Osinski, along with an international team, are testing the Enfys spectrometer for the ExoMars 2028 Rosalind Franklin rover mission. Supported by a three-year Canadian Space Agency grant, their research focuses on understanding clay formation on Mars, a key indicator of past habitability and potential extraterrestrial life. Enfys and PanCam will work together to detect and characterize Martian clays. The team conducts simulated Mars missions at three diverse field sites on Earth to refine these instruments, providing critical data for the upcoming mission and enhancing planetary exploration expertise in Canada.
Western University's 51 Firsts: A Legacy of Innovation
Western has a long history of impactful research in health, culture, environment, and economies, achieved through partnerships with Robarts Research Institute, Lawson Health Research Institute, London Health Sciences Centre, and St. Joseph’s Health Care London. From the discovery of insulin to advancements in HIV vaccine trials, Western and its collaborators have made 51 significant firsts, marking groundbreaking contributions across various fields. This legacy of excellence is supported by local, national, and global partnerships, showcasing a commitment to addressing some of the world's most pressing challenges.
Teaching
Innovation Courses
Western Continuing Studies offers online innovation courses to equip leaders with skills to tackle current and future business challenges. These flexible courses teach creative problem-solving methods and tools to inspire innovation and build agility and resilience within teams. Participants can register for individual courses or pursue a certificate program for career advancement. The fully online format accommodates those who work full-time or live outside London, Ontario, making it convenient to continue learning and obtaining certifications.
Civil and Environmental Engineering
Civil and Environmental Engineering students can specialize in International Development with a focus on Structural or Environmental Engineering. This specialization introduces them to the complex societal, environmental, political, and economic issues involved in building safer communities both in Canada and the developing world. The program includes a Summer Community Development Placement and Design Project, offering students a four-month opportunity to work in developing countries or underserved communities in Canada, applying their skills in real-world settings.
Innovation Funding
- The Western Innovation Fund, supported by the Vice-President of Research, aims to transform innovative research into market-ready applications. Offering up to $100,000 in funding, it helps bridge the gap between research and commercialization, fostering the development of new technologies and solutions.
- The John M. Thompson Innovation Fund supports Western Engineering students with promising ideas. This fund helps bring their concepts to life by providing financial backing and expert advice.
Outreach
The Technology Club
The Technology Club is a student-run organization dedicated to helping members navigate the broad technology industry and explore associated career opportunities. It organizes workshops, seminars, and speaker sessions to provide insights into emerging technologies and their business impacts. The Club fosters a network of like-minded individuals for collaboration, mentorship, and the exchange of innovative ideas. Additionally, it bridges the gap between technology and business, promoting interdisciplinary discussions and encouraging strategic decision-making and sustainable business practices through technology.
WORLDiscoveries
WORLDiscoveries, a leading commercialization centre, is a partnership between Western University, Robarts Research Institute, and Lawson Health Research Institute. It leverages industry connections, market knowledge, and business development expertise to help researchers and inventors commercialize their discoveries through licensing and new company spin-offs. As a department of Western University, WORLDiscoveries collaborates with local and international partners to transfer innovative research products and services to the community, enhancing the impact of academic research.
Innovation North: Co-Creating Solutions
Menka Ahlawat (front) from Schulich School of Business with teammates (L-R) Pallab Kumar Doley, Ashwin Vignesh Rajagopal
Operations
Western Discovery Park: Where Innovation Comes to Life
Western Discovery Park is one of Canada’s leading science and technology parks, facilitating commercialization, partnership development, research translation, and entrepreneurial learning at Western. This 46-acre campus, adjacent to the University, offers over 200,000 square feet of office, lab, and industrial space. Alongside Western Discovery Park, the Western Research Parks program also includes Western Advanced Manufacturing Park and Western Sarnia-Lambton Research Park, all serving as strong links between academics and commerce.
Renewable Energy
Western invests in solar power through LEED-certified buildings and solar-powered LED lamps on campus. The Amit Chakma Engineering Building, one of three academic buildings in Canada to achieve LEED Platinum certification, features a solar array, greywater recovery, and electrochromatic windows. As a living laboratory for sustainable design, it incorporates locally sourced Canadian maple, Wiarton limestone, and regional steel. These elements reduce our carbon footprint and enhance the student experience on one of the country’s most beautiful campuses.
Amit Chakma Engineering Building
Net Zero Energy Farm for Berry Production
Professor Joshua Pearce and the Free Appropriate Sustainability Technology research group at Western developed a net zero energy farm to enhance year-round berry production and address climate change. The farm, at the Environmental Sciences Western Field Station, combines photovoltaic-shielded outdoor areas with an indoor Agrotunnel using vertical aeroponic and hydroponic systems. Supported by a $1 million Homegrown Innovation Challenge grant, this project aims to create a resilient, energy-efficient farming system capable of producing fruits and vegetables year-round.
Efficiency Upgrades at Western
Western has implemented several efficiency upgrades to reduce energy consumption on campus, such as:
- Sustainable Design Guidelines: Ensuring that all construction and renovation projects target efficient energy and water systems.
- Demand Management: Western employs strategies to manage electrical demand, enhancing infrastructure resilience and supporting Ontario's electricity system by reducing usage during peak times.
- Electric Boilers: In 2024, two electric boilers will be installed, funded by a $4.75 million grant from Environment and Climate Change Canada, to replace an aging natural gas boiler, reducing campus emissions by 20% - 30% and producing 40% of the university's steam.
