WELCOME TO WISA

The Waterloo Institute for Sustainable Aeronautics (WISA) is the world’s leading hub for research, technology, and education in sustainable aeronautics. Designed to be different, WISA mobilizes the interdisciplinary research capacity of all six faculties at the University of Waterloo to drive meaningful and lasting change within the aviation, aerospace, and space industries.

Acknowledgment of Traditional Territory

The University of Waterloo acknowledges that much of our work takes place on the traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishinaabeg, and Haudenosaunee peoples. Our main campus is situated on the Haldimand Tract, the land granted to the Six Nations that includes six miles on each side of the Grand River.

Our mission

To be the world’s leading hub for sustainable aeronautical research, technology, and education.

Our vision

To foster interdisciplinary inquiry, cross-sector partnerships, and experiential education that creates innovative solutions, informs public policy, and supports a sustainable future for the aviation, aerospace, and space industries.

Our strategy

By facilitating direct partnerships with industry, government, and academia, we develop solutions and outcomes that respond directly to the sustainability challenges of the air transport sector. Driven by Waterloo’s unique mix of experiential learning and real-world impact, we’re equipping the next generation of aeronautics leaders and building a sustainable future for the aviation, space, and aerospace sectors.

Research focus

Researchers at WISA develop innovative solutions, tools, and practices to create a viable future for air transport. In our work, sustainability has three pillars of equal importance:

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SOCIAL

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ENVIRONMENTAL

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ECONOMIC

Our research and innovation address all three pillars – and the interconnections between them – to create meaningful, long-term solutions. Our top research priorities align our members’ research strengths and capacity with areas of optimal impact:

Environment Energy Artificial intelligence (AI) Cybersecurity Human factors Manufacturing

1 Million+

in confirmed industry sponsorships in 2021-22

The future of aeronautical talent

WISA supports a rich talent development ecosystem that’s empowering the next generation of aeronautical leaders and helping create a sustainable workforce for aeronautics. Here’s a snapshot of how we’re supporting undergraduate, graduate, and professional education. For more details, see Research and Talent Development.

Building interdisciplinary bench strength

Developed with the support of WISA, the new Collaborative Aeronautics Program will launch in September 2022. The unique interdisciplinary graduate program mobilizes disciplines across the university to apply their research to aeronautics questions, in turn, strengthening our capacity to create sustainable solutions, helping students develop future-ready skills, and connecting industry to a powerful talent pipeline.

Cultivating a unique undergraduate ecosystem

WISA is enriched by a unique ecosystem of undergraduate students who are engaged in and support aeronautics research. 300+ student pilots complete their undergraduate aviation degrees at Waterloo, augmenting their learning through participation in research while giving researchers direct access to support and expertise in aviation studies.

Reaching professional learners worldwide

In partnership with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), WISA delivers online professional development through Aviation Fundamentals (AviFun). Completed by thousands of global learners each year, the 22-hour e-learning course consists of 10 modules that teach the fundamentals of the international air transport system.

Designing the Flight School of the Future Competition

In January, WISA challenged students to reimagine the Waterloo Wellington Flight Centre as a beacon of sustainable innovation in aviation design.

6

teams

11

industry and academic judges

$9K

in prizes from industry sponsors

Message from the Director

Hear from Dr. Suzanne Kearns

Suzanne Kearns, founding direction of WISA