CATALYZING RESEARCH PARTNERSHIPS WITH INDUSTRY
To tackle complex challenges in aviation, aerospace, and space, we need to break down barriers between disciplines, sectors, and nations. That’s why one of our key strategies at WISA is to mobilize and leverage the combined strengths and resources of industry, government, and academia toward impactful research and innovation.
We connect WISA researchers with organizations around the world to drive sustainable exploration, discovery, and commercialization. By partnering with us, public and private sector organizations join a vibrant network of forward-thinking researchers who are advancing sustainable solutions within the aviation, aerospace, and space sectors.
Progress through collaboration
In our second year of operations, WISA has taken flight in the partnerships we’ve established and the collaborative projects we’ve launched. We invite you to explore how our work with academic, industry, and government partners is creating a positive impact for the aviation, aerospace, and space industries.
Dr. Ewa Niechwiej-Szwedo Associate Professor Faculty of Health
“I got involved with WISA because I could see an interesting and unique intersection between my research program and the field of aviation, specifically pilot training. My research seeks to understand the development of visuomotor control and skill expertise. Prior to joining WISA, I have been studying the development of vision and fine motor skills using tools such as eye tracking and motion capture cameras. After meeting with Suzanne, I realized the potential of applying my research techniques in a different context by studying the development of skill expertise in novice pilots. This is an exciting area of research where I get to work with a cross-disciplinary team of researchers and interact with industry stakeholders working towards addressing important questions regarding how to improve pilot training and assessment.”
What our partners are saying
WISA has ongoing research partnerships with NAVBLUE, an Airbus Company, and CAE. We asked representatives from both companies to share their perspectives on the value of partnership with WISA, the sustainability challenges they’re facing, and what the future holds.
NAVBLUE
Dr. Logan Jones, Analytics Manager, N-Flight Planning
NAVBLUE is proud of its commitment towards building a sustainable future by using climate-science to determine our course of action. We need research and development to leverage new technology, new algorithms, and artificial intelligence to get to that future. With our roots in Waterloo, it’s important for us to leverage our proximity to a world-renowned University and an institute like WISA to help us solve these problems. The first two years of WISA have met all our expectations.
CAE Civil Aviation Training Solutions
Christopher Ranganathan, Chief Learning Officer
For more than 80 years, CAE has delivered innovative technologies and training programs to develop talent for the aviation sector. Our company collaborates with university researchers to gain unique insights into industry challenges. With its vast network of members from across the University of Waterloo, WISA has been an excellent partner to help us explore new possibilities as we shape the learning ecosystem of the future. Combining our strengths as leaders in education, aviation, technological innovation, and sustainability allows us to amplify our impact on the sector, and foster the diverse, highly skilled workforce we need for long-term success.
Sustainable Aeronautics Summit
The first annual WISA Sustainable Aeronautics Summit was held at the Region of Waterloo Operations Centre on October 5, 2022. The Summit welcomed professionals from academia, industry, and government to a conference and tradeshow exploring the three pillars of aeronautical sustainability, and the connections between them. Presentations during the day included industry panel discussions and impactful five-minute researcher presentations, aligning imagination with impact. Aviation student volunteers supported every aspect of the event.
215
attendees
93
industry/government representatives
86
faculty
36
students
16
completed proposals matching partners with research teams
10
sustainability innovation presentations from WISA researchers
15
industry and government representatives on three panels
50+
undergraduate student volunteers
A sustainable future starts with us.
WISA's success is rooted in strong partnerships between interdisciplinary researchers, organizations, and government agencies from around the world. Discover how we can work together to accelerate solutions to the global challenges facing the air transport sector.
