Research Partnerships & Innovation

News and Events

$5.9 Million for Research Centres

March 14, 2011

The Manitoba aerospace, transportation and manufacturing sectors will benefit from access to new technology and more skilled staff thanks to a $5.9 million investment in new and expanded research facilities at Red River College. The funding was announced today by the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification (WD)
“Our government is pleased to be a part of these exciting projects, which will create a competitive advantage for key sectors in Manitoba’s economy,” said Minister Yelich. “This technology will enable local companies to produce better and more cost-effective products that will help create more jobs and opportunity in our communities.”
The Government of Canada, through WD, is investing:

  • $4.4 million to establish the Centre for Non-Destructive Inspection Technologies (CNDI), allowing remote-access to a network of non-destructive imaging equipment; and
  • $1.5 million to expand the capabilities of Red River College’s existing Centre for Aerospace Training and Technology (CATT) and establish a new robotics training lab at Red River College’s Notre Dame Campus.

“This investment by the federal government will allow Red River College to enhance its role in the aerospace sector, and support the growth of local companies like Bristol Aerospace and StandardAero,” said Stephanie Forsyth, President of Red River College. “Our students, staff and industry partners will benefit from access to new technology and the potential for innovative applied research projects.”
The CNDI facility will provide specialized inspection equipment and a network of portable “non-destructive” imaging equipment that can be used by industry right in their own facilities. This equipment allows companies to detect hidden flaws in materials more efficiently and with greater confidence without damaging the materials.
“We are pleased to partner with Red River College in this remarkable opportunity to enhance productivity through the use of non-destructive inspection technologies,” said Mr. Don Boitson, Vice President and General Manager, Magellan Aerospace.  “This investment in both infrastructure and manufacturing know-how is the kind of strategic investment that encourages growth through competitiveness in industry.”
Red River College will expand CATT’s onsite facilities at StandardAero and also create a new training lab at its Notre Dame Campus. The new lab will provide industry with affordable access to the specialized robotics it needs to stay competitive.
“We are excited about this next phase of CATT growth as it will allow us to further expand our low heat input welding expertise and develop new component repairs that our customers want,” said Ian Smart, Senior Vice President, Airlines & Fleets, StandardAero.  “The collaborative effort with Red River College and Western Economic Diversification Canada is helping us provide better support to our customers and be more competitive in our markets.”
In addition to the new equipment, both projects incorporate education programs in non-destructive testing and advanced robotics, addressing key labour and skill shortages identified by industry.

Biofuels in Canada on Wednesday, March 9th with Dr. Rex Newkirk.

March 9, 2011

Red River College invites you to come and discover biofuels in Canada on Wednesday, March 9th with Dr. Rex Newkirk.
Dr. Newkirk, from the Canadian International Grains Institute (CIGI), will lecture on:

  • experiences with biodiesel production and training
  • insights as to where the biodiesel industry is going in Canada
  • provide an entertaining overview of CIGI’s activities and facilities
  • Following the seminar, participants are invited to tour the “Flower Power” trailer, CIGI’s portable biodiesel plant/training facility.

Dr. Newkirk was raised on a ranch in South Western Saskatchewan. He completed his Ph.D. at the University of Saskatchewan in 2002 where he had been a professional research associate in the department of Animal and Poultry Science. In 2003 Dr. Newkirk joined CIGI as the Director of Feed. By 2007 he became Director of Biofuels and Feed where he lead an initiative to provide technical support to the emerging biodiesel industry.
Rex was named Director of Research and Business Development in 2010 and has enhanced CIGI’s involvement in research that creates opportunities for Canada’s field crops. He has been actively involved in the development of a portable biodiesel facility that has been used to train approximately 1800 people in locations across Canada.
Dr. Newkirk has provided technical support and training across the globe and is internationally regarded as an expert in the area of animal nutrition and biodiesel production.
This is a complimentary seminar that will be held in building A, room 137 on the Red River College Notre Dame Ave. Campus at 11:45 a.m. on Wednesday, March 9th, 2011.
Free parking and a complimentary lunch will be provided.
**If you have any food allergies, please advise upon registration.**
Please register by contacting:
Lyndsay Ross
Phone: 204-632-2597
Email: ldross@rrc.mb.ca
Fax: 204.633.3079

Building Information Modelling Session

March 1, 2011

Join us on Friday, March 4th to hear Dr. Shokry Rashwon lecture on the emerging practice of Building Information Modeling (BIM).
BIM refers to the process of digitally generating and managing data during design, construction and operation of buildings. Many owners, architects and construction firms have realized the added product value and potential for growth that comes with use of this technology.
This seminar will review:
BIM terminologies and its evolution from Computer-Aided Design/electronic drafting
BIM tools, applications and technologies currently being used in the construction industry

  • The advantages and challenges of adopting BIM
  • The roles of industry stakeholders
  • Elements needed for successful application, such as standards, interoperability and integrated project delivery

Dr. Shokry Rashwan attained his BSc in Civil Engineering from Ciro University (Egypt) in 1977. He served in the navy for two years and worked as a site Engineer before coming to Manitoba in 1980. He then studied at the University of Manitoba and received his MEng and PhD in Civil Engineering in 1983 and 1988 respectively.
Dr. Rashwan has held numerous positions such as Civil Technology Instructor with RRC (Thompson, MB 1987), Director of Research with PMRI (Edmonton, AB 1989), and Project Engineer with Puratone Corp (Niverville, MB 2000). Currently, Dr. Rashwan works as Research Manager with NRC-IRC (London, ON). He has three patents and has authored over 30 publications.
This is a complimentary seminar that will be held in building A, room 137 on the Red River College Notre Dame Ave. Campus at 11:45 a.m. on Friday, March 4th, 2011.
Free parking and a complimentary lunch will be provided.
**If you have any food allergies, please advise upon registration.**
Please register by contacting:
Lyndsay Ross
Phone: 204-632-2597
Email: ldross@rrc.mb.ca
Fax: 204.633.3079

Non-Destructive Inspection Training – Feb. 17 and 18, 2011

February 1, 2011

Please join Red River College for a Two Day Training Session on Neubrex NBX-6040 usage with Dr. Kishida on February 17&18, 2011.
Neubrex NBX-6040 – This instrument uses Brillion-based technology, including fiber optic sensors, to enable non-destructive structural health evaluation. It is the world’s only temperature/strain sensing system, implementing breakthrough Pulse-PrePump BOTDA technology.
This equipment can be used in a variety of applications, including civil engineering, pipeline monitoring, aerospace, fiber module development, and fiber optic gyroscope development.
The Neubrex equipment can utilize embedded fibres in composites materials for quality control during manufacturing for part process development, as well as detecting changes in strain distribution before and after part usage.
Neubrex analysis software allows one not only to obtain information on deformation or/and temperature fields in the areas inaccessible to optical fibre, but also to analyze phenomena which cannot be directly measured (E.g. pipe thinning).
See http://www.neubrex.com for more information on the NBX-6040.
Dr. Kishida is the founder, CEO and President of Neubrex Co. Ltd. Japan. He received his B.S. and M. Eng. degrees from the University of Science and Technology of China, in 1985 and 1988 respectively. In 1997, he obtained a PhD from Osaka University, Japan, and joined the Advanced Research and Development Institute of Mitsubishi Electric Corporation.
Dr. Kishida is an expert on shock waves in condensed materials and dynamic brittle fracture. His recent research interests are in optical fiber sensing, resulting in many patents and publications.
This is a complimentary Two Day Training Session that will be held in the CARSI building (Centre for Applied Research in Sustainable Infrastructure) on the Red River College Notre Dame Ave. Campus.
Thursday, February17th 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. – – All day BASIC training session
Friday, February 18th 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. – – ADVANCED training
Lunch and refreshments provided both days.
**If you have any food allergies, please advise upon registration.**
Please register by contacting:
Lyndsay Ross
Phone: 204-632-2597
Email: ldross@rrc.mb.ca
Fax: 204.633.3079

Building Smarts – i2eye with Red River College & Manitoba Hydro

August 13, 2010


Ray Hoemsen, RRC’s Director of Applied Research and Commercialization and Tom Akerstream from Manitoba Hydro discuss their private- public-sector collaboration to construct the most energy efficient and sustainable office building in North America

RRC Polytech campuses are located on the lands of Anishinaabe, Ininiwak, Anishininew, Dakota, and Dené, and the National Homeland of the Red River Métis.

We recognize and honour Treaty 3 Territory Shoal Lake 40 First Nation, the source of Winnipeg’s clean drinking water. In addition, we acknowledge Treaty Territories which provide us with access to electricity we use in both our personal and professional lives.

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