Research Strengths

Dalhousie's Faculty of Engineering is a leading contributor in both applied and theoretical research at Atlantic Canada's top research-intensive university. Ranging from basic discovery-based research, to supporting local industry in product development, our professors and graduate students are engaged in a wide variety of research and development activities. Building on our research strengths we are focused on advancing knowledge and scholarship in the following areas: 

Manufacturing

Whether developing the next generation of materials to make our planes or bridges lighter and stronger, or finding ways to improve how we make or use traditional materials, Dalhousie Engineering continues to be a national and international leader in materials research. Major research initiatives in this area include the development of new materials in composites, concrete and asphalts, metals, ceramics, biomaterials and coatings. Significant research is also done in corrosion, tribology, and grinding. 

Environmental Science and Technologies

How do we ensure a global supply of safe drinking water? Are there better ways to treat waste-water? The research undertaken in Environmental Science and Technologies is exploring these essential questions. The Faculty of Engineering is an international leader in water research, specifically in the area of municipal water systems. Ground water and watersheds, hydrology and geotechnical engineering are also central research areas.

Natural Resources and Energy

The Faculty of Engineering undertakes a wide range of research in Natural Resources and Energy.  We are leaders in Food Science, with our research launching the Omega 3 food supplement industry.  We are also leaders in developing and enhancing energy solutions through forestry management, clean combustion, biomass conversion, and biofuels.  Capitalizing on our proximity to vast ocean resources the Faculty of Engineering is emerging as a leader in developing tidal energy technology.

Information and Communications Technologies/Health 

Dalhousie's activities in Biomedical Engineering are in the areas of Biomedical Devices, linking to ICT, and Biomaterials, linking to Manufacturing. Bringing together scholars from different facets of engineering, research initiatives cross disciplines including Manufacturing, Electrical and Computer, Physics, Mechanical and Biomedical Engineering. Some emerging areas of strength include Micor-Electro Mechanical Systems (MEM), photonics and communications, biomedical sensors and wireless devices.