ECE prepares for an impactful year ahead

With a new mechatronics program, a major robotics conference, and a growing focus on nuclear engineering, ECE is poised for a year of significant growth and impact.

11 August 2025

New program launch: MCTR
This fall, ECE will proudly launch the new MCTR program, marking an important step forward for our department and the faculty. To support this, ECE is developing four new courses for the program’s first year and is working in close collaboration with the Department of Mechanical Engineering to ensure that students benefit from an integrated, high-quality learning experience right from day one.

Research growth and collaboration
Our research community is also preparing for an exciting year of growth and collaboration. The MIF-RCES initiative is entering its third year, helping to advance research and partnerships that expand our impact across disciplines. This November, the AlbertaRise for Robotics conference will bring together experts, industry partners and students to strengthen Alberta’s position as a leader in robotics innovation. ECE is a major partner in CARDD-Tech — a multidisciplinary hub driving innovation in defence and dual-use technologies through advanced research and industry partnerships in areas like sensing, communications, robotics and quantum technologies — with Ashwin Iyer serving as co-director. Meanwhile, our Advanced Nuclear Engineering initiative continues to gain momentum, with the introduction of new courses and research opportunities designed to train the next generation of nuclear engineers and address pressing energy challenges.

Supporting students and community
Beyond research and teaching, ECE remains dedicated to supporting student success and community-building. We’re excited to see our student clubs thriving, and we look forward to the return of EECERT and our annual Hackathon, which provide students with hands-on experience, networking and skill development.

Strategic priorities for 2025–26
Looking ahead, we have several key strategic priorities for the coming year. These include continuing our work toward CEAB accreditation, ensuring Graduate Program Quality Assurance and maintaining an active focus on program improvement and modernization. To help shape our future direction, we’re also planning an ECE retreat to bring department leaders together to identify new areas of growth, collaboration and impact.

Together, these initiatives reflect our commitment to delivering exceptional programs, driving innovative research and preparing our students to be leaders in a rapidly evolving field. Here’s to an inspiring year ahead for ECE!