A team of student researchers from Queen’s University was nationally recognized for their contribution to Canadian automotive research and development. The team was awarded first place in the Council for Automotive Human Resources HQP Poster Competition which took place during the AUTO21 2011 Conference in Ottawa, Ontario. The competition is open to student researchers within the AUTO21 Network of Centres of Excellence program.
AUTO21 is Canada’s national automotive research program, supporting nearly 200 researchers and over 350 graduate students (Highly Qualified People, or HQP) at 46 universities across the country. More than 60 student teams from Canadian universities took part in the competition. AUTO21 appreciates the support of the Council for Automotive Human Resources (CAHR) for the 2011 HQP poster competition.
The winning team contributes to the Multidisciplinary Optimization of Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Batteries project, which is led by Professor Bartosz Protas of McMaster University. The winning Queen’s University team members include Anthony Jarrett and Ben Banks. The goal of the project is to optimize batteries to ensure the best possible performance in new hybrid and electric powertrains.
Final ranking of the top five student teams:
| Project name | University | Ranking/prize |
| Multidisciplinary Optimization of Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Batteries | Queen’s University | First/$4,500.00 |
| Advanced High-Strength Steel Microstructures for Low and High-Rate Applications | Queen’s University University of New Brunswick |
Second/$3,500.00 |
| Life Cycle Environmental Assessment and Policy | University of Toronto | Third/$2,500.00 |
| Wireless MEMs-Based Sensor Nodes for Intelligent Safety, Comfort and Performance Systems | University of Waterloo | Fourth/$1,500.00 |
| High-Strength Lightweight Cast Powertrain Components* | Ryerson Univeristy | Honourable Mention/$1,000.00 |
| Reducing Occupant Injury in Rear Collisions* | University of British Columbia |
* Tie
“The calibre of research these students present rises each year, and 2011 is no exception,” said Dr. Peter Frise, AUTO21 Scientific Director and CEO. “With young minds working on collaborative research projects, Canada is quickly being a recognized leader in an automotive R&D.”
John Mavrak, CAHR Executive Director and CEO, stated, “CAHR’s purpose is to advance the skills and competencies of the automotive manufacturing workforce. This is why we are supporting the outstanding collaborative research evident at the AUTO21 Conference. The students competing in the HQP Poster Competition are the next generation of leaders in automotive engineering.”
