Grants and Contributions

The project aims to develop advanced high strength materials in the form of nanostructured and high-entropy alloys, with enhanced mechanical properties, to improve the resistance to damage from high velocity ballistics and shrapnel projectiles by developing functionally-graded (FG) materials and structures which will replace the heavy ceramic-metal polymer layers in current armour. Artificial neural network learning will be used to study the influence material sequence in FG structures with different geometries that will be designed for enhanced energy absorption and resistance to damage under various forms of ballistic loading conditions. New materials in form of metallic glass will be developed as coatings from protection against degradation through wear and corrosion damage.

The project aims to address barriers limiting the development of highly relevant optoelectronic-based group-IV technologies and TXz-to-MIR technologies. The proposed THz-to-MIR compact photonic platforms will capitalize on recent advances in controlling the structural and optoelectronic properties of (Si)GeSN direct bandgap materials. The Micro-net will collectively advance research and establish new materials physics to develop an atomistic-level understanding of growth phenomena shaping the basic properties of (Si)GeSN-based nanoscale and quantum structures, develop devise structures to harness the optoelectronic and photonic properties of (Si)GeSn-based materials and optimize the performance of light emitters, detectors and sensing devices.

The project aims to mimic the camouflaging abilities of an octopus using artificial means and apply this technology in a defence and security context to conceal personnel and military platforms behind a real-time reconfigurable un-detectability veil, thus sending illusions and misinformation to adversaries.

The applicant is requesting funding to conduct focus groups with female and female-identified CAF members and veterans to explore the gendered experience of deployment between January and June 2020. Its results will inform a workshop, including on factors related to retention and discharge. A manuscript would be prepared to highlighting findings in October-December 2020.

A two day workshop at the Latvian Institute of International Affairs (LIIA) in Riga, in March 2020. The purpose of the workshop is to discuss NATO Enhanced Forward Presence deployments in the Baltics, and brings together defence experts from the Framework Nations and host countries, to discuss their experiences, lessons learned, and identify areas of improvement.

This project focuses on the application of AI to the growing problem of violent non-state actors (VNSAs). It will result in two key deliverables. The first is a comprehensive report that will both explain how AI can successfully project VNSAs' strategic futures and also how the design of AI serving these purposes can avoid inadvertent biases. The second deliverable is a demo of a functioning AI that can project future patterns of sub-state violence, including new attack innovations. The project also plans to present its results at a MINDS EBS.

A two-part symposium on Canada's intelligence cooperation: a day of thematic panels with world-renowned experts and a half-day roundtable with experts and practitioners. The round table of the conference will be held in camera, in order to encourage discussion with members of the Canadian Armed Forces. A briefing note summarizing the exchanges in an anonymous manner will be produced and shared with DND/CF.

The applicant proposes to hold a one-day conference in Ottawa that will examine new procurement models for DND, as well as examine how procurement can be streamlined to better deliver the capabilities outlined in SSE in a timely fashion. Participants will include SMEs from across government, academia and industry.

The applicant is seeking funding for a series of policy lab discussions between August and December 2019 in Vancouver, Ottawa, Montreal and Halifax. The discussions will centre on two MINDS policy challenges with participation from members of the public, academics, policy analysts and civil society organizations and will result in a published report, infographics and infographic narratives that will be made available online and briefed to DND/CAF.

Provides support to the implementation of the Vancouver Principles.