July 6, 2016
Ten years ago, the iPhone had yet to be released, expansion of renewable energy had yet to be proposed through the introduction of Ontario’s Green Energy Act, and Intel had just released the Core 2 Duo processor E6320. Thanks to advances in research, a lot can happen in a decade. Faculty members from The Edward S. Rogers Sr. Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering (ECE) gathered on June 29 to discuss the departmental research vision for the next five to 10 years.
Nearly 40 faculty members from ECE converged to discuss research themes and brainstorm how to identify and navigate common challenges related to research. Research themes discussed included data, machine learning and neuromodulation. The group heard presentations from ECE professors Al Leon-Garcia on data and Brendan Frey on machine learning. Dr. Taufik Valiante, the Director of the Surgical Epilepsy Program at the Krembil Neuroscience Center, an Affiliate Scientist at the Toronto Western Hospital Research Institute, and a cross-appointed professor at the Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering (IBBME) facilitated a discussion about opportunities within ECE for neuromodulation research.
Attendees then broke out into smaller groups to discuss these major research areas where they identified significant research problems, recognized areas of potential contribution from faculty within the department, and considered the greater societal benefits that could stem from research in these three areas.
“It is exciting to see how research in ECE can make a profound impact on many of society’s most pressing challenges,” said Professor Ali Sheikholeslami, associate chair, research in ECE. “This research retreat allowed our professors to set goals, identify ways in which to work collaboratively and explore how we can align our research with national priorities.”
Additional thematic research opportunities identified at the event included energy, robotics, the automation of medicine, developing environmentally friendly electronics, augmented reality and advanced manufacturing.
“Our department has a long history of significant contributions to the fields of electrical and computer engineering,” said Professor Farid Najm, chair of ECE. “Setting goals, working collaboratively, and identifying opportunities will help us build on our accomplishments.”
While you don’t have to look far into the past to see the contributions of ECE to the world of electrical and computer engineering; today, ECE professors are looking towards the future.
More information:
Jessica MacInnis
Senior Communications Officer
The Edward S. Rogers Sr. Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering
416-978-7997; jessica.macinnis@utoronto.ca