Atomic alliance

Saskatchewan universities join forces with Canadian nuclear leaders to advance research and innovation.

The University of Regina (U of R) and the University of Saskatchewan (U of S) have entered into a partnership with Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL) and Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL) to advance nuclear research, innovation, and education. The agreements, announced during a signing ceremony at the U of S’s College of Engineering, mark a significant expansion of CNL’s Academic Partnership Program into Western Canada.

Launched in 2023, the Academic Partnership Program fosters collaboration with academic institutions to drive advancements in nuclear science, clean energy, health sciences, and safety. The U of R and the U of S are the first institutions from Western Canada to join the program, which aims to support cutting-edge research, develop a skilled workforce, and address technical challenges in the nuclear sector.

“The University of Regina is excited by the opportunities this new agreement unlocks, paving the way for innovative, collaborative research and training programs that support our strategic vision,” said Dr. Christopher Yost, Vice-President (Research) at the U of R. “This agreement strengthens pathways for our students to engage in hands-on learning with two globally recognized leaders in nuclear science, technology, and innovation. By expanding our network of partners, the University is solidifying its role as a leader, advancing Saskatchewan's position as a key player in nuclear science in Western Canada, and amplifying the reach and impact of our research.”

Dr. Christopher Yost, Vice-President (Research) at the U of R, says he is excited by the opportunities the new agreement will mean for the University’s students. Photo courtesy of the U of S)
Dr. Christopher Yost, Vice-President (Research) at the U of R, says he is excited by the opportunities the new agreement will mean for the University’s students. Photo courtesy of the U of S)

Dr. Baljit Singh, Vice President Research from the U of S echoed the sentiment, noting the province’s rich history in nuclear science and its potential to lead advancements in efficient energy and medical technologies.

Under the agreements, the organizations will explore joint research projects, faculty exchanges, and educational programs, while leveraging the extensive infrastructure and expertise of Canada’s national nuclear laboratories.

Dr. Stephen Bushby, CNL’s Vice-President of Science and Technology, welcomed the universities to the program. “On behalf of CNL, I want to welcome the University of Regina and the University of Saskatchewan to our Academic Partnership Program, which expands our network into Western Canada, a region that has exciting ambitions in advancing the country’s domestic nuclear sector. Our organizations share a vision for the future of nuclear science and technology in Canada, but achieving it requires national cooperation to develop a qualified workforce, address unmet technical needs and capabilities, and to overcome emerging challenges. Thanks to the leadership of our Academic Partnership Program’s Director, Gina Strati, we are making strong progress towards these goals, and now have two additional institutions within our network to explore further collaboration opportunities.”

Dr. Christopher Yost, Vice-President (Research)at the U of R; Dr. Stephen Bushby, Vice-President of Science & Technology at CNL; Dr. Amy Gottschling, Vice-President of Science, Technology, and Commercial Oversight at AECL; and Dr. Terry Fonstad, Associate Vice-President of Research (Ethics and Infrastructure) at the U of S at the signing of new agreements bringing the U of R and the U of S CNL’s Academic Partnership Program. (Photo courtesy of the U of S)
Dr. Christopher Yost, Vice-President (Research)at the U of R; Dr. Stephen Bushby, Vice-President of Science & Technology at CNL; Dr. Amy Gottschling, Vice-President of Science, Technology, and Commercial Oversight at AECL; and Dr. Terry Fonstad, Associate Vice-President of Research (Ethics and Infrastructure) at the U of S at the signing of new agreements bringing the U of R and the U of S CNL’s Academic Partnership Program. (Photo courtesy of the U of S)

Dr. Amy Gottschling, Vice-President of Science, Technology, and Commercial Oversight at AECL, emphasized the importance of national collaboration. “Broadening our network to include these institutions supports the development of the next generation of researchers while advancing Canada’s capabilities in nuclear science and technology,” she said.

This partnership comes as Saskatchewan’s role in the nuclear sector grows, with investments in small modular reactor (SMR) development and ongoing contributions to nuclear innovation through institutions like the Sylvia Fedoruk Centre and SaskPower.