Grant: Collaborative Research and Training Experience

In contemporary societies, there's an intricate reliance on technologies that are vulnerable to extreme space weather and Geomagnetic Disturbances (GMD). Given the interconnected nature of these technological systems, a singular malfunction can compromise the functionality of other vital infrastructures. Historically, GMDs have demonstrated the capability to disrupt key technological frameworks, encompassing power systems, satellites, GPS, and wireless communications. Such disturbances not only influence daily human activities but also result in economic repercussions and potential health concerns. Owing to its geographical positioning in the high latitude region, Canada ranks among the countries most susceptible to GMDs. Recognizing this, the Government of Canada has incorporated GMD into its National Risk Profile. However, there remains a noticeable gap in specialized training programs to address the workforce deficiency in the pertinent industrial sectors. This gap is largely attributed to the interdisciplinary complexities of the phenomenon in question. The proposed NSERC CREATE program in "Geomagnetic Disturbance in Modern Societies and Technological Infrastructures (GMD-MSTI)" will allow for the development of an innovative, interdisciplinary training program with strong intra-institutional and industrial components that focuses on advanced modeling and analysis techniques to assess the GMD impacts on critical technological infrastructure and devise effective mitigation solutions. The ultimate objective of the program is to graduate highly qualified personnel (HQP) with top-tier industrial and applied-academic research expertise, ready to meet national and international demand for professionals in the fields of power systems, wireless communication, space missions and satellites, biomedical engineering and science, and policy.