Grant: Collaborative Research and Training Experience

In recent years, the Canadian Government and industry have demonstrated a profound interest in automotive connectivity through initiatives aimed at improving vehicle communications. These initiatives form the basis of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS), the objectives of which are to decrease commuting time and fuel consumption and increase transport efficiency and safety among others. Implementation, maintenance and upgrade of these systems requires multidisciplinary skills to understand and appreciate the state-of-the-art technology used, network complexity, management of large data sets in real time and privacy issues related to the data, as well as business processes involved with implementing ITS technology. The goal of the CREATE Program in Training and Research in Advanced Network Systems for Intelligent Transportation (TRANSIT) is to provide trainees from four leading Canadian universities (uOttawa, CarletonU, UOIT, uAlberta) with the professional, cross-disciplinary skills needed to meet the strategic aims of the Canadian Government and transportation industry. Training through courses, workshops, seminars and additionally, the national and international internships will train next generation automotive communications experts in the technical, legal, ethical, business and social elements of transportation, in order to better prepare them for careers in the private sector or government. It is expected that these trainees will form the next generation of ITS experts. This will ensure Canada is at the forefront of innovation in the development and implementation of ITS technology.