Aerospace and Defence Research
As global defence and security challenges become increasingly complex, from cyber threats and autonomous systems to geopolitical instability and space-based technologies, the need for agile, multidisciplinary research has never been more urgent.
With a strong foundation in applied science, engineering, health, and policy research, the University of Calgary is uniquely positioned to support dual-use innovation, contribute to defence technology development, and help share evidence-informed security policy.
UCalgary's Investment
Funding is broadly distributed across key national security themes, with the largest investments in situational awareness, Arctic security, and human performance - areas strongly aligned with federal defence priorities. Over the past five years, 34 UCalgary researchers have received a total of $27.4 million supporting 71 projects from defence and space specific funders.
Policy Expertise
Strategic Partnerships
Many of UCalgary's defence projects involve collaborative partnerships with other Canadian academic and for-profit institutions.
Funded through a $7 million Government of Alberta Major Innovation Fund (MIF), Space-Defence Technologies Alberta (SDTech AB) is a pan-Alberta innovation framework developed in partnership with four other Alberta post-secondary institutions. Researchers are collaborating with more than 25 companies in joint academic-industrial partnerships to deliver disruptive solutions and train the next-generation skilled workforce.
Leaders in defence innovation
UCalgary continues to lead in defence innovation through partnered research projects including cybersecurity, quantum, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), remote sensing, and dual-use technologies.
Dual-Use Technologies
The defence landscape is similarly transforming, as the strategic character of space becomes recognized as an operational domain and competitive advantage is pursued through the exploitation of civilian-military synergies.
Cybersecurity
A founding member of the National Cybersecurity Consortium (NCC), UCalgary is actively leading Canada's tech sector in terms of strategy and policy around cybersecurity research.
Quantum Science
UCalgary is a Canadian hub for quantum science and technology. In alignment with Canada's National Quantum Strategy, the Quantum City initiative works with partners such as Mphasis, Decentralised Energy Canada and Distriq.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs)
Projects include robotic machining, control and deployment within confined spaces, human-collaborative robots, and radio frequency links for UAV applications. Groups working in this space include the UVS Robotarium and the Intelligent Automation Research Laboratory.
Global Navigation Satellite Systems
UCalgary is catalyzing Calgary's aerospace ecosystem through partnerships like the Aerospace Innovation Hub, which supports the development of next-generation aerospace and advanced manufacturing technologies.
Drone and Counter-Drone Technology
Dr. Paul Zaid, PhD
Hypersonic Propulsion Systems Used For Precision-Guided Counter-Drone Missiles
Anti-Spoofing for Cybersecurity
Dr. Susan Skone, PhD
GNSS Anti-Spoofing for Resilient Autonomous Positioning, Navigation and Timing (1b)
DND - IDeAS
Robots for High-Risk Rescue Operations
Dr. Alejandro Ramirez Serrano, PhD
2 Uncertainty-Aware Highly Maneuverable Robots for High-Risk Security Operations in Complex Spaces
DND - IDeAS
Remote Sensing Space Environments
Dr. Emma Spanswick, PhD
Geospace Dynamics Contellation-Ground (GDC-G) sensor network
CFI - JELF