Three Research Centres in Quebec

Quebec plays a leading role on the world scene in innovative aluminum projects. Over 200 researchers and specialists work together within this vast network of expertise.

Many universities in Quebec are actively engaged in research and development involving the production and processing of aluminum. In fact, the aluminum industry provides financial support to several research groups and university chairs. A number of parapublic and private research centres are also very active.

The three main leaders in aluminum R&D are the Regroupement aluminium (REGAL), the Centre de Métallurgie du Québec l’Aluminium (CMQ) and the Aluminum Technology Centre (ATC).

Regroupement aluminium (REGAL)

The REGAL comprises about 50 researchers from the following universities :

•  Université du Québec à Chicoutimi,
•  McGill University, 
•  Université Laval,
•  Université de Sherbrooke, 
•  École de technologie supérieure (ETS), and 
•  École polytechnique de Montréal.
• CEGEP de Trois-Rivières.

The group increases research efforts by concentrating R&D specializations and areas of research. It aims to eliminate overlapping by identifying the specialties of every researcher and institution. The REGAL and its members contribute directly to the development of students at the masters and doctorate levels, and to their successful integration into the research community. For information.

Centre québécois de recherche et de développement de l’aluminium (CQRDA)

The CQRDA plays a leading role in maximizing economic benefits by actively fostering linkages between educational institutions and small- to medium-size businesses, as well as between aluminum producers and processing companies. This objective is achieved by maintaining liaison, technology-watch and R&D activities that guarantee an optimal transfer of knowledge and new technologies.

Based in the Saguenay region, the CQRDA is financed by the Ministère du Développement économique, de l’Innovation et de l’Exploitation du Québec. Since its founding in 1993, the CQRDA has awarded over $15 million to some 560 research projects. For details

ALUMINIUM TECHNOLOGY CENTRE (ATC)

Created in November 2004 and reporting to the National Research Council Canada (NRC), the ATC is the most recently established research organization in the aluminum sector. Its goal is to provide Canadian industry with the technical support and expertise required to develop value-added aluminum-based products and services.

The ATC is a hub for applied R&D in Quebec. It combines research and development activities for leading-edge aluminum based materials manufacturing technology, as well as process simulation and instrumentation used in the transformation of aluminum into finished and semi-finished products. To find out more

A NETWORK FOR SMES IN THE ALUMINUM SECTOR

Trans-Al Network Inc. brings together small- and medium sized businesses, as well as economic stakeholders, research centres, engineering firms and aluminum producers. Its mission is to foster technical, technological and business exchanges and create synergy within the sector. For further details: www.trans-al.com