With $2.25 million in provincial funding, the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) has a new Tall Wood and Hybrid Structures Engineering Research Chair to drive innovative wood design and bolster its master of integrated wood design program.

Thomas Tannert, an expert in timber engineering design, comes to UNBC from the University of British Columbia, where he was the associate chair in wood building design and construction. He will establish an interdisciplinary research program at UNBC, building capacity to design and deliver innovative and sustainable hybrid engineering solutions.

Tannert’s research is being funded through the Leading Edge Endowment Fund, which was distributed through the BC Innovation Council, a provincial Crown agency.

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Components of the program are expected to cross a wide range of topics, including: 

• innovations in structural design
• hybrid structure design combining wood, concrete, steel, and glass components
• building physics such as vibrations, acoustics, fire safety and life-cycle analysis

Tannert’s research and UNBC’s master of integrated wood design program will position British Columbia as a leader in forestry innovation and sustainable design. The master’s program is the first of its kind in British Columbia, taught at the Wood Innovation Design Centre.

The Province is committed to continuing to build a strong research environment and growing local talent through the #BCTECH Strategy.

The #BCTECH Strategy is a key component of the BC Jobs Plan to support the growth of B.C.’s vibrant technology sector and strengthen British Columbia’s diverse innovation economy. The multi-year strategy includes a $100-million BC Tech Fund and initiatives to increase talent development and market access for tech companies that will drive innovation and productivity throughout the province.

In partnership with the BC Innovation Council, the Province is hosting B.C.’s second #BCTECH Summit, March 14-15, 2017, with made-in-B.C. tech innovations, thought-provoking keynotes and networking opportunities. To register or learn more, go to: http://bctechsummit.ca

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Quotes:

Mike Morris, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, and MLA for Prince George-Mackenzie –

“Dr. Tannert’s research will strengthen UNBC's master of integrated wood design program, which is the first of its kind in B.C., and drive wood-design innovation. His work and this new program have the potential to make B.C. a true leader in forestry and construction innovation, and demonstrates how tech crosses all sectors in every corner of our province.”

Shirley Bond, Minister of Jobs, Tourism, and Skills Training and Minister Responsible for Labour, and MLA for Prince George-Valemount –

“We cannot underestimate the importance of research. It drives innovation, improves the quality of our lives and finds solutions to complex problems. Having this research chair at UNBC builds on our vision for showcasing B.C.'s expertise in wood design and construction. I want to congratulate UNBC for continuing to attract significant research funding, including this new research chair.”

Shirley Vickers, president and CEO, BC Innovation Council –

“BC Innovation Council is proud of the outstanding work realized through the Leading Edge Endowment Fund, which aims to establish B.C. as a leader in industry-driven research and promote economic growth. This is a vital collaboration between government and academia that is commercializing sustainable, innovative solutions for industry, while also fulfilling the #BCTECH Strategy by providing capital for cutting-edge research in B.C.”

Daniel Weeks, president, University of Northern British Columbia –

“This investment in a Tall Wood and Hybrid Structures Engineering Research Chair will advance our institution’s goals in the research and natural resources areas. Maximizing the use of local materials and knowledge when building tall wood structures strengthens regional community development, as well as the sustainability of the forestry industry.”

Thomas Tannert, Tall Wood and Hybrid Structures Engineering Research Chair, UNBC –

“The hybrid-design framework is compelling not only because of better structural performance in tall buildings, but also due to the ease of assembly it affords, the resulting shortened construction times, and improved building physics performance. Since hybrid systems involve two or more materials, corresponding design procedures usually overlap multiple engineering standards, rendering the design challenging and necessitating additional research effort. The goal of my research program is to address these issues and to develop design guidance for wood-based hybrid structures.”

Quick Facts:

• The Province launched the Leading Edge Endowment Fund in 2002 to encourage social and economic development in B.C.
• To date the program has funded 29 research chairs throughout British Columbia.
• Leadership Research Chairs received a total endowment of up to $4.5 million through the fund, which is cost-shared between government and the private sector - each contributing $2.25 million.

Learn More:

UNBC Master of Integrated Wood Design program: http://www.unbc.ca/graduate-engineering

Leading Edge Endowment Fund: http://www.leefbc.ca

#BCTECH Strategy: www.bctechstrategy.ca