This investment by the CFI is in addition to the contribution to the five projects already made by Recherche Québec.

These projects are directed by Nicolas Godbout and David Ménard (both of the Department of Engineering Physics), Isabelle Villemure (Department of Mechanical Engineering), Guillaume-Alexandre Bilodeau (Computer Engineering) and Najib Bouaanani (Department of Civil, Geological and Mining Engineering), in collaboration with Sandra Koboevic and Jean-Philippe Charron.

The CFI funds provide significant support for further scientific progress in high-growth research areas.

Photonics
Nicolas Godbout's project, titled Experimental Platform for Quantum Cryptography in Optical Fibres, aims to create a research platform for a fibre-optic communications technique that guarantees complete confidentiality.
CFI contribution: $358,654
Recherche Québec contribution : $358,653

A photonics specialist, Mr. Godbout is the first researcher in Canada to have experimentally shown quantum cryptography in an optical fibre. Quantum cryptography allows for complete confidentiality during the exchange of information between various participants. As a result, it offers a level of security that is significantly higher than that of protocols currently used on the Internet or by banking institutions.

Magnetoelectronics and magnetic nanostructures
David Ménard's research program deals with the development of new material, structures and devices using magnetism to process and transmit information. The grant received from the CFI will go toward creating an integrated laboratory that will be used to carry out high-frequency measurements for spintronics (or information processing).
CFI contribution: $398,647
Recherche Québec contribution: $398,647

Professor Ménard conducts his research in the study and monitoring of magnetism in materials and nanostructures. He is known as one of the few experts in high-frequency magnetism. The integrated research infrastructure project will support a series of activities whose results will have several applications, primarily in information processing, telecommunications and sensors.

Pediatric mechanical biology
The project led by Isabelle Villemure is designed to provide her research group with a pediatric mechanical biology laboratory so that Ms. Villemure can complete her mechanical biology studies on tissular and cellular structures.
CFI contribution: $284,678
Recherche Québec contribution: $284,678

Ms. Villemure, who works with researchers from Hôpital Ste-Justine and Université de Montréal, is conducting research on the effect of loads on the growth of bone tissue. The research is designed to develop new approaches and technologies regarding orthopedic treatment for musculoskeletal pathologies in young patients.

Computer surveillance
Guillaume-Alexandre Bilodeau's project deals with the creation of a research and innovation laboratory to study computer surveillance in real time. With the infrastructure, which integrates embedded information systems, researchers will be able to study various aspects of detection and surveillance in real time.
CFI contribution: $398,274
Recherche Québec contribution: $284,678

Mr. Bilodeau's work on surveillance technology is designed to develop technological solutions that will increase building and personal security. Research applications include the automobile security sector and assistance for doctors.

Design and restoration of major civil engineering constructions
The project by Najib Bouaanani, Sandra Koboevic and Jean-Philippe Charron is designed to equip École Polytechnique's Laboratoire de structures et de matériaux (structures and materials research laboratory) with advanced, versatile equipment. The additional equipment will increase the laboratory's research and innovation potential in studying the characteristics of major civil engineering constructions, from the material to the structure itself.
CFI contribution: $1,317,987
Recherche Québec contribution: $1,317,987

The only one of its kind in Canada, the laboratory managed by Mr. Bouaanani's research group will enable researchers to study various aspects concerning the security, reliability and durability of civil engineering structures.
 
A major contribution for the future of the country
This research has significant scientific and economic benefits for Québec and Canada.

"The investments announced today will continue to ensure Canada's place among the most innovative countries in the world," Mr. Emerson said.
It is worth noting that, with this grant, Polytechnique has received nearly 15% of the funds distributed by the CFI in this latest competition.

École Polytechnique is delighted with the government support for the leading-edge research carried out at its institution and extends its sincere congratulations to its researchers.