Bringing together more than 100 university or college research groups and several scientific platforms, QCAM aims to provide solutions to major societal challenges through advanced materials2 . To do so, its members study nano, self-assembled and polymer materials and collaborate with industrial partners to address energy, health and sustainable development issues. The impact of the Centre’s research makes an invaluable contribution to Quebec’s strategic sectors, such as electrification and the hydrogen economy.
QCAM’s vast expertise portfolio stems from a strategic move made in 2016, when two specialised materials science clusters merged to create QCAM. This reflected a bold vision for a multidisciplinary approach to advanced materials research, one that would foster the collaboration between scientists with complementary expertise in order to undertake high-reward projects.
QCAM occupies a central place in the innovation cycle, helping to bridge the gap between fundamental research and projects at higher technology readiness levels (TRL). This is reflected in the Centre’s achievements, ranging from publications in top journals3 to major research collaborations with industries members of PRIMA, Quebec’s advanced materials innovation hub4. QCA also occupies a key role in mobilising and connecting all stakeholders in Quebec’s advanced materials sector, as shown by QCAM’s contribution to the organisation of the first Quebec Advanced Materials Forum (FQMA).
QCAM allocates 20% of its budget to support scientific platforms and their research staff, the cornerstone of materials science research and technology transfer. These research facilities offer industrial users and collaborators access to the cutting-edge scientific equipment5. Moreover, QCAM actively contributes to the creation of a pool of highly-skilled workers: hundreds of (under)graduate students and postdocs have already attended QCAM’s course or undergone hands-on training in QCAM’s laboratories.
Shaping Quebec’s future through advanced materials: QCAM’s research professionals, students and faculty members all work towards this ambitious goal. If you have an advanced materials project in the pipeline, contact QCAM and leverage the Centre’s expertise. No challenge is tougher than our composite strengths!
1 L’édition 2019 du cours du CQMF. Crédit photo: Petr Fiurasek. / The 2019 edition of the QCAM course. Courtesy of Petr Fiurasek.
2-5 Quatre des plateformes scientifiques affiliées au CQMF. 2 : MC2 (McGill), 3 : LCM (UdeM), 4 : CERMA (U. Laval), 5 NanoQAM (UQAM). Crédit photo : les plateformes mentionnées. / Four of the scientific platforms affiliated to QCAM: 2 : MC2 (McGill), 3 : LCM (UdeM), 4 : CERMA (U. Laval), 5 NanoQAM (UQAM). Courtesy of the four platforms.
