New Funding and Chair for Aerospace Research

Suong Van Hoa's research into composite materials is blazing a new trail in aviation. His work has remarkable promise in lowering the weight of aircraft, increasing durability, reducing fuel use, and cutting overall operational costs. Dr. Hoa's research just received a major boost from the federal government and industry in the form of a new Industrial Research Chair in Automated Composites Manufacturing. This will help make the Canadian aerospace even more competitive in the global marketplace, and will keep Concordia at the leading edge of aerospace teaching and research.

At a very special event on May 11, Dr. Hoa was honoured by Suzanne Fortier, President of the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC), Concordia leaders Graham Carr, Interim Vice-President, Research and Graduate Studies, Robin Drew, Dean of Engineering and Computer Science, as well as industry leaders from Bombardier, Bell Helicopter Textron Canada, Delastek Aerospace, Composites Atlantic and Emergia Aerospace.

At the event, Dean Robin Drew said, "I am sure this project will have a very bright future and will ensure Concordia's place on the world stage of innovative composite manufacturing well into the next decade and beyond."

NSERC, the industry partners and Concordia provided $3.4 million for the new Chair, to which Hoa has been appointed as inaugural chair-holder. He will oversee further research and mentor a new generation of engineers who will have advanced skills in this exciting new field.