2001-2002 ANNUAL REPORT - AUTO21

AUTO21 2001-2002 ANNUAL REPORT 3MESSAGE FROM THE PROGRAM LEADER AND MANAGING DIRECTORThe past several months have been very excitingfor the AUTO21 Network of Centres ofExcellence. Since funding was announced inMarch 2001 for AUTO21, it has been a time of newbeginnings, new alliances and rapid growth.For those involved in the initial AUTO21proposal to the NCE Directorate, it has been fulfillingto see AUTO21 grow. In November 2001, a supportiveand dynamic Board of Directors formed to steer theactivities of AUTO21. Located across Canada, the Boardmembers are leaders in their fields, and we arefortunate to have their wisdom and experience to helpguide our success.We are also fortunate to enjoy a good workingrelationship with our host institution, the Universityof Windsor. Their support and generosity have beengreatly appreciated in both providing a home for theAUTO21 Administrative Centre, and in assistingAUTO21 with administrative support in its early days.We are pleased that staffing for roles within theadministrative centre is nearly complete, with five keymembers on the AUTO21 team, and plans to fill theremaining two vacancies shortly.While many milestones have been met duringthe past year, two of the most important were thefunding of the 28 projects that form AUTO21 and thesupport of the students working on those projects.In August and September 2001, AUTO21 administrativestaff managed a formidable effort to complete networkagreements with the 28 universities and more than 200project researchers. This effort culminated in the firstdisbursement of funds for AUTO21 projects in October.Each of these 28 projects has the potential to influencethe Canadian automotive industry and society. Theprojects are well underway, and a number have alreadystarted to report initial results at conferences and inresearch publications.As a Canadian Network of Centres of Excellence,AUTO21 is committed to increasing the number ofhighly qualified personnel for the Canadian autoindustry. In its first six months of operation, AUTO21projects provided approximately 100 graduatestudents and post-doctoral fellows an opportunityto gain valuable experience in this highly competitiveindustry. We are developing both the innovativesolutions to help develop the automobile in the 21 stcentury, and the highly qualified personnel who willcontribute to the Canadian automotive industry inthe years to come.The upcoming year promises to be just asexciting as our first few months of operation. Key toAUTO21's success is the collaborative partnershipbetween university researchers and industry. Initialindustry support was beyond expectations, and asawareness of AUTO21 increases amongst industryleaders, these partnerships continue to grow. This solidshow of support from Canadian industry validates therole of AUTO21. We are not just a virtual researchinstitute - we are on our way to becoming one ofCanada's leading sources for new automotivetechnology research.Our second year of operation also sees oursecond targeted call for proposals. New projectsarising from this call for proposals will expand thescope of research, and potentially bring newresearchers and industry and university partnersinto the Network.We are also looking forward to the first AUTO21Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference tobe held in Toronto from September 26 - 28, 2002. Thisevent will provide an opportunity for the researchersto gather from across Canada to share findings andexplore new collaborations.Now fully operational, AUTO21 is on the road toautomotive research and development success. Withthe continued support of our researchers, industry,institution and government partners, we will driveforward Canada's reputation as an innovative leaderin automotive-related research.Mr. Peter R. FriseProgram LeaderMr. Bill WoodwardManaging Director