Boeing, CANVAC and Mitacs create Visual Analytics Research Consortium

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Dec. 7, 2012 -- Boeing [NYSE: BA], Canadian research organization Mitacs and the Candian Network for visual Analytics have created a new Visual Analytics (VA) consortium to bring together Canadian academics, research agencies and industry to expand VA technology to aerospace-related markets.

VA allows analysts to rapidly explore and synthesize large, complex sets of data using interactive visual tools in order to obtain new business insights and make more informed decisions.

The Visual Analytics Research and Development Consortium of Canada (VARDEC) will focus on developing and expanding VA to industry sectors such as defense, maintenance and reliability, simulation and training, engineering, and manufacturing.

CANVAC, a Canadian not-for-Profit organization,  will co-chair the Science Committee for the consortium, as well as manage the specific research projects that will be conducted under VARDEC, in collaboration with the researchers and universities involved.  CANVAC will also work with Mitacs to insure the successful management and growth of VARDEC.

"CANVAC will take a leading role in the scientific vision of the Consortium" said Fred Popowich, Director of CANVAC, " but this does not mean that we wil be working exclusievely with our member institutions and researchers. CANVAC's role will be to identify the right researcher for each project,whereever in Canada, and hopefully in so doing increase the Canadian collaboration in Visual Analytics research."

"This new consortium will provide an outstanding opportunity for Canadian researchers to work alongside top companies like Boeing to develop practical solutions in the field of VA," said Arvind Gupta, CEO and scientific director of Mitacs.

With Mitacs serving a managing role, VARDEC will bring together top organizations and companies to work on specific research programs. The consortium will take advantage of members' existing research and development capabilities, concentrating on applied research that could lead to commercialization of the technology.

"VARDEC members are taking a step forward together, creating a competitive edge in the field of technology innovation," said Susan Colegrove, regional director, Boeing International Strategic Partnerships. "Boeing recognizes the value of collaboration and how, by working with other industry experts, we can develop technology that benefits industries beyond aerospace."

Boeing has previously collaborated with Dalhousie University, Simon Fraser University, the University of British Columbia, and the Vancouver Institute for Visual Analytics on projects for the application of VA technology in aviation safety and operational efficiency.  These research initiatives have led to the creation of CANVAC.

VARDEC is in line with Canada’s Industrial & Regional Benefits (IRB) policy. Canada's IRB policy requires prime contractors such as Boeing to make investments in the Canadian economy as a result of winning defense and security contracts with the government of Canada. Boeing has four active IRB programs tied to the purchase and sustainment of four C-17 airlifters, designated CC-177 for Canadian Forces; the procurement of ScanEagle unmanned aircraft systems services; and the purchase of 15 CH-47F Chinook medium-to-heavy-lift rotorcraft, designated CH-147 for Canadian Forces.

CANVAC is a Canadian nonprofit organization promoting research and education in Visual Analytics in Canada, and representing the Canadian Visual Analytics community abroad.

 Mitacs is a Canadian nonprofit research organization. Through unique research and training programs, Mitacs is developing the next generation of innovators with vital scientific and business skills in partnership with provincial and federal governments, industry and academia. Follow us on Twitter:@DiscoverMitacs.

A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is one of the world's largest defense, space and security businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions, and the world's largest and most versatile manufacturer of military aircraft. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is a $32 billion business with 61,000 employees worldwide. Follow us on Twitter: @BoeingDefense.

Location : VANCOUVER, British Columbia
Contact : info@canvac.org

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