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New collaborative research hub brings together four engineering research groups to help bring new technologies from the lab to the real world.

The University of New Brunswick is expanding its capacity for industry-driven research and creating new opportunities for collaboration and impact through the launch of COREHub, a collective of engineering research groups focused on solving industry challenges through applied research.

Located within UNB's Faculty of Engineering, COREHub provides researchers with the space and infrastructure needed to test, refine, and scale new technologies, expanding the range and scope of projects they can undertake in partnership with industry.

COREHub brings together four research groups working in areas ranging from advanced materials and manufacturing to energy systems, additive manufacturing to construction innovation:

• Nanocomposites and Mechanics Laboratory (NCM Lab): Develops advanced materials, coatings and manufacturing processes that help improve performance, extend service life and address manufacturing challenges.
  
  
• Emera & NB Power Research Centre for Smart Grid Technologies: Advances smart energy systems through research on virtual power plants and bidirectional electric vehicle technologies that strengthen grid resilience and energy security.
  
  
• Marine Additive Manufacturing Centre of Excellence (MAMCE): Advances the adoption of additive manufacturing through commercialization, metal 3D printing research and workforce development, with a focus on applications in harsh environments.
  
  
• Off-Site Construction Research Centre (OCRC): Accelerates construction innovation through the improvement and adoption of off-site construction technologies and practices.

Together, these research groups bring together approximately 10 faculty members, more than 30 graduate students and post-doctoral researchers, and a dozen research staff.

"COREHub represents an important investment in innovation and partnership," said Dr. Kathy Wilson, Acting President and Vice Chancellor of UNB. "By expanding our research capacity and strengthening connections with industry, this facility will create new opportunities for collaboration and discovery. It will help move ideas into action, develop highly skilled talent and advance research that benefits communities and industries across New Brunswick, Atlantic Canada and beyond."

"What makes COREHub unique is its ability to support research beyond the limits of a traditional laboratory," said Dr. Josh Leon, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering. "The facility provides the space, equipment, and flexibility needed to advance technologies from concept to application, creating new opportunities for collaboration between researchers, students, and industry."

COREHub reinforces UNB's commitment to advance innovation in New Brunswick and beyond. As one of Canada's leading engineering research institutions, UNB continues to expand opportunities for industry-driven research, collaboration and impact.

Photo caption: (L-R): UNB Chancellor Wade MacLauchlan, Julia Holgate, Project Manager at OCRC, Mike Hussey, Senior Director, OSCO Construction Group, Kathy Wilson, Acting President and Vice Chancellor, Tiger Jeans, Associate Dean, Faculty of Engineering, Josh Leon, Dean, Faculty of Engineering.