The NSERC CREATE—Smart Mobility Advanced Research & Training (SMART) program addresses the urgent need for innovation in smart mobility technologies while preparing a new generation of scientists and engineers capable of leading in this rapidly evolving global market.
Background
Smart mobility technologies, which include autonomous vehicles, connected infrastructure, and sustainable transportation systems, are revolutionizing the way people and goods move, addressing critical challenges such as urbanization, environmental sustainability, and accessibility across various sectors, including urban planning, public transportation, and logistics. Notably, the SMART program curriculum is not limited to innovative technical knowledge generation. SMART will strategically support for trainee leadership in research, industry and community engagement.
Despite the rapid growth of the global smart mobility market, projected to expand from USD 36.34 billion in 2022 to USD 175.40 billion by 2030, there remains a significant gap in the workforce equipped with the multidisciplinary expertise required to advance these technologies. This gap is particularly evident as the transportation sector transitions towards electrification, automation, and connectivity. Canada, with its strong history of transportation innovation, is ideally positioned to lead this transformation. However, the demand is pressing for highly skilled personnel who can bridge the gap between technical innovation and real-world application while responding to communities’ real needs. The SMART program directly addresses this challenge by offering a comprehensive training framework that integrates cutting-edge research with practical, industry-driven experience, all rooted in community alliances.
SMART is supported by a consortium of some of Canada’s leading seven research institutions: York, University of Toronto, Toronto Metropolitan, Western, Queen’s, University of Manitoba, and University of Calgary. These institutions offer a rich, interdisciplinary educational environment that is essential for addressing the complex challenges of smart mobility. SMART remains fully committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI), and is successfully advancing its diverse trainee recruitment objectives.
Funding provided by NSERC. We acknowledge the support of the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada.
Read more about this initiative in YFile