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Research

The Canadian Underground Infrastructure Innovation Centre (CUIIC) is proud to be a cross-Canada hub for research and collaboration in underground infrastructure. CUIIC involves stakeholders – including municipalities, contractors, owners, and others – in identifying the most pressing issues facing the underground sector and facilitating connections for research teams to work towards the development of evidence-based, practical solutions.

Driving Innovation Through Collaboration

Stakeholder Engagement:

CUIIC engages stakeholders from across Canada to define critical issues and guide research priorities in underground infrastructure.

Research Expertise:

CUIIC's highly skilled research community includes undergraduate and graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and junior and senior faculty members, all equipped to lead interdisciplinary and complex research projects.

Member Participation:

CUIIC members play a vital role in shaping the research agenda, funding projects, and driving innovation that benefits the underground infrastructure industry.

CUIIC’s Research Model

CUIIC employs a collaborative research model designed to foster large-scale, impactful projects

Industry-Driven Funding: Projects are funded by members and other industry partners.

Collaborative Project Development: Members and researchers work together to define and execute projects.

Interdisciplinary Approach: Research projects integrate expertise from multiple fields to deliver comprehensive solutions.

Student Opportunities: Students engage in innovative, hands-on research with teams of academics and industry professionals.

Current Research Projects at CUIIC

Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction in Design, Construction, Repair, and Maintenance of Underground Infrastructure.

Awarded: $3.1 million
Faculty Involvement: 4 faculty members
Collaborations: 2 other university partnerships and 21 industrial partners
Duration: 5-year cross-country project
Participants: Municipalities, manufacturers, contractors, engineers
Graduate Training: 10 students

Utilizing Existing Wetlands for Sustainable Stormwater Management

In Progress: $4.2 million
Faculty Involvement: 4 faculty members
Collaborations: Alberta Innovates
Duration: 5-year project
Participants: Municipalities, developers, contractors, engineers, industry organizations
Graduate Training: 21 students

Research News

Published: April 29, 2025

CUIIC Secures Funding from Alberta Innovates for Sustainable Stormwater Management Through Existing Wetlands Research

April 29, 2025– Edmonton, AB – The Canadian Underground Infrastructure Innovation Centre (CUIIC) at the University of Alberta is pleased to announce funding from Alberta Innovates to support research into better integration of natural wetlands into new urban development. This funding will support the research project “Developing a Collaborative and Interdisciplinary Framework for Enhancing Sustainable […]

Published: April 23, 2025

Postdoctoral Fellow Opportunity – Clean Technologies for Underground Infrastructure

Postdoctoral Fellow – Clean Technologies for Underground Infrastructure & AI for GHG Reduction The Canadian Underground Infrastructure Innovation Centre (CUIIC) at the University of Alberta is seeking a Postdoctoral Fellow (PDF) for a full-time, one-year research position beginning in 2025. This position is part of an NSERC-funded research program focused on clean technologies and AI-powered […]

Published: April 23, 2025

Graduate Student Opportunities – MSc & PhD Positions

MSc & PhD Positions in Clean Technologies for Underground Infrastructure & AI for GHG Reduction The University of Alberta’s Canadian Underground Infrastructure Innovation Centre (CUIIC) is offering an exciting opportunity for MSc or PhD students to contribute to a pioneering research initiative focused on reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from underground infrastructure. This position is […]

Published: March 17, 2025

CUIIC Secures Additional Funding from Alberta Innovates for Underground Infrastructure Research

March 17, 2025– Edmonton, AB – The Canadian Underground Infrastructure Innovation Centre (CUIIC) at the University of Alberta is pleased to announce that its research project, “Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction in Design, Construction, Repair, and Maintenance of Underground Infrastructure,” has been approved for a major funding support from Alberta Innovates through the Campus Alberta Small […]

Published: July 16, 2024

Postdoctoral Fellow Opportunities in Underground Infrastructure

Postdoctoral fellow opportunities in underground infrastructure at the University of Alberta, Concordia, and Toronto. Focus on reducing GHG emissions in construction, maintenance, and operations. Candidates manage projects, develop inventory tools, collaborate with researchers, and present findings. Diversity and inclusivity valued.