At a COP29 event hosted by the University of Calgary in the CRIN pavilion, Dr. Ian Gates and Dr. Joule Bergerson presented the university’s groundbreaking energy and emissions research.
Dr. Gates, Associate VP for Research and Innovation, highlighted UCalgary’s comprehensive energy research strategy, which spans multiple faculties and integrates technological, social, and policy dimensions to address today’s energy challenges. Emphasizing transdisciplinary research, he outlined how the university is developing cutting-edge programs that bridge the gap between energy technology, finance, public policy, and environmental sustainability.
The University of Calgary is globally recognized for its energy research, ranked among Canada’s top institutions and within the top 200 universities worldwide. With over 38,000 students and strong industry collaborations, UCalgary attracts significant research funding—$588 million annually, with 35% of it coming from industry partnerships. The university is also a leader in innovation, having launched nearly 100 spin-off companies, more than any other Canadian university, turning research into real-world solutions.
Dr. Bergerson, a Professor in Chemical and Petroleum Engineering and Canada Research Chair in Energy Technology Assessment, shared her pioneering work in energy systems an
alysis. She uses advanced tools like the Prelim model to assess the environmental and economic impacts of refining technologies, focusing on how to optimize energy efficiency and reduce emissions throughout the supply chain. Her research, which explores both decarbonization strategies and innovative solutions like turning bitumen byproducts into valuable materials (such as carbon fiber), reflects UCalgary’s commitment to advancing sustainable energy technologies.
The event also spotlighted UCalgary’s ambitious initiatives, including the $75 million Global Research Initiative in Low-Carbon Unconventional Resources and the newly announced Energy Research Institute, which Dr. Bergerson will lead. These initiatives drive significant research in unconventional energy resources, carbon capture, hydrogen production, and geothermal energy. With 28 faculty members ranked in the top 2% globally in energy research, UCalgary is playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of energy, not only through technological innovation but also through social and policy solutions.