BCIT Research Chairs

BCIT Research Chairs advance applied research in priority areas and strengthen connections with industry, government, and the community. This page highlights both our current Chairs, who are leading research today, and our former Chairs, whose contributions have helped shape BCIT’s applied research capacity over the years. Together, they reflect BCIT’s commitment to innovation, collaboration, and impact across disciplines.

Canada Research Chairs | Industry Research Chairs

Tier 2 Canada Research Chairs

Industry Research Chairs

Centre of Welding Technologies and Metallurgy Research Chair

The British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) and Seaspan Shipyards (Seaspan) have established the Centre of Welding Technologies and Metallurgy Research Chair. This Research Chair will be the first at BCIT to be exclusively based on funding and collaboration with an industry partner and will enhance BC-based industrial research capabilities in advanced welding and metallurgy. Seaspan has agreed to invest $1.65M over five years to fund the new research chair and a supporting Centre of expertise managed by an industry professional, with instructors, analysts, and associated research equipment and materials.

Dr. Mathew Smith, PhD, PPhys, PEng has been appointed Director of the Centre for Welding Technologies and Metallurgy Research in the School of Construction and the Environment (SOCE).

Mastercard Chair in Digital Trust

Dr. Aaron Hunter, Faculty in the BCIT School of Computing and Academic Studies, served as the first Mastercard Chair in Digital Trust and Director of the Centre for Cybersecurity at BCIT. In this role, he advanced faculty and student research in the critical field of cybersecurity, focusing on how artificial intelligence can strengthen defenses against cybercrime.

Research Chair in Advanced Building Technology

Dr. Fitsum Tariku was appointed BCIT’s first Research Chair in Advanced Building Technology, established in collaboration with BC Housing. His work focused on advancing housing research and education with an emphasis on building decarbonization and the integration of new technologies. Supported by a $200,000 investment from BC Housing, the program contributed to Canada’s net-zero carbon building targets and shared findings on performance, occupant health, and life-cycle impacts with industry and policy makers.

Rudy North Chair in River Ecology

A leading gift of $1 million from Rudy North, president and founder of North Growth Management Ltd., established the former Rivers Institute at BCIT and funded Canada’s first Chair in River Ecology. The Institute supported research and travel, facilitated public awareness activities and provided financial support for students with a particular interest in river conservation for a period of three years.

BCIT Research Chairs

Tier 2 Canada Research Chairs

Current Tier 2 Canada Research Chairs

Former Tier 2 Canada Research Chairs

Industry Research Chairs

Current Industry Research Chairs

Centre of Welding Technologies and Metallurgy Research Chair

Former Industry Research Chairs

Mastercard Chair in Digital Trust

Research Chair in Advanced Building Technology

Rudy North Chair in River Ecology