History
The University of Toronto Institute for Multidisciplinary Design and Innovation (UT-IMDI) was approved and established in Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering (FASE) and is housed in the Department of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering (MIE). Professor Kamran Behdinan (MIE) is the institute’s inaugural director.
The institute, which was established as a result of the NSERC Chair in Multidisciplinary Engineering Design program, provides remarkable opportunities for students to work on a real-life projects with a real client. Projects are determined collaboratively, based on the needs of industry and building on the strengths of the Faculty.
October 30, 2012 marked the official launch of the Institute, which was established earlier that year in collaboration with Bombardier Aerospace, Pratt & Whitney Canada, and UTC Aerospace Systems.
Mission & Objectives
The aim of the University of Toronto Institute for Multidisciplinary Design & Innovation (UT-IMDI) is to create a unique project based learning (PBL) environment in partnership with industry.
UT-IMDI provides University of Toronto’s FASE undergraduate and graduate students with real-life training opportunities by involving them in practical, industry-based projects. It is a vehicle to promote awareness of design and development challenges facing industry, with an emphasis on its multidisciplinary nature, and evolving technology. Projects are developed by industry in close collaboration with the institute, and are based on real industry design and development needs.
Through networking opportunities provided by the institute, students will develop their links with industry, thus better positioning them for their future careers. UT-IMDI will include senior managers from industry partners, and will meet regularly to review the institute’s activities and progress, as well as make suggestions for improvement. UT-IMDI will be housed in a multidisciplinary design facility at the Department of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering (MIE).