Western University and Dalhousie University have formalized a new strategic partnership aimed at advancing research in artificial intelligence, defence technologies, and research security. The memorandum of understanding, signed on July 2, 2026, in Halifax, builds on longstanding collaborations between the two institutions and positions them as key academic contributors to Canada’s evolving defence and dual-use innovation landscape.
The agreement comes at a time when Canadian universities are increasingly playing central roles in national security priorities, particularly in the Arctic and maritime domains. Leaders from both institutions emphasized the potential for accelerated innovation that supports economic growth and strengthens sovereignty through interdisciplinary efforts.
Background on the Partnering Institutions
Western University, located in London, Ontario, is a major research-intensive institution with more than 43,000 students and annual research funding exceeding $315 million. Its strengths in geospatial intelligence, land-based monitoring, and space exploration—particularly through the Institute for Earth and Space Exploration—complement Dalhousie’s expertise in ocean and marine sciences.
Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, serves over 20,000 students and is globally recognized for its work in oceanic research, Arctic studies, and defence-related technologies. The combination of these complementary capabilities creates opportunities for integrated projects spanning land, sea, and space domains.
Existing ties between the universities include more than 230 joint publications since 2020, primarily in health-care fields such as orthopedics, aging, cardiology, and primary care access. The new MOU expands this foundation into defence and security areas while maintaining momentum in other disciplines.
The July 2026 Memorandum of Understanding
Western President Alan Shepard and Dalhousie President Kim Brooks signed the agreement during a ceremony in Halifax. The MOU signals deeper collaboration in artificial intelligence applications, defence research, research security protocols, and broader innovation initiatives.
Shepard highlighted the value of combining institutional strengths to drive research that benefits Canada’s prosperity and sovereignty. Brooks noted the alignment with Dalhousie’s strategic priorities in marine and Arctic domains. Western’s vice-president of research, Penny Pexman, described Dalhousie as a natural partner given its coastal location and overlapping research interests.
The agreement also facilitates access to entrepreneurship programs at both universities, including Dalhousie’s Dal Innovate and Lab2Market accelerators, to help translate discoveries into practical applications.
Integration with the Canadian Defence and Dual-Use Innovation Ecosystem
This bilateral partnership strengthens the role of both universities within the Canadian Defence and Dual-Use Innovation Ecosystem (CDDE). Western became the first academic partner in the ecosystem earlier in 2026 through a collaboration with German submarine builder TKMS. Dalhousie joined subsequently, alongside the University of British Columbia and the German Aerospace Center (DLR).
The CDDE focuses on naval superiority, Arctic research and sovereignty, and clean technologies. Core enabling areas include artificial intelligence, autonomy, and multi-domain operations. The network aims to retain intellectual property, talent, and economic value in Canada while fostering partnerships with industry and international allies.
By linking university research directly to prototyping and commercialization pathways, the ecosystem seeks to shorten development timelines and support a resilient domestic supply chain that incorporates Indigenous co-innovation.
The Arctic Communications Pilot Project
A flagship initiative under the CDDE is a pilot project developing a secure, AI-powered hybrid network communications system for Arctic conditions. The rugged, compact radio platform connects drones, surface vessels, and underwater assets through a unified architecture.
This system reduces maintenance requirements, safeguards sensitive data, and enables real-time control of hybrid swarms across air, sea, and subsurface environments. It supports long-range, multi-domain missions in harsh northern conditions and lays groundwork for coordinated operations in Canada’s High North.
The project demonstrates how academic expertise in AI, communications, and environmental resilience can translate into operational capabilities that enhance both defence readiness and civilian applications such as environmental monitoring.
Complementary Research Strengths and Synergies
Western’s Institute for Earth and Space Exploration contributes satellite-tracking systems already operational at Canadian sites, including one in the High Arctic. This capability aligns with Dalhousie’s marine monitoring technologies and coastal research to accelerate deployment of integrated defence solutions.
Joint efforts could advance geospatial intelligence, autonomous systems, and sensor fusion technologies critical for Arctic sovereignty. The partnership also opens avenues for work in clean propulsion, energy-efficient platforms, and climate-resilient infrastructure that serve both military and civilian needs.
Researchers at both institutions are positioned to contribute to multi-domain situational awareness, cyber-defence measures, and AI-driven decision-support tools for complex operational environments.
Broader National Context and Strategic Importance
Canada is increasing investments in national defence and critical infrastructure amid evolving geopolitical pressures and Arctic security considerations. University partnerships like this one support the development of made-in-Canada technologies that reduce reliance on foreign supply chains.
The collaboration aligns with federal priorities around research security, sensitive technology safeguards, and international cooperation with allies such as Germany and Norway. It also supports talent development and high-skill job creation in emerging technology sectors.
By fostering interdisciplinary teams across engineering, computer science, marine sciences, and space studies, the partnership contributes to Canada’s goal of maintaining technological leadership in strategic domains.
Implications for Higher Education and Research Training
The agreement creates new opportunities for graduate students and postdoctoral researchers to engage in defence-related projects with real-world applications. Cross-institutional supervision and shared facilities could enhance training in AI ethics, secure systems design, and dual-use technology assessment.
Both universities are expanding pathways for students interested in careers at the intersection of academia, industry, and government. Entrepreneurship programs linked to the partnership will help prepare researchers to commercialize innovations while navigating security considerations.
Such collaborations also strengthen Canada’s position in attracting and retaining top talent in high-demand fields like artificial intelligence and autonomous systems.
Future Outlook and Expansion Opportunities
The MOU provides a flexible framework for additional projects beyond the initial pilot. Potential areas include expanded work on autonomous maritime systems, integrated sensor networks, and sustainable technologies for northern operations.
Leaders anticipate growth in industry engagement, government partnerships, and international linkages through the broader CDDE network. Continued emphasis on research security best practices will remain central as projects scale.
Over the coming years, the partnership is expected to contribute measurable advances in Canada’s defence capabilities while generating broader economic and societal benefits through dual-use applications.
Stakeholder Perspectives and Collaborative Benefits
University administrators view the agreement as a model for how Canadian institutions can pool resources to address national priorities. Faculty members see opportunities for larger-scale funding applications and access to specialized testing environments.
Industry partners in the ecosystem gain streamlined connections to academic expertise, while government stakeholders benefit from accelerated translation of research into operational tools. Indigenous communities are positioned for meaningful involvement in innovation and economic development aspects of the initiative.
The emphasis on retaining IP and creating high-value jobs underscores the partnership’s alignment with long-term Canadian interests in technological sovereignty.
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