PROPOSAL TO ESTABLISH A TYPE A CENTRE
SASKATCHEWAN CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE IN
TRANSPORTATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE
Prepared for
University of Saskatchewan Centres Committee
JUNE 5, 2009
Page i
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.0 INTRODUCTION ......................................................................................................................... 1 1.1 Ministry Mandate for a New Centre of Excellence in Transportation and
Infrastructure....................................................................................................................... 1 1.2 History of the University of Saskatchewan Transportation Centre .................................... 3 1.3 Classification of the New Centre of Excellence in Transportation and Infrastructure ....... 6 2.0 SELECTION OF U OF S TO ESTABLISH A CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE IN
TRANSPORTATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE.................................................................... 6 2.1 U of S Strategic Research Plan ........................................................................................... 7 2.2 U of S Strategic Research Themes...................................................................................... 8 2.3 College of Engineering Strategic Plan ...............................................................................12 2.4 U of S Partnering Leading Research and Training Facilities.............................................12 3.0 CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE TRAINING OPERATIONS ....................................................12 3.1 Professional Outreach and Engagement Workshops .........................................................14 3.2 Professional Practice Graduate Level Courses ..................................................................14 3.3 Practitioner Involvement in Research Projects ..................................................................15 3.4 Practitioners in Residence to Conduct Research................................................................15 4.0 CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE APPLIED RESEARCH OPERATIONS ...............................15 4.1 Strategic Research Themes ................................................................................................16 4.2 Holistic and Environmentally Sustainable Research and Development ............................16 4.3 Research Project Selection and Execution Process............................................................17 4.4 Stage-Gate Project Evaluation and Execution Model ........................................................19 4.5 Conflict Of Interest Assessment Policy .............................................................................23 5.0 PARTNERING .............................................................................................................................23 5.1 Public Agency Partnering ..................................................................................................24 5.2 Private Sector Partnering ...................................................................................................24 5.3 Saskatoon and Regina Regional Economic Development Authorities (SREDA and
RREDA) ............................................................................................................................26 5.4 Communities of Tomorrow Research Commercialization Partnering ...............................26 5.5 Lead National and International University Partnering .....................................................27 6.0 GOVERNANCE, STAFFING AND ADMINISTRATION ......................................................27 6.1 Centre of Excellence Governance Structure ......................................................................27 7.0 ANNUAL FUNDING PLAN........................................................................................................32 7.1 Annual Target Funding Plan ..............................................................................................33 7.2 In-Kind Funding ................................................................................................................33 7.3 Long Term Funding ...........................................................................................................34 8.0 EXPLICIT MEASURES OF SUCCESS AND REPORTING .................................................34 8.1 Quarterly and Annual Reporting ........................................................................................35 9.0 SUMMARY ...................................................................................................................................36 PROPOSAL TO ESTABLISH A TYPE A CENTRE
SASKATCHEWAN CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE IN
TRANSPORTATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE
Page ii
10.0 REFERENCES .............................................................................................................................37 PROPOSAL TO ESTABLISH A TYPE A CENTRE
SASKATCHEWAN CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE IN
TRANSPORTATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE
Page 1
PROPOSAL TO ESTABLISH A TYPE A CENTRE
SASKATCHEWAN CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE IN TRANSPORTATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE
1.0
INTRODUCTION
Saskatchewan’s land mass, dispersed population, geographic location within North America, and
resource based economy results in a transport dependent society. This is particularly the case regarding bulk
commodity exports such as those produced in the mining, agriculture, heavy oil, and manufacturing sectors.
For reference, export from Saskatchewan in 2007 totalled approximately $19 billion. The forecasted 2008
exports from Saskatchewan are projected to be in excess of $30 billion (STEP, 2008).
A significant challenge to the future financial sustainability of these core provincial export economic
drivers is related to transport inefficiency associated with Saskatchewan’s aged road infrastructure, severe
climatic effects on road performance, as well as outdated engineering, management, and legislative transport
policies. Given the Province’s increasing dependence on exports, there is a need for Saskatchewan to
continuously strive for the highest efficiency in overland transport. Saskatchewan provincial transport utility
is therefore the primary infrastructure management challenge facing Saskatchewan today.
In response to the need for improved transport efficiency, the Saskatchewan Ministry of Highways
and Infrastructure has set a mandate to upgrade the provincial transport infrastructure and increase the
primary road network by reclassifying and/or structurally upgrading economic corridors (SMHI
Announcement December 3, 2008). However, current highway design methods, construction techniques,
infrastructure asset management methods, and transport logistics policies are predominately driven by
historic empiricism. Therefore, the underlying need for improved transportation utility is innovation in
transportation engineering, construction, and management systems from which a more competitive
Saskatchewan transport system may be provided.
1.1
Ministry Mandate for a New Centre of Excellence in Transportation and Infrastructure
As outlined in the Premier’s address to the Honourable Wayne Elhard, Minister of Highways and
Infrastructure, one of the Government’s priorities is the development of a Centre of Excellence in
Transportation and Infrastructure. In the 2008 throne speech, the Saskatchewan Provincial Government
PROPOSAL TO ESTABLISH A TYPE A CENTRE
SASKATCHEWAN CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE IN
TRANSPORTATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE
Page 2
acknowledged the need for new and improved highways and committed to rebuild them. Among its other
priorities, the Province committed to innovation and dedicating funding from fuel taxes to the much needed
highway and road improvements. To this end, the government established a five-year plan to implement the
necessary improvements to the provincial transport infrastructure.
The Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure has been given the mandate of delivering on these
commitments on behalf of the government.
The development and implementation of the Centre of
Excellence in Transportation and Infrastructure will assist in accomplishing the commitments made by the
Government by providing leading edge research and training in transport technology development and
implementation. It is proposed that the Centre of Excellence focus its teaching and research resources
initially in areas of applied transportation research needs that specifically serve the Province of
Saskatchewan.
Given the provincial direction for infrastructure renewal, the College of Engineering developed and
submitted to the Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure a proposal for the development of a Saskatchewan
Centre of Excellence in Transportation and Infrastructure. Following careful consideration, the government
of Saskatchewan announced their intent to create a Saskatchewan Centre of Excellence in Transportation and
Infrastructure. In May 2008, the Saskatchewan Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure formally announced
an initial $3 Million grant in seed funding for the creation of a new Centre of Excellence in Transportation
and Infrastructure.
The mandate of the new Centre of Excellence in Transportation and Infrastructure includes:
 Establishing a world class research centre with the ability to access lead researchers and
practitioners.
 Developing and implementing improved transport infrastructure engineering design and
construction systems that directly support Saskatchewan infrastructure renewal activities.
 Developing and implementing improved transport infrastructure management systems that
explicitly and defensibly optimize value for money in infrastructure investments.
 Undertaking contract research in partnership with Saskatchewan private sector transportation
technology firms, generating economic growth and export potential for provincial companies.
 Providing world class training to develop highly qualified practitioners in the Saskatchewan
transportation sector.
PROPOSAL TO ESTABLISH A TYPE A CENTRE
SASKATCHEWAN CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE IN
TRANSPORTATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE
Page 3
The new Saskatchewan Centre of Excellence in Transportation and Infrastructure was established in
the College of Engineering at the U of S as a strategic partnership with the objective to be an internationally
renowned Centre of Excellence in innovative transportation infrastructure engineering, road construction,
infrastructure management and transportation logistics solutions. Initial operations of the Centre of
Excellence will be focused on two primary functions:
 Training of Highly Qualified People.
 Applied Research and Development.
1.2
History of the University of Saskatchewan Transportation Centre
The College of Engineering at the U of S is an ideal entity for establishing innovative transport
technology development due to its long standing history of transportation technological research,
development and training.
The Transportation Centre has established a long cooperative working
relationship with Saskatchewan road agencies, Transport Canada, and the private sector. The College of
Engineering has also generated several leading edge private sector spin-off firms specialized in transportation
engineering, construction and management systems. Collectively, these spin off professional firms have
established a leading reputation worldwide, and have been recognized for numerous provincial, national and
international achievement awards for transportation innovation and pragmatic policy solutions.
In 1968, an ad hoc committee was formed at the University of Saskatchewan by faculty members
who were interested in the general field of transportation. Many of the University Colleges and Departments
were represented. After several meetings and careful consideration, the committee made a recommendation
to the University of Saskatchewan that a “Transportation Institute” be established on campus.
The proposal was considered by the Executive and by the Committee of Institutes of the University.
In 1970, the Committee of Institutes rejected the proposal for a Transportation Institute. The Committee
recommended that in place of an Institute, a Special Committee on Transportation Research should be
established to coordinate research between departments on campus in the field of transportation. The
Committee went on to state that the Special Committee should have as a long-term goal, the development of
a Transportation Institute. The Committee of Institutes’ recommendation was approved by the University
Executive and Council, and the Special Committee on Transportation Research was appointed in January
1971.
PROPOSAL TO ESTABLISH A TYPE A CENTRE
SASKATCHEWAN CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE IN
TRANSPORTATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE
Page 4
The committee was awarded their first contract in 1972 from the Canada Ministry of Transport
(currently, Transport Canada) through the College of Civil Engineering. The Ministry requested that a multidisciplinary accident investigation team be formed to be a part of a nation network of vehicular accident
research teams. The Vehicle Accident Study Team (V.A.S.T.) was formed. The V.A.S.T. had an advisory
panel of representatives from the Departments of Psychology, Civil and Mechanical Engineering,
Mathematics, and the Colleges of Medicine and Education.
In the following two years, V.A.S.T. broadened their work to other aspects of transportation
unrelated to accident investigation. As a result, it was felt the name, V.A.S.T., no longer encompassed the
research work that was ongoing. So in 1974, the name was changed to the University of Saskatchewan
Transportation Centre. The Centre was to report directly to the Dean of Engineering, and the Special
Committee was discharged.
A major consideration in establishing the initial Transportation Centre was the issue of funding. It
was stated that no University funding would be made available to operate the Centre. The Centre was to be
self-supporting through contract research. As a result, the Transportation Centre has financially supported
itself to date through government and private contracts, with no financial support from the University.
At the time of creation, the mandate set for the Transportation Centre included the following:
 To co-ordinate research in the general field of transportation.
 To encourage the establishment of an interdisciplinary graduate program in transportation.
 To provide the framework to undertake interdisciplinary research projects in transportation as the
need arises.
 To provide the liaison between the University and the users and providers of transportation to
ensure the development of relevant research and training programs.
 To provide a medium for the exchange of transportation knowledge by sponsoring special
courses, conference, seminars, and colloquia.
 To develop an information system relating to transportation in prairie and northern regions
(library, maps, photographs, data files, etc.).
 To encourage the publication and distribution of research reports, papers, speeches, etc., relating
to transportation and infrastructure.
PROPOSAL TO ESTABLISH A TYPE A CENTRE
SASKATCHEWAN CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE IN
TRANSPORTATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE
Page 5
Since its conception, the Transportation Centre has been involved in many research projects
instigated by both the provincial and federal governments, as well as private industries. Some of the past
projects and research, relate to many aspects of transportation. Research into injury-producing accidents
involving passenger cars, heavy trucks, snowmobiles, motorcycles, and light trucks and vans has been
conducted for Transport Canada. Studies have also been conducted dealing with the usage and effectiveness
of various occupant-protection devices; the effects of vehicle modifications on handling and road worthiness;
the effects of pavement skid resistance on accidents; the roadway configuration of highways with unusually
high accident rates; as well as the Saskatchewan Night-Time Drivers Survey (1981 and 1987). Recently, the
Centre has performed research in the areas of urban goods transportation, economic studies of transportation,
and pavement material and structural designs.
The Transportation Centre has also been actively involved in transportation education. The Centre
has participated in many local, national, and international seminars, conferences, presentations, and programs
for both private organizations and public information. Presentations have been made to such groups as
Saskatchewan Government Insurance, Saskatchewan Safety Council, Saskatchewan Highways and
Transportation, numerous medical, legal, and engineering associations and organizations, consumer groups,
as well as various professional conferences and symposium worldwide.
The Centre has also been
represented on a variety of radio and television interviews, primarily related to the finding of research
conducted. Also with respect to transportation education, the Transportation Centre has sponsored over 100
graduate students, post-doctorate fellows, and visiting scholars.
More recent research projects the Transportation Centre have included: advanced pavement material
testing, whole life economic analysis, and motor vehicle safety-related investigations. The Transportation
Centre’s safety research funding stems from the multi-disciplinary accident research contract with Transport
Canada as part of research teams at six other universities and technical institutes in Canada. The Centre’s
research is conducted with respect to injury-producing passenger car accidents in the Saskatoon area. The
study involves the examination of the human, vehicular, and environmental aspects of vehicle accidents
during the pre-crash, crash, and post-crash time frames.
At times, Transport Canada gives special
significance to the detailed study of accidents with certain characteristics, i.e., school bus, airbag, heavy
truck, etc. The information collected by safety research teams across Canada provides a national data base
which could be used to project the need for, and evaluation of, the effectiveness of existing and new safety
standards and devices.
PROPOSAL TO ESTABLISH A TYPE A CENTRE
SASKATCHEWAN CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE IN
TRANSPORTATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE
Page 6
The current Transportation Centre primary areas of research are road infrastructure materials testing
and Intelligent Transportation Systems. The primary end user of this research has been local road agencies,
material suppliers, as well as technological private sector firms. The primary focus of the road material
research undertaken has been mechanistic materials characterization and road structural performance
modeling, particularly with a focus on recycled road systems.
The primary focus on Intelligent
Transportation Systems has primarily been in the areas of commercial vehicle operations (weigh-in-motion)
as well as work zone safety systems. The Transportation Centre is now expanding its research program to
include road materials science and intelligent transportation systems developments utilizing the Canadian
Light Source.
1.3
Classification of the New Centre of Excellence in Transportation and Infrastructure
The existing Transportation Centre is currently a Type A Centre. It is proposed to maintain the
Saskatchewan Centre of Excellence in Transportation and Infrastructure as a Type A Centre at this time to
ensure focus is on immediate specified deliverables as outlined in Chapter 2.0 of this document. We are also
requesting that the current Transportation Centre be dissolved, and the Saskatchewan Centre of Excellence in
Transportation and Infrastructure be established in its place.
2.0
SELECTION OF U OF S TO ESTABLISH A CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE IN
TRANSPORTATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE
The University of Saskatchewan is uniquely capable of establishing a Centre of Excellence in
Transportation and Infrastructure. The University of Saskatchewan offers a variety of facilities that provide
all facets of technical training as well as research and development. The U of S offers 58 degrees and over
100 diplomas and certificates from the following colleges: Agriculture and Bioresources, Arts and Science,
Business (Edwards School of), Dentistry, Education, Engineering, Kinesiology, Law, Medicine (School of
Physical Therapy), Nursing, Pharmacy and Nutrition, and Veterinary Medicine (University of Saskatchewan
2008).
PROPOSAL TO ESTABLISH A TYPE A CENTRE
SASKATCHEWAN CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE IN
TRANSPORTATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE
Page 7
2.1
U of S Strategic Research Plan
Concomitant with the vision of the Saskatchewan Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure and the
vision of the Centre of Excellence in Transportation and Infrastructure, the University of Saskatchewan has
embarked upon a major strategic renewal in its commitment to the people of the province of Saskatchewan,
in its academic programs, and the quality of the learning environment, and in the pursuit of research
excellence. In the context of an extraordinary academic breadth, the University of Saskatchewan has an
established and international reputation for achievement in a diversity of disciplines. The key planning
document, “Renewing the Dream”, articulates a vision for achieving the goals of enhancing academic preeminence in scholarship and program creativity with adherence to international standards.
To illustrate, the Canada Research Chairs Program and the Canada Foundation for Innovation will
provide opportunities for enhancement of research and training capacity in key areas of institutional priority,
which will contribute substantively to achievement of our institutional goals. The Strategic Research Plan
provides the framework within which these resources may be allocated, in order that the University may
build on its strengths, and pursue initiatives in emerging areas of pre-eminence identified through an
institutional integrated planning process.
The University of Saskatchewan Strategic Research Plan (identifies objectives that will serve the
national agenda for increased competitiveness in research and development, and for the betterment of
Canadians. Key objectives of the Strategic Research Plan are:
 Build on areas of existing research pre-eminence. Areas of existing strength can benefit
significantly through strategic enhancement of research capacity.
 Enhance emerging areas of research excellence.
 Create opportunities to pursue new initiatives identified as of strategic importance to the
University, Saskatchewan, and Canada.
 Expand opportunities for partnerships and interdisciplinary research.
 Attract and retain outstanding faculty.
 Train highly qualified personnel.
 Enhance opportunities for external funding and establishment of outstanding research
infrastructure.
The mandate of the Saskatchewan Centre of Excellence in Transportation and Infrastructure satisfies
all the specified objectives of the University Strategic Research Plan.
PROPOSAL TO ESTABLISH A TYPE A CENTRE
SASKATCHEWAN CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE IN
TRANSPORTATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE
Page 8
2.2
U of S Strategic Research Themes
The University of Saskatchewan has undertaken a review of its research landscape in order to
identify areas of pre-eminence, areas of emerging pre-eminence, and areas of strategic importance to the
University, the Province, and the Nation. The following themes capture the areas identified as research
strength and priority at the University of Saskatchewan. To this end, the University of Saskatchewan has
identified seven broad research thrusts.
2.2.1
Culture and Society
Understanding who we are as individuals, societies and nations is a fundamental aspect of scholarly
work at the University of Saskatchewan. Current and developing expertise in this research thrust covers four
major sub-themes:
 Creativity and Innovation in the Arts.
 Society in a Global Context.
 Institutions and Society.
 Humanities and Foundations of Knowledge.
The UofS Centre of Excellence in Transportation and Infrastructure will maintain a direct connection
to the culture and society of Saskatchewan and Canada. The mandate of the Centre is to provide pragmatic
solutions to the specific infrastructure and transportation needs of the community. To illustrate, the Centre
has a long standing history of developing advanced safety systems, infrastructure road materials systems and
engineering protocols, as well as intelligent transportation systems. This past and ongoing research has
spawned from the specific needs of the community initially, and has extended to applications throughout the
nation and internationally. By establishing a diverse and “community driven” Board of Advisors, the Centre
will actively identify the infrastructure and transportation needs of the community. Examples underway are
more sustainable infrastructure recycling and renewal technologies, advanced intelligent infrastructure
engineering and management systems, advanced material systems with the assistance of on campus tools and
technologies such as the Candian Light Source.
2.2.2
Indigenous Peoples
Research and scholarly activities pertaining to Indigenous Peoples is a main focus at the U of S and
includes:
 Health.
 Administration and Business.
PROPOSAL TO ESTABLISH A TYPE A CENTRE
SASKATCHEWAN CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE IN
TRANSPORTATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE
Page 9
 Education.
 History and Social Justice.
The Centre will serve the training needs of all Saskatchewan peoples. To illustrate, forecasts for the
Saskatchewan economy is significant expansion and resource exploration and development in the northern
regions of the province. To date, the northern regions have been primarily inhabited by indigenous people.
The development of the northern resources will require significant infrastructure development and
maintenance. As part of the Centre’s mandate to develop more sustainable infrastructure solutions, the
Centre of excellence will actively develop training and research initiatives that specifically suite the needs of
northern indigenous people, particular the youth. Through technology exposure, it is envisioned that the
Centre of Excellence will be a primary facilitator of training and engagement of indigenous people in the
development of the northern resources and concomitant infrastructure, as well as a marked increase in the
inclusion of indigenous people in all reaches of the Saskatchewan economy. This model of technological
training is being employed in numerous developing countries as well as countries in transition throughout the
world. The Centre will draw upon the experiences from technology transfer initiatives that are focused on
community inclusion from around the world.
2.2.3
Environment and Natural Resources
The U of S undertakes fundamental and applied research in Environment and Natural Resources
including:
 Resource Management and Public Policy.
 Earth, Climate and the Atmosphere.
 Energy and Sustainability.
 Sustainable Agriculture Production.
Sustainability of Saskatchewan’s natural resources and the environment are of paramount importance
in our overall mission for a more sustainable and greener society as a whole. The provision and maintenance
of infrastructure assets and transportation of people and goods consume significant amounts of energy and
natural resources. The Centre of Excellence has been conducting research in the areas of more sustainable
infrastructure solutions, in particular recycling technologies that are directly applicable to Saskatchewan
society.
The initiatives currently underway include: cold in place recycling, mechanistic materials
engineering and road structural design systems, rubble recycling, and innovative material additives to
PROPOSAL TO ESTABLISH A TYPE A CENTRE
SASKATCHEWAN CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE IN
TRANSPORTATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE
Page 10
enhance long term infrastructure performance. As well, recent research has included improved infrastructure
optimization analysis methods for allocating limited infrastructure dollars.
2.2.4
Frontiers of Technology
The University of Saskatchewan has a broad array of research and academic interests in technology
including:
 Social Contexts for Technology.
 Information and Communication Technologies.
 Biotechnology.
The mandate of the Centre of Excellence is to be a true global recognized centre of excellence in
areas of both training and research activities. It is envisioned that the only real way of distinguishing the
Centre from other research centres is to align with the world best research and training in areas of interest to
the Centre. The Centre will actively engage other world leaders and lead research and training institutions
through agreements of participation in the activities of the Centre. The Centre will also draw heavily upon
the established leading edge scientific tools available to the Centre such as the Canadian Light Source and
other on campus research facilties.
2.2.5
Materials Science
Work in materials science spans a number of disciplines and its results are found in many familiar
products and applications. This research thrust involves the application of the laws and theories of quantum
mechanics to explore and enhance atomic structure, uniting research in a wide range of disciplines,
particularly chemistry, physics, mathematics and engineering with an emphasis on:
 Material Synthesis and Modification.
 Characterization of Material Properties.
Materials science has been an area of significant research focus of the Centre researchers for the past
two decades. With the establishment of the Canadian Light Source at the UofS, the Centre is well positioned
to exploit the capabilities of the Canadian Light Source to provide state of the art chemical research in
advanced road materials systems. Coupled with our already developed mechanistic materials science as well
as road modeling and asset management capabilities, the Centre of Excellence is in a unique position to
provide world class technology in applied and theoretical materials science.
PROPOSAL TO ESTABLISH A TYPE A CENTRE
SASKATCHEWAN CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE IN
TRANSPORTATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE
Page 11
2.2.6
Human and Animal Health
The broad array of human and animal health research expertise found at the University of
Saskatchewan is matched by few other institutions in the following areas:
 Chronic Disease.
 Infectious Diseases.
 Reproductive Health.
 Public and Community Health and Wellness.
 Molecular Design and Drug Development.
Directly linked to infrastructure sustainability and preservation of natural resources, is the direct
benefit to human and animal health. As stated previously, a primary mandate of the Centre will be to
actively pursue the development of more sustainable infrastructure solutions. Activities that will e directly
related to human and animal health include: engagement and improved access of technology training to
logistically disadvantaged peoples of Saskatchewan, development of recycled road materials systems,
development of less energy dependent infrastructure technologies, as well as reduced use of natural
resources. The specific measures that will be used to assess the impact on human and animal health will
include a positive net benefit to: 1) Saskatchewan peoples standard of living, 2) reduced carbon footprint,
and 3) reduced physical environmental impact footprint.
2.2.7
Fundamentals of Science
Opportunities to explore the boundaries of our understandings and interpretation of the natural world
are at the heart of research in fundamental sciences including:
 Foundations of Science.
 Synchrotron Sciences.
 Nanosciences.
The Centre has fully recognized we live in a modern technological society that has minimal to no
boundaries. As a result, in order to be a respected Centre of Excellence and active contributor to the
technological society upon which we live, the Centre will adhere to the fundamentals of science in all
training and research activities. In fact, it is envisioned that the fundamentals of science will provide the
foundation to all the Centres technical training and research activities. Only through pure scientific adoption
PROPOSAL TO ESTABLISH A TYPE A CENTRE
SASKATCHEWAN CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE IN
TRANSPORTATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE
Page 12
and implementation, will the infrastructure and transportation solutions derived by the Centre be sustainable
and long lasting for use by society.
2.3
College of Engineering Strategic Plan
As outlined in the College of Engineering Strategic Plan, the Centre of Excellence in Transportation
and Infrastructure is a primary training and research unit of the College of Engineering future direction and
planning.
2.4
U of S Partnering Leading Research and Training Facilities
Given the Strategic Research Plans outlined above and attached in the appendices, and given the
numerous world class research facilities already operational at the U of S, the University of Saskatchewan is
uniquely suited to establish a Centre of Excellence in Transportation and Infrastructure that serves
Saskatchewan’s infrastructure needs.
In addition to the twelve nationally and internationally recognized colleges within the University of
Saskatchewan, the Saskatchewan Centre of Excellence in Transportation and Infrastructure will partner with
the training and research facilities immediately related to activities of the Centre of Excellence including:
 Canadian Light Source.
 The Wilson Centre for Entrepreneurship.
 Indigenous Land and Resource Management Institute.
3.0
CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE TRAINING OPERATIONS
The competence of highly qualified people serving the transportation industry has, and will continue
to be, critical to foster innovation at all levels of transportation (Haas 2005). Knowledge and human resource
assets are vital and should be an integral component of infrastructure engineering, construction and
management (Sui and Cloake 2001).
To accomplish the mandate to provide a world class training and research centre that directly serves
the Saskatchewan transportation sector, a mission of the Centre of Excellence is to develop high level
intellectual capacity within the Saskatchewan transportation industry to reduce the “generational gap” that
PROPOSAL TO ESTABLISH A TYPE A CENTRE
SASKATCHEWAN CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE IN
TRANSPORTATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE
Page 13
has evolved within the transportation and infrastructure industry. Therefore, to advance the transportation
sector forward technically, there is a clear need to first address and overcome the declining intellectual
capacity of the provincial transportation industry.
The Centre of Excellence will enhance three basic types of knowledge: explicit; implicit; and tacit
(Davenport and Prusak 1998).
 Explicit knowledge is generally defined as documented information. This form of knowledge is
typically stored within engineering information management systems and be widely employed in
the transportation sector. Explicit knowledge is typically articulated through written documents
and publications.
 Implicit knowledge can also be termed ‘know how’. It is a form of knowledge that can be
expressed and articulated by experienced practitioners through actions, communication and
documentation, including public forum presentations and knowledge transfer.
 Tacit knowledge is the most difficult form of knowledge to quantify and improve. Tacit
knowledge is created while humans interact with others around them and their environment. The
majority of tacit knowledge is contained within the human subconscious embedded in individual
experience and sense of judgement including “insight, hunches, intuition and skills that are
highly personal”.
The University of Saskatchewan has adopted the teacher-scholar model across all faculties. The
Centre of Excellence is committed to extend the conventional teacher-scholar model to directly include
industry practitioners with an emphasis on applications that meet the needs of the Saskatchewan transport
industry. The Centre of Excellence will therefore implement a teacher-scholar model to practitioners through
four primary phases for advanced professional training:
Phase 1: Professional Outreach and Engagement Workshops.
Phase 2: Professional Practice Graduate Level Courses.
Phase 3: Practitioner Involvement in Research Projects.
Phase 4: Practitioners in Residence to Conduct Research.
PROPOSAL TO ESTABLISH A TYPE A CENTRE
SASKATCHEWAN CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE IN
TRANSPORTATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE
Page 14
3.1
Professional Outreach and Engagement Workshops
To better accommodate innovation training to practitioners in transportation and infrastructure to
those that do not have the ability to register in graduate level courses; it is proposed that the Centre of
Excellence participate actively in professional outreach workshops specifically intended to bridge the gap
between graduate course training and industry practice. It is envisioned that professional engagement
workshops will provide initial exposure for practitioners in the area of advanced transportation engineering
and may entice practitioners to participate in graduate level courses at a later date. It is proposed that all
professional workshops be certified for Continuing Education credits through the Association of Professional
Engineers and Geoscientists of Saskatchewan.
3.2
Professional Practice Graduate Level Courses
The Centre of Excellence will provide graduate courses for practitioners to achieve and enhance their
career goals through knowledge acquisition in the form of customized graduate course training.
By implementing an initial two phased approach to provide advanced training for practitioners, it is
hoped that a high number of practitioners will attend the practitioner workshops to obtain exposure to the
advanced training offered by the Centre of Excellence as well as obtain APEGS Certification for Professional
Development. It is envisioned that Phase 1 will provide a mechanism for high quality graduate student
recruitment.
The Centre of Excellence proposes to provide customized technology and management graduate
courses available to all practicing professionals in a more time efficient condensed course format. The
customized graduate courses for practitioners will satisfy all course content requirements of the College of
Graduate Studies. The customized graduate courses satisfy all graduate course training requirements by
College of Graduate Studies for full credit towards graduate degree plans of the participant. The class
contact time as specified with conventional semester based graduate course training will not be reduced, but
customized to fit practitioners continuing work schedules. The “Professional Engineering Masters Program”
with a more time efficient course delivery has been identified as an initiative in high demand by industry
practitioners.
PROPOSAL TO ESTABLISH A TYPE A CENTRE
SASKATCHEWAN CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE IN
TRANSPORTATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE
Page 15
3.3
Practitioner Involvement in Research Projects
An additional method for industry practitioners to obtain training in advanced transportation and
infrastructure engineering and management is through involvement in research projects as industry advisors
and/or as researchers. It is proposed that the Centre of Excellence facilitate contacts between undergraduate
as well as graduate student projects, university facilities, and industry practitioners. It is proposed the Centre
of Excellence appoint a minimum of one industry committee member per student project related to
transportation and infrastructure. The involvement of an industry practitioner in student research projects
will provide students with guidance to pragmatic applications of their research as well as provide the industry
practitioner with exposure to research projects within the Centre of Excellence.
3.4
Practitioners in Residence to Conduct Research
Close working relationships with lead industry practitioners is a strategic objective of the Centre of
Excellence. To do this, it is proposed the Centre of Excellence facilitate positions for practitioners to
participate within research projects. The Centre of Excellence will provide the placement of “Practitioners in
Residence” primarily on a contract specific basis. Resident practitioners would also be involved with
students as mentors, provide lectures as guest speakers, participate in training programs of their choice, and
be directly involved in advanced research projects and publishing. It is envisioned that industry residents
will lead specific industry related research projects of specific interest to the employer or the practitioner.
Enabling industry practitioners to direct and lead contract research projects, the research capabilities of the
Centre of Excellence will be extended to better meet the specific time sensitive needs of the industry.
4.0
CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE APPLIED RESEARCH OPERATIONS
The second mandate of the Centre of Excellence is to undertake applied research to develop
innovative road engineering, road construction and infrastructure management technologies directly
applicable to Saskatchewan infrastructure needs. Applied research that serves the systematic-scientific
process will be critical to advancing applied transportation technologies in the Province.
PROPOSAL TO ESTABLISH A TYPE A CENTRE
SASKATCHEWAN CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE IN
TRANSPORTATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE
Page 16
4.1
Strategic Research Themes
The Centre of Excellence strategic research themes have been established to directly address
Saskatchewan infrastructure challenges include:
 Mechanistic based road materials characterization and road structural modeling with an
emphasis on recycling and rehabilitation of existing in-service road assets.
 Road infrastructure asset management systems, structural asset management and performance
prediction modeling.
 Intelligent transportation systems with an emphasis on commercial vehicle operations and roadvehicle interaction to optimize road infrastructure performance and transport utility.
 Transport safety systems and analysis.
For reference, the strategic research themes that will be the initial focus of the Centre of Excellence
are also the primary focus for the global transportation sector identified by the World Road Association
(2007).
4.2
Holistic and Environmentally Sustainable Research and Development
Traditionally, transportation and infrastructure research has primarily been the technical and
engineering economy aspects of specific projects. The Centre of Excellence will make every attempt to
focus its research to quantify economic, social, and environmental needs of infrastructure stake holders as
illustrated in Figure 4.1.
The Centre of Excellence is committed to deriving transport solutions that are “sustainable” in terms
of holistic life cycle cost analysis. To illustrate, research within the Centre of Excellence is currently
applying Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEEDTM) and GreenRoadTM criterion as well as
compliance with Canadian Council Ministers of the Environment (CCME) applied to road infrastructure
projects in both urban and rural applications.
PROPOSAL TO ESTABLISH A TYPE A CENTRE
SASKATCHEWAN CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE IN
TRANSPORTATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE
Page 17
Figure 4.1 Holistic Infrastructure Sustainability Space Diagram
(Reference: Brundtland Commission)
It is hoped that by explicitly incorporating international standard criterion for addressing social as
well as environmental factors in project development, the Centre of Excellence will contribute significantly,
in the implementation of global standards in life cycle sustainable infrastructure solutions.
It is also
envisioned that by engaging industry directly in holistic infrastructure economic analysis, the Saskatchewan
Centre of Excellence in Transportation and Infrastructure will evolve to be a national leader in sustainable
transportation and infrastructure solutions that are “green” based technologies.
4.3
Research Project Selection and Execution Process
A formalized framework will be used to select, evaluate and manage research initiatives undertaken
within the Centre of Excellence. Figure 4.2 illustrates the overall project identification, selection and
execution framework.
Based on Figure 4.2 above, three primary project phases will be included in every research project
undertaken by the Centre of Excellence: project identification and selection; project execution; and project
implementation/commercialization.
PROPOSAL TO ESTABLISH A TYPE A CENTRE
SASKATCHEWAN CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE IN
TRANSPORTATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE
Page 18
Given the mandate specified by the Saskatchewan Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure to
develop world class infrastructure solutions that can be applied in the field, it is proposed that initial research
Project
Identification
and Selection
projects have a well defined methodology in each of the three project phases.
Public Centre
Transport Needs
Private Sector
Transport Needs
Needs Identification and Project Selection Process
(Stage – Gate Model)
Project
Execution
Saskatchewan Centre of Excellence for
Transportation and Infrastructure Project Execution
 College of Engineering
Private Sector
Public Agencies
U of S Facilities
Other Universities
Project
Implementation
Implementation/Commercialization
of Technology Developments
College of Engineering Centre
for Entrepreneurship
Communities of Tomorrow
Commercialization Reinvestment
Research Projects
End Product
Advanced Transport Systems Available to
Saskatchewan Transportation Industry
Direct Infrastructure Benefits
Economic Value Added
of Private Sector
Figure 4.2 Centre of Excellence Project Execution Flowchart
PROPOSAL TO ESTABLISH A TYPE A CENTRE
SASKATCHEWAN CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE IN
TRANSPORTATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE
Page 19
4.4
Stage-Gate Project Evaluation and Execution Model
The Centre of Excellence will implement a formal stage-gate process to select, evaluate and monitor
the execution of research projects. The “stage-gate” evaluation process as seen in Figure 4.3 and Table 4.1
will be used to formally develop new products and operation processes. These models provide a focal point
for developing new project ideas from conception through to a final product. The premise of the stage-gate
framework is each stage has a gate that the project must get through before the project can proceed. Gates
are considered the “go or no go” decision points.
Gates
Stages
Initial Project Idea Form Submitted
to the Centre of Excellence
Stage 1:
Centre of Excellence Committee Reviews and Prepares
Prepares Project Idea for Board of Advisors
Board of Advisors Review Project Idea
Initial
Project Idea
Identification and
Submission
Reject Idea Recommend Idea
Board of Advisors Requests Detailed Proposal
Stage 2:
Detailed Proposal Reviewed as per
Centre of Excellence Criteria
Project Proposal
Preparation,
Submission,
and Review
Reject Proposal Recommend Project
Project Launched
Stage 3:
Project Executed
Project Completion
Reject
Implementation
Due to Failure
Project
Execution, Testing
and Validation
Successful
Project Commercialization Plan
End Product Commercialized within
Transportation Sector
Cancel
Implementation if
Not Feasible
Stage 4:
Project
Implementation and
Commercialization
Figure 4.3 Project Management Flow Diagram of Stage-Gate Project Evaluation
PROPOSAL TO ESTABLISH A TYPE A CENTRE
SASKATCHEWAN CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE IN
TRANSPORTATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE
Page 20
Table 4.1
Stage
1
2
3
Stage Process
Initial Project Idea
Identification and Submission
(Two Page Application Form)
Project Proposal Preparation,
Submission and Review
Project Execution Testing and
Validation of Technology
Project Implementation
and Commercialization
4
4.4.1
Project Stage-Gate Evaluation Framework
Gate Process

Industry proponents

Saskatchewan road agency proponents

Cash and in-kind contributions

Other investments required

Technical review criterion

Intellectual property plan

Market needs requirements



Strategic relevance of proposed project
Detailed business case including technical and economic
feasibility
Detailed project scope and methodology

Technical feasibility (lab and field)

Economic feasibility

Environmental sustainability

Industry implementation/relevance

Pilot product implementation in industry applications


Deliver product into the transportation industry
Export plan
Stage 1: Project Idea Submission Form
The first step to initiate a project within the Centre of Excellence is for the project proponent to
provide a two page project idea summary to the Centre of Excellence. Should the project idea meet the
initial review criteria, the project idea will be forwarded to the Board of Advisors for review and potential
consideration for request for detailed proposal from the Project Proponent. The Project Idea Statement will
include the following.
Projects are funded by the Centre of Excellence on a “dollar matching basis” for cash contributions
by proponent team.
 Laboratory or theoretical research projects:

Minimum $25,000 industry cash investment.

Minimum $25,000 industry in-kind investment.
 Research projects with field component:

Minimum $50,000 industry cash investment.
PROPOSAL TO ESTABLISH A TYPE A CENTRE
SASKATCHEWAN CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE IN
TRANSPORTATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE
Page 21

Minimum $50,000 industry in-kind investment.
 Letter(s) of support from provincial and/or municipal road agencies.
 Provide a summary with regards to the following technological review criterion:

Project must be directly applicable to specific Saskatchewan end user needs and field
state conditions.

Project must satisfy technical and/or economic requirements of Saskatchewan end users.

Project must be based on the scientific process, with explicit measurable units.

Project hypothesis must be explicitly tested in a statistically significant framework.

Project should be subjected to peer review or have been applied elsewhere with
meaningful and tangible documented results.

The resulting performance must be measured explicitly and not rely on subjective
interpretation.

The rate of error of the theory or technique employed must be quantified in quantifiable
units.
4.4.2
Stage 2: Detailed Project Proposal Submission and Peer Review Process
Managing research projects within the Centre of Excellence is critical to ensure timely delivery of
valid and relevant research that provides value added to the provincial transportation and infrastructure
sectors. Therefore, all research projects will go through a formal proposal generation and review process.
The proposal is to be of sufficient detail that the proposal can provide an ongoing project management
framework for the project. A project proponent must submit a detailed proposal that includes the following
information:
 Research Description and Background.
 Goal and Objectives.
 Project Scope.
 Project Execution Management Plan with Defined Project Elements, Tasks and Delivery
Milestones.
 Project Team and Partners (Current and Potential Future Partners and CV’s).
 Project Work Schedule (Contract Period).
 Project Budget (Funding Requirements - Maximum Funding).
 Project Benefits (Outcomes) to the Proponent, Partners and Saskatchewan Infrastructure.
 Terms and Conditions of Project Execution.
PROPOSAL TO ESTABLISH A TYPE A CENTRE
SASKATCHEWAN CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE IN
TRANSPORTATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE
Page 22
 Cash Flow Analysis.
 Intellectual Property Ownership.
Upon submission of a detailed project proposal, the standard project review form to be used by
reviewers. It is suggested that a minimum of two technically qualified reviewers of adequate knowledge
regarding the proposal be selected for each project review.
It is envisioned that arms length peer reviewers with sufficient experience related to the project shall
be jointly recommended by the Centre of Excellence staff, Board of Advisors, Private Sector Proponents and
Participating Public Sector Proponents.
4.4.3
Stage 3: Project Execution and Management
An effective and responsive research project management framework significantly improves the
likelihood of a successful project outcome. Research project progress undertaken within the Centre of
Excellence will be explicitly measured in terms of the project elements, tasks and delivery milestones as
outlined and agreed upon by the project proponent and the Centre of Excellence staff.
A formal, systematic and transparent process for monitoring and measuring research project
performance will allow the Centre of Excellence to effectively make decisions on research program
management issues. It is proposed that the Centre of Excellence host a monthly project review day where
each proponent provides a project summary for the Centre of Excellence Director, with an emphasis on the
progress of the project and identification of any problems within the project. The detailed monthly project
reporting will be summarized by the Director of the Centre of Excellence and summarized into a quarterly
report for the Board of Advisors.
4.4.4
Stage 4: Project Implementation and Commercialization
Commercialization of the systems and products developed in conjunction with the Centre of
Excellence is an underlying objective and critical phase to ensure technologies are implemented in the field.
The Centre of Excellence will pursue the commercialization directly or through our commercialization
partners: University of Saskatchewan Technologies (UST), Communities of Tomorrow and the Wilson
Centre.
PROPOSAL TO ESTABLISH A TYPE A CENTRE
SASKATCHEWAN CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE IN
TRANSPORTATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE
Page 23
4.5
Conflict Of Interest Assessment Policy
A mandate of the Centre of Excellence is to actively engage all people with a vested interest in
advancing infrastructure and transportation technology for Saskatchewan. As has been witnessed throughout
the past 35 year history of the UofS Transportation Centre, numerous technological advancements have been
effectively commercialized, and some with global impact. In order not to exclude active participants of local
technology firms and individuals, the Centre of Excellence has initially drawn upon individuals with a
proven track record in successful innovation and technological implementation. However, by actively
engaging successful individuals in infrastructure technology implementation, the Centre does not want to
preclude their active involvement in future initiatives within the Centre.
As a result, the Centre will adhere to explicit conflict of interest policies of the University of
Saskatchewan. The Centre of Excellence will implement a formal conflict of interest protocol to ensure all
potential conflict of interest issues that may arise will be identified and managed effectively in all aspects of
the Centre’s operations. Specifically, all potential conflicts, regardless of the magnitude, can be declared by
any of the Board of Advisors, and subsequently managed by the Board. To illustrate, individuals identified
as being in conflict with any proposed initiative through the Centre will be allowed to participate in the
presentation and technological expert review of specific technologies, but will not be permitted to participate
in the project funding evaluation and/or voting of the particular project.
5.0
PARTNERING
It is fully acknowledged that the Centre of Excellence in Transportation and Infrastructure will draw
heavily upon partnering as part of an integrated approach with provincial stakeholders including: public
legislators, departments and regulators; the private sector (suppliers and users of transport infrastructure); as
well as lead transportation institutions from around the world. Only through strategic partnering will the
Centre of Excellence be able to deliver effective and world class solutions that meet Saskatchewan transport
needs in a timely manner, and to provide a sustainable Centre that serves future needs of Saskatchewan
infrastructure.
Significant value is envisioned from attracting the world’s best practitioners and technologies to
work on challenges identified by the stakeholders of the Centre of Excellence. As a result, the Centre of
PROPOSAL TO ESTABLISH A TYPE A CENTRE
SASKATCHEWAN CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE IN
TRANSPORTATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE
Page 24
Excellence will pursue its mandate through significant partnering with individuals and corporations with a
demonstrated track record of applied innovation and technical achievements.
5.1
Public Agency Partnering
The majority of public infrastructure is owned and operated by public road agencies. As a result,
direct partnering with public sector agencies is critical in order for the Centre of Excellence to remain
strategically focused on the specific long term objectives of public road agencies.
There has been a long history of cooperative works between the College of Engineering
Transportation Centre and public agencies. The Center of Excellence will continue to expand public sector
partnering on a longer term strategic direction basis and deliver innovation for the Saskatchewan
transportation sector.
5.2
Private Sector Partnering
Recent years has seen public agencies focusing on strategic direction and the private sector taking a
more active role in the specification, construction and operation of public infrastructure systems through
various forms of public-private partnerships. As an example, Figure 5.1 illustrates the spectrum of private
and public sector partnering roles and responsibilities implemented by the Netherlands National Roads in
order to access innovative infrastructure and logistics transport solutions.
As with most technological sectors, advanced infrastructure and logistics technology in today’s
modern society typically resides in the private sector. As a result, the Centre of Excellence will pursue
partnering with progressive transportation technology firms as well as transport and infrastructure related
associations.
By actively involving the professional transportation industry, the Centre of Excellence
acknowledges the need to respect the retention of intellectual property rights within the industry partner
therefore expanding the research portfolio within the Centre of Excellence.
PROPOSAL TO ESTABLISH A TYPE A CENTRE
SASKATCHEWAN CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE IN
TRANSPORTATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE
Page 25
Social
Needs Identification
Project Development
And Functional Definition
Monitor and Manage
Functionality
(Public Road
Agency Responsibility)
Finance
Maintain, Preserve
and Operate
Design
Materials Supply
Public-Private Partnerships
Construction
Innovative
Tendering
Figure 5.1 Netherlands National Roads Private and Public Sector Partnering
(Reference:Peter Struik, PIARC T.C.1.2)
5.2.1
Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP)
The National Research Council-Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC-IRAP) is Canada's
premier innovation assistance program for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). It is a vital
component of the NRC, a cornerstone in Canada's innovation system, regarded world-wide as one of the best
programs of its kind. NRC-IRAP's mandate - to stimulate wealth creation for Canada through technological
innovation - is largely accomplished by providing technology assistance to SMEs at all stages of the
innovation process, to build their innovation capacity. NRC-IRAP helps SMEs understand the technology
issues and opportunities and provides linkages to the best expertise in Canada.
The IRAP Network NRC-IRAP plays a critical role in bringing together the key players in the
Canadian Innovation System for the benefit of SMEs. Extensive networks link entrepreneurs, players
knowledgeable about local sources of financing, R&D institutions and technology brokers, and technology
transfer centres. The reach of the NRC-IRAP network extends past Canada's borders, with international
connections forged by technology trade missions, linkages with Technology Development Officers (TDOs)
and numerous visits and collaborations.
NRC-IRAP maintains strong partner relationships with
organizations at the regional, national and international level whose capabilities extend and complement
PROPOSAL TO ESTABLISH A TYPE A CENTRE
SASKATCHEWAN CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE IN
TRANSPORTATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE
Page 26
NRC's contributions to the Canadian Innovation System for the benefit of SMEs. Through its links with
more than 100 partner organizations and the 850 members of the Canadian Technology Network, IRAP taps
into the full power of Canada's Innovation System, both nationally and internationally, for the benefit of
Canadian SMEs. IRAP continues to strengthen its connections with Canada's universities, technical and
community colleges.
5.2.2
Federal Scientific Research and Experimental Development (SR&ED) Tax Incentive
Program
The Scientific Research and Experimental Development (SR&ED) program is a federal tax incentive
program to encourage Canadian businesses of all sizes and in all sectors to conduct research and
development (R&D) in Canada that will lead to new, improved, or technologically advanced products or
processes. The SR&ED program is the largest single source of federal government support for industrial
research and development.
5.3
Saskatoon and Regina Regional Economic Development Authorities (SREDA and RREDA)
A primary focus of the Centre of Excellence is to facilitate the development and implementation of
applied research through partnering within the business communities. The Saskatoon and Regina Regional
Economic Development Authorities will be drawn upon to provide key industry contacts and facilitate
interactions with lead private and public sector entities.
5.4
Communities of Tomorrow Research Commercialization Partnering
Communities of Tomorrow is a non-profit organization that partners with both the private and public
sector in order to support the development and commercialization of new sustainable infrastructure solutions.
Communities of Tomorrow’s vision is to facilitate researchers, municipal and industry partners who develop
and market world class products, approaches and technologies for sustainable and environmentally
responsible infrastructure that supports healthy, prosperous and viable communities (10) (2002).
Collaborating with Communities of Tomorrow and the NRC-IRC Centre for Sustainable
Infrastructure Research (CSIR), will help other private and public sector partners to leverage research funds
and will provide partnerships with the City of Regina, University of Regina’s Centre for Sustainable
Communities, and Regina’s local industry.
PROPOSAL TO ESTABLISH A TYPE A CENTRE
SASKATCHEWAN CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE IN
TRANSPORTATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE
Page 27
5.5
Lead National and International University Partnering
A goal of the Centre of Excellence is to ensure “world class” product delivery in terms of both
training and research development. Partnering with lead universities will be critical to the success of the
Centre of Excellence. It is envisioned that the Centre of Excellence will initially focus on the application of
new technologies specifically customized to meet Saskatchewan transport and infrastructure needs. Through
international lead universities, the Centre of Excellence will have direct access to partner institutions already
undertaking research and training in transportation and infrastructure at an international level.
To this end, close working relationships have already been established with lead institutions with
Memorandum of Understanding in final preparatory stages with each entity.
 Texas Transportation Institute (TTI).
 University of Waterloo Centre for Pavement and Transportation Technology (CPATT).
 University of Nebraska Transportation Centre.
 Communities of Tomorrow.
6.0
GOVERNANCE, STAFFING AND ADMINISTRATION
In order to establish a Centre of Excellence that is sustainable, the establishment of effective
governance, staffing and administration is required.
6.1
Centre of Excellence Governance Structure
It is recommended that a Board of Advisors be responsible for the overall strategic direction of the
Centre of Excellence, with the Dean College of Engineering acting as the Chair. Figure 6.1 illustrates the
proposed governance and operations structure of the Centre of Excellence. It is recommended that a Board
of Advisors be responsible for the overall strategic direction of the Centre of Excellence, with the Dean
College of Engineering acting as the Chair. The Centre of Excellence will observe policies and procedures
established at the University of Saskatchewan, and the Board of Advisors recognizes the authority of the
University's Board of Governors to oversee and direct all matters respecting the management, administration
and control of the university's property, revenues and financial affairs.
PROPOSAL TO ESTABLISH A TYPE A CENTRE
SASKATCHEWAN CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE IN
TRANSPORTATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE
Page 28
Governance
Dean College of Engineering (Chair of the Board of Advisors)
Centre of Excellence
Board of Advisors
Operations
Associated Faculty, Staff,
Researchers, Students,
and Agencies,
Associations,
Universities, etc.
(external and internal)
Other University
Facilities
Private and Public Sector
Advisors
Director of
Centre of Excellence
Centre of Excellence
Administration and
Staff
University
Administrative
Officers
Project Specific
Steering Committees
and Contacts
Figure 6.1 Centre of Excellence Governance and Operations Reporting Structure
As seen in Figure 6.1, the Centre of Excellence will employ a distinct separation of governance and
operations functions. The governance structure of the Centre of Excellence will be centred within the Board
of Advisors, with the Dean of the College of Engineering, providing interface with University Governance
policies as well as interface with the Director of the Centre of Excellence.
The operations of the Centre of Excellence will be the responsibility of the Centre Director. The
Director will report directly to the Dean, College of Engineering and will be responsible for all operation
activities, administration and reporting to the Board of Advisors. The Director will also be responsible for
the interface between the Centre of Excellence and partners of the Centre as well as other university
facilities.
6.1.1
Board of Advisors
To provide focused strategic leadership and focus for the Centre of Excellence, a Board of Advisors
was established. The Board of Advisors is comprised of a cross section of industry, public agency leaders,
and academia. The Board of Advisors were selected as arms length professionals with a vested interest in
PROPOSAL TO ESTABLISH A TYPE A CENTRE
SASKATCHEWAN CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE IN
TRANSPORTATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE
Page 29
transportation technology and/or the Saskatchewan transportation and infrastructure industry. The initial
Saskatchewan Centre of Excellence Board of Advisors include the following members:
 Dr. Janusz Kozinski, Dean, College of Engineering (Chair).
 Mr. John Law, Deputy Minister of Saskatchewan Highways and Infrastructure.
 Mr. Dale Botting, Chief Executive Officer, Enterprise Saskatchewan.
 Mr. Murray Totland, P.Eng., Engineering Executive Director, City of Saskatoon.
 Ms. Stella Madsen, General Manager of the Public Works Division, City of Regina.
 Mr. Engin Ozberk, Vice President, Innovation and Technology Development, Cameco Corp.
 Mr. Erwin Seimens, President, Kindersley Transport.
 Mr. Clare Kirkland, P.Eng., Director of Strategic Development, Regina Regional Economic
Development Authority.
 Mr. Alan Migneault, CFO Frontier Peterbuilt.
 Ms. Adrienne Jensen, CEO, Saskatoon Regional Economic Development Authority Inc.
 Dr. Dallas Little, P.E., International Technical Lead, Materials and Pavements Division, Texas
Transportation Institute, Texas A&M University.
 Dr. Susan Tighe, P. Eng., Civil & Environmental Engineering Department, University of
Waterloo.
 Dr. Brooke Dobni, Dean Wilson School of Business, University of Saskatchewan.
 Mr. John Lee, President Communities of Tomorrow
 Mr. Wayne Morsky, President and CEO, Morsky Industrial Services.
6.1.2
Centre of Excellence Staff
The staff of the Centre of Excellence will be comprised of faculty, staff, industry practitioners and
students directly related to transportation and infrastructure research and training. Because the Centre of
Excellence is funded through public and private industry, it is proposed that the Centre of Excellence draw
heavily upon students and industry practitioners to provide the workforce related to specific projects, with
project management and administration of the projects provided by Centre of Excellence staff.
Benefits of employing an industry and student staffing to execute projects is three-fold. Firstly,
industry practitioners and students will provide inherently flexible staffing profile that can change depending
on the specific research projects and training activities undertaken. Secondly, industry and student staffing
will encourage lead industry individuals to undertake an active hands-on role in research and training through
PROPOSAL TO ESTABLISH A TYPE A CENTRE
SASKATCHEWAN CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE IN
TRANSPORTATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE
Page 30
the Centre of Excellence. Thirdly, by engaging industry involvement in projects undertaken by the Centre of
Excellence, the Centre has direct access to expertise already active in the specific research area. It is
believed that through industry practitioner and student employment, the Centre will expedite the delivery and
end value of the research and training results.
6.1.3
Dr. Curtis Berthelot, P.Eng., Director of Centre of Excellence in Transportation and
Infrastructure and Associate Professor of Civil and Geological Engineering, College of
Engineering
As the Centre of Excellence Director, Dr. Berthelot will provide the operational responsibility for the
Centre of Excellence and will report directly to the Dean of the College of Engineering on a monthly basis.
The Director will be responsible for all administrative activities as well as assembling the annual report to the
Board of Advisors which will include an annual summary of activities (including financial statements),
review of project delivery over the past reporting period, and an updated business plan for approval regarding
works for the upcoming year.
Dr. Berthelot is an Associate Professor of Civil Engineering at the University of Saskatchewan,
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.
Dr. Berthelot holds a B.Sc. (University of Saskatchewan) 1989, M.Sc.
(University of Saskatchewan) 1992, and a Ph.D. (Texas A&M University) 1999 and has over 20 years of
experience in the transportation and infrastructure field. Dr. Berthelot’s research interests include recycled
mechanistic road material characterization, mechanistic road modeling, recycled infrastructure structural
design, road performance prediction modeling and intelligent transportation systems. Dr. Berthelot has
published over 80 peer reviewed articles and over 250 technical reports related to his academic area of
specialty.
In addition to his teaching and research at the University of Saskatchewan, Dr. Berthelot is the
President and CEO of Pavement Scientific International, a company that specializes in advanced road
materials and structural systems specifically designed to strengthen roads to meet increasing road transport
needs. Dr. Berthelot serves on the Board of Directors for the Canadian National Committee-Transport
Canada World Road Association as Academic Institution Liaison and currently serves on an additional 15
national and international professional committees and associations.
PROPOSAL TO ESTABLISH A TYPE A CENTRE
SASKATCHEWAN CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE IN
TRANSPORTATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE
Page 31
6.1.4
Dr. Gordon Sparks, P.Eng., Professor of Civil and Geological Engineering, College of
Engineering
Dr. Gordon Sparks is a Professor of Civil Engineering at the University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon,
Saskatchewan. He holds a B.Sc. (University of Alberta) 1967, M.Sc. (University of California, Berkeley)
1969, and a Ph.D. (University of California, Berkeley) 1971. Dr. Sparks has over 30 years experience in
teaching at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, and contract research and consulting in the area of
transportation engineering, engineering economics, decision analysis and Life Cycle Engineering & Costing.
In addition to his teaching and research at the University of Saskatchewan, Dr. Sparks is a Managing
Partner, Vemax Management Inc., a Saskatoon-based company with offices in Edmonton and Winnipeg as
well as Sydney and Melbourne, Australia. In addition to being a registered professional engineer, Dr. Sparks
is a Certified Management Consultant, Registered Community Planner, and Member of the Boards of
Canadian Environmental Technology Advancement Corporation – West and CAA Saskatchewan.
Dr.
Sparks is a member of the Saskatchewan Angel Investment Network and continues to act as an advisor and
angel investor to several start-ups.
6.1.5
Mr. Joseph Chan, P.Eng., Research Engineer
Mr. Joseph Chan, P. Eng., has served as the Research Director of the Transportation Centre, College
of Engineering at the University of Saskatchewan since 1995. In his role as Research Director, Mr. Chan has
co-ordinated and supervised testing programs for graduate students, given lectures regarding Canadian and
global traffic safety and has collaborated with visiting scholars and sabbatical professors regarding
transportation research. In 1992 Mr. Chan was responsible for the implementation and training of the
computer based Geographic Information System, and transportation modelling components in 4th year
transportation engineering classes in Civil Engineering at the University of Saskatchewan. As well, Mr.
Chan has solicited, negotiated, and secured more than two million dollars of contract research funding for the
Transportation Centre since 2000.
Additionally, Mr. Chan has managed the Collision Research Team, Transport Canada since 1989; his
duties include motor vehicle collision investigation and reconstruction, safety-related vehicle defect
investigation and other transportation related research. Mr. Chan liaises with various levels of government,
community agencies and industry and provides input regarding regulatory issues, traffic safety,
improvements and countermeasures. Mr. Chan has conducted the following training workshops; Child
Restraint Train the Trainers Workshop, collision investigation techniques and analysis workshops for various
PROPOSAL TO ESTABLISH A TYPE A CENTRE
SASKATCHEWAN CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE IN
TRANSPORTATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE
Page 32
police agencies, and transportation and traffic safety workshops for both engineers and the general public.
He also has presented his research findings at technical conferences, seminars, and technical workshops and
was responsible for organizing and managing the Canadian Multi-Disciplinary Road Safety Conference VIII,
2008.
Mr. Chan also provides guidance to M.Sc. and Ph.D. students and served on the supervisory
committee for a M.Sc. student in 1996.
6.1.6
Ms. Debbie Forgie, Office Manager
Ms. Debbie Forgie has been employed with the College of Engineering at the University of
Saskatchewan since 1990. Currently she serves as the clerical office manager reporting to Dr. Berthelot,
Director, and Mr. Chan, Safety Research Director. In addition to the daily clerical operations, Ms. Forgie
manages the Transport Canada contract budget as well as the budgets for Dr. Berthelot’s research. Ms.
Forgie will be responsible for all administration, documentation, proposal preparation and report preparation
generated within the Centre of Excellence.
7.0
ANNUAL FUNDING PLAN
Funding sustainability is critical to ensure the long term success and continued impact of the Centre
of Excellence. To establish long term funding sustainability, it is proposed that the Centre of Excellence
establish a framework of rigorous project delivery, as well as strong partnering relationships with numerous
funding sources within the transportation and infrastructure industry. It is envisioned that the majority of
funding for the Centre of Excellence be based on specific project level deliverables for the Centre’s research
partners.
 Contract Research.
 In-kind contributions.
 Funding Leveraging through NSERC, CFI, CRC, et cetera.
The combination of private sector funding, public sector funding as well as leverage funding through
the national research funding organizations is a primary goal of the Centre of Excellence. The primary
benefits of the Centre of Excellence’s ability to leverage research funding across multiple partner sources are
the ability to attract the required funding sources to deliver complex research and development projects and
to mitigate the inherent risks associated with research and development across multiple partners.
It should be noted that the Centre will account for separation of private sector funding within the
annual budget from the revenue associated with research and technology transfer items to ensure
PROPOSAL TO ESTABLISH A TYPE A CENTRE
SASKATCHEWAN CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE IN
TRANSPORTATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE
Page 33
transparency, as the private sector funding draws upon contract research which could potentially benefit
members of the Board of Advisors.
7.1
Annual Target Funding Plan
The annual budget for the Saskatchewan Centre of Excellence will be used to deliver workshops,
professional graduate teaching, and research projects. The proposed target annual operating budget for the
Centre of Excellence is summarized in Table 7.1.
Table 7.1
Projected Annual Operational Budget for Centre of Excellence
Cash
Revenues:
Ministry of Highways Funding
Private Sector Funding (100% projected matching cash)
University Facility In-Kind (50% projected matching in-kind)
Matching Funding (NSERC, CFI, CRC, et cetera)
Total
General Expenses:
Administration Office Manager
Technical Support Officer
Operational Framework and/or Annual Report Document
Annual Board of Advisors Communication and Travel
Conferences, Travel and Publication of Results
Communications, Brochures, Website
Total (8%)
Project Delivery Expenses:
Professional Workshops and Extension Courses (4 x $12,500)
Graduate Workshops and Extension Courses (4 x $12,500)
Annual Saskatchewan Technology Transfer Conference
Subtotal (5%)
Gross Available Research Project Available Funds
Minus College Allocation (15%)
Totals
7.2
$1,000,000
$1,000,000
$0
$500,000
$2,500,000
In-Kind
$500,000
$1,000,000
$1,000,000
$0
$2,500,000
$25,000
$50,000
$50,000
$25,000
$25,000
$25,000
$200,000
$50,000
$50,000
$25,000
$125,000
$2,175,000
-$326,250
$1,848,750
$2,500,000
In-Kind Funding
As stated in the Ministry Mandate, the Centre of Excellence is to develop state-of-the-art
technologies that can be directly applied to the Saskatchewan infrastructure. As a result, it is envisioned that
PROPOSAL TO ESTABLISH A TYPE A CENTRE
SASKATCHEWAN CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE IN
TRANSPORTATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE
Page 34
a significant portion of the research and development projects undertaken within the Centre of Excellence
will also benefit from expenses incurred for field delivery of technologies.
As a result, the in-kind
contributions to the Centre of Excellence research program could significantly increase from that projected,
depending on the specific projects undertaken by the Centre of Excellence.
In addition, Table 7.1 illustrates the projected in-kind funding to be realized from the University of
Saskatchewan, in particular access to significant research facilities such as materials testing laboratories,
advanced facilities such as the Canadian Light Source, and contribution of faculty and support staff salaries
and space. As well, the University is contributing considerable space required to house and facilitate the
significant training and research programs implemented. The contribution to the Centre by these facilities
are significant, and for purposes of this document have been estimated at 50% of the total cash contribution
to the Centre.
7.3
Long Term Funding
Based on the success of the first year of operations of the Centre of Excellence, it is hoped that the
business and project execution model piloted in year one will lead to long term research commitments and
provide a sustainable funding framework within the Centre of Excellence.
8.0
EXPLICIT MEASURES OF SUCCESS AND REPORTING
Explicit measures of deliverables are essential to the sustainability of the Centre of Excellence. The
proposed measures of deliverables provided by the Centre of Excellence will include and quantity and
quality of the following:
 Training workshops provided and number of participants.
 Graduate courses offered and number of participants.
 Graduate and undergraduate students participating in projects including number of thesis and
senior design project reports completed and in progress.
 Major contract research projects completed and in progress.
 Registered road test sections constructed.
 Matching investment dollars attracted to the Centre of Excellence.
 Research conference proceedings presented and/or published.
PROPOSAL TO ESTABLISH A TYPE A CENTRE
SASKATCHEWAN CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE IN
TRANSPORTATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE
Page 35
 Research refereed journal articles published.
 Successful commercialized products and services.
 Patents awarded.
 Awards of excellence.
Given the above explicit measures of performance for the Centre of Excellence, it is the objective of
the Centre of Excellence to have achieved the following deliverables within the first 3 years of operations:
 20 Training workshops provided and number of participants.
 15 Graduate courses offered and 200 cumulative participants.
 50 Graduate and undergraduate students participating in projects including number of thesis and
senior design project reports completed and in progress.
 30 Major contract research projects completed and in progress.
 50 Registered road test sections constructed.
 100% Matching investment dollars attracted to the Centre of Excellence.
 50 Research conference proceedings presented and/or published.
 25 Research refereed journal articles published.
 10 Successful commercialized products and services.
 2 Patents awarded.
 5 Awards of excellence.
8.1
Quarterly and Annual Reporting
To ensure the Centre of Excellence maintains an effective project management and strict deliverables
schedule, quarterly operations summary reports summarizing project selection, execution, and deliverables
progress will be submitted to the Board of Advisors including full disclosure of the financial expenditures. It
is recommended that an annual Board of Advisors meeting be held in early December where a full Annual
Report based on the previous year’s research and training operations will be prepared and presented. The
accounting protocols to be used will at a minimum meet the University account summaries as would be
provided to NSERC for conclusion to typical tri-council funding audits upon project review. As well, the
Annual Report will include forecasted research proposals and training for the upcoming annual year.
PROPOSAL TO ESTABLISH A TYPE A CENTRE
SASKATCHEWAN CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE IN
TRANSPORTATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE
Page 36
9.0
SUMMARY
Transportation efficiency is critical to the economic and social sustainability of Saskatchewan. The
Transportation Centre within the College of Engineering at the University of Saskatchewan and the
Saskatchewan Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure have partnered in the development of a new Centre
of Excellence in Transportation and Infrastructure.
Given the projected increase in infrastructure investment projected over the next several years in
Saskatchewan, there is a clear opportunity for Saskatchewan to establish a leadership role in the provincial
infrastructure renewal as well as globally in advanced transportation technology development, training and
technology adoption. The opportunity to establish a sustainable Saskatchewan Centre of Excellence in
Transportation and Infrastructure is greater than ever before.
This document outlines a proposed plan to deliver a minimum of $2.5M annual program of directly
applied research and training that benefits the Saskatchewan transportation and infrastructure network.
Through the financial and resource leveraging opportunities provided by the University of Saskatchewan and
private sector partners, the Centre of Excellence will provide 2.5:1 leveraging of Saskatchewan Ministry of
Highways and Infrastructure initial investment. Given an approximate annual Saskatchewan highways
budget of $500M, this represents an investment of 0.2% of the provincial highway budget in direct applied
research for the improvement of Saskatchewan transport infrastructure.
Further, the unique leveraging capabilities of the University of Saskatchewan Centre of Excellence
in Transportation and Infrastructure as well as unique state-of-the-art research facilities such as the CLS will
provide adequate risk distribution among the research partners. This will enable innovative ideas to be
effectively explored, developed and implemented within acceptable tolerances of risk.
Based on the
Operational Framework document outlined herein, the Saskatchewan Centre of Excellence in Transportation
and Infrastructure through partnering, financial leveraging capabilities and state-of-the-art facilities such as
the CLS, will establish Saskatchewan as a world leader in applied transportation and infrastructure solutions.
PROPOSAL TO ESTABLISH A TYPE A CENTRE
SASKATCHEWAN CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE IN
TRANSPORTATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE
Page 37
10.0 REFERENCES
 Haas, Ralph, Challenges of Managing the Built Infrastructure, Keynote Lecture, 1st Speciality Conf.
On Infrastructure Technologies, Management and Policy, Proc., can. Society for Civil Eng. Annual
Conf., 26 pp., CD-Rom, Toronto, June 2005.
 Sui, K. L. And Theresa Cloake, Implementation of an Infrastructure Strategy for the City of
Edmonton, Proc. INFRA 2001, Montreal, Nov., 2001.
 Davenport, T.H., & Prusak, L., Working Knowledge: How Organizations Manage What They Know,
Harvard Business School Press, 1998.
 Mentzas, Gegoris et al., Knowledge Asset Management: Beyond the Process-d and Product-d
Approaches, Springer-Verlag London Limited, London, England, 2003.
 Brundtland Commission
 Strvik, P. PIARC T. C. A9. Report
 University of Saskatchewan. Retrieved from www.usask.ca on July 4, 2008.
 Our
National
Synchrotron
Facility:
Canadian
Light
Source,
Inc.
Retrieved
from
http://www.lightsource.ca/brochures/pdf/CLS_General_Brochure.pdf on July 1, 2008
 Communities for Tomorrow: Partners for Sustainability. Retrieved from http://www.ctinfo.ca/ on
July 4, 2008.
 NRC-IRC Centre for Sustainable Infrastructure Research in Regina is Open for Business: National
Research Council: Retrieved from http://irc.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca/csir/index_e.html on July 10, 2008.
 Arora, R., Implementing KM – A Balanced Score Card Approach, Journal of Knowledge
Management, Vol. 6, No. 3, 2002.
 Haas, Ralph, Susan Tighe and Lynne Cowe Falls, Preserving Pavement Assets Through Realistic
Policy Objectives and Life Cycle Consideration of Users, Economist Efficiency, Resource
Conservation and Environmental Protection, 16 pp., Proc. (CD-ROM), Annual Conf., Transportation
Assoc. Of Canada, Saskatoon, Oct. 2007.
PROPOSAL TO ESTABLISH A TYPE A CENTRE
SASKATCHEWAN CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE IN
TRANSPORTATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE
Page 38

Haas, R., Kennepohl, G., Tighe, S., Haas, C., Rothenburg, L. Strategic Planning for Waterloo’s
Centre for Pavement and Transportation Technology. Canadian Civil Engineer, Vol. 25, No. 2,
2008.

Renewing
the
Dream
-
http://www.usask.ca/vpacademic/integrated-
planning/plandocs/docs/renewing_the_dream.pdf

http://irap-pari.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca/aboutirap_e.html

http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/txcrdt/sred-rsde/bts-eng.html
PROPOSAL TO ESTABLISH A TYPE A CENTRE
SASKATCHEWAN CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE IN
TRANSPORTATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE
Confidential
Page J-39
PROPOSAL TO ESTABLISH A TYPE A CENTRE
SASKATCHEWAN CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE IN
TRANSPORTATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE