SAIT powers up energy research

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With historic lab donation by Imperial, SAIT enhances role in sustainable energy innovation

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Calgary, AB, May 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — In the single largest corporate gift to any post-secondary institution in Alberta, Imperial Oil Limited, one of Canada’s largest energy companies, has donated a $37 million research lab facility to the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT).

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The donation of the 40,000 square foot state-of-the-art facility, named the Imperial Energy Innovation Centre in honour of the donor, will support the expansion of SAIT’s energy innovation applied research. 

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“Imperial established the first petroleum research facility in Canada more than a century ago, creating many of the processes and technologies foundational to oil sands development and used across the industry to this day,” says Brad Corson, Imperial’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “We are excited that this space will create new opportunities for collaborations within the innovation ecosystem here in Alberta and expand SAIT’s programs and facilities to support the next generation of STEM professionals.”

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Under the agreement, SAIT will take over management of the Quarry Park facility in mid-2025, creating new opportunities for collaborative industry research and training opportunities with students. 

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“This donation is a clear reflection of SAIT’s strong ties to industry and our commitment to applied research. It will also create meaningful opportunities for students to engage directly with experts from this vital sector.” says Dr. David Ross, SAIT President and CEO. “The new Imperial Energy Innovation Centre will help drive the next generation of energy research — fostering innovation and bringing together leading industry professionals with top researchers in their fields.”

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As a conductor driving applied research innovation with SAIT students, ARIS and industry, this facility will bring together leading researchers in petroleum engineering with the next generation of thinkers and innovators. The Imperial Energy Research Centre will be a launchpad for solutions to in-field challenges and will enhance the forward movement of applied energy research that drives Canadian industry.

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Imperial remains committed to its industry-leading upstream research program. The company will continue to use the SAIT-operated facility to support its ongoing research efforts focused on increasing efficiencies and reducing the environmental impacts of its operations. 

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Additional information on related programing is being developed. 

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About SAIT

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Established in 1916, SAIT was the first of its kind, publicly funded technical school in North America. As a global leader in applied education and research — serving nearly 40,000 students annually — SAIT offers certificate, diploma, post diploma, apprenticeship and applied degree programs, baccalaureate degrees, corporate training and more than 1,000 continuing education courses, along with four dedicated, award-winning areas of research and capacity for new and emerging research. Curriculum and research priorities are developed through industry partnerships to ensure graduates have the skills and knowledge required to fulfill the demand for talent. SAIT is honoured to be recognized by Mediacorp Canada Inc. as one of Alberta’s Top Employers for 2024, and to be ranked fourth by Research Infosource Inc. in the Top 50 Research Colleges in Canada for 2024. CEOWORLD Magazine ranked the SAIT School of Business #53 on the list of Best Business Schools in the World for 2025, and the School of Hospitality and Tourism placed #13 on their list of Best Hospitality and Hotel Management Schools in the World for 2025.