In the news

The Composites Knowledge Network (CKN) proudly celebrates Dr. Anoush Poursartip, PhD, PEng, FCAE, recipient of the prestigious J.H. “Jud” Hall Composites Manufacturing Award for 2025. This esteemed award, presented annually by the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME), recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the field of composites manufacturing and tooling technology. Award Criteria … Read more

Every few years, the Composites Knowledge Network (CKN) surveys Canadian companies to understand the composite industry’s health, status, priorities and challenges.  This enables CKN to align its efforts to industry needs and priorities, including knowledge mobilization and advisory to government on programs to sustain and grow the industry. Make sure your voice is heard by … Read more

On December 6, 2023, the Government of Canada announced that the Composites Knowledge Network (CKN) is a recipient of funding under the new Strategic Science Fund (SSF). The Government followed-up with a May 26, 2024 news released detailing the funding for all recipients, including the $1 million awarded to CKN. The SSF was created to … Read more

Dr. Anoush Poursartip, Co-Director, Composites Knowledge Network, is moderating a panel discussion at AeroDef Manufacturing®, a conference and trade show for the aerospace and defense manufacturing industry running November 7-9, 2023 in Long Beach, California. The session on November 8, Building a Skilled Workforce for the Industry of the Future, will cover challenges and opportunities … Read more

On October 16, 2023, the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada (PacifiCan), announced over $3 million in funding for four projects that will support small and medium-sized businesses, including $1.75 million in funding for Composites Knowledge Network. “The Composites Knowledge Network (CKN) is proud to be supporting a wide range of innovative BC small and … Read more

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier visited UBC on April 25, 2023. Anoush Poursartip, Co-Director of Composites Knowledge Network (CKN), welcomed His Excellency and the German Delegation in his role as UBC lead of the DLR@UBC partnership. Anoush shared the success of the partnership, which has been in action for eight years and continues to grow stronger. … Read more

Composites Knowledge Network (CKN) is pleased to announce that Anoush Poursartip, Co-Director of the Composites Knowledge Network and Professor at the University of British Columbia, has been awarded the Canada Composites Fellow by the Canadian Association for Composites Structures and Materials (CACSMA) for his outstanding contributions to the field of composite structures and materials. With … Read more

On September 22, 2022, Composites Research Network (CRN) celebrated its 10-year anniversary with a one-day hybrid symposium featuring panel discussions, networking, a tour of the Advanced Materials and Process Engineering Laboratory (AMPEL) at The University of British Columbia (UBC), and a formal dedication of the Boeing 777X wing sculpture. An initiative of UBC, CRN launched … Read more

Since 2019, the Composites Knowledge Network (CKN) has conducted three digital surveys of the Canadian Composite Industry. The latest survey was completed in both official languages between February 3 to March 7, 2022 and collected information about the industry for 2021. Over 500 individuals were invited to participate, with responses received from 61 companies. The … Read more

As featured in NGEN Supercluster News (ngen.ca) Companies involved in composites manufacturing can now turn to the Composite Knowledge Network’s (CKN) Knowledge in Practice Centre (KPC) for access to world-class composites knowledge. The KPC offers open access to a wiki style resource that provides practical knowledge as well as case studies and expert perspectives. “Composites … Read more

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the CKN conducted a Canadian composites industry survey to understand immediate impacts and identify needs to support recovery. It identified the elements of the industry that were hardest hit, and that re-staffing and re-training with composites knowledge and skills is a priority for post-pandemic recovery. Thank you to the … Read more

Optimization of the Manufacturing Process Challenge:A Vancouver based bicycle parts manufacturer is able to competitively produce CFRP bike parts locally due to their proprietary process – Many similar parts are produced overseas. To be even more competitive, they needed to increase their production rate without any detrimental effects. Approach:With support from the CKN and using … Read more