INRS University opens a new world-class research facility

INRS University has opened a new world-class research facility aimed at developing sustainable water management approaches to combat coastal erosion caused by climate change. The Environmental Hydraulic Laboratory, under the direction of Professor Bernard Long of INRS’s Eau Terre Environment Research Centre, is the fourth-largest facility of its kind in the world.

The November 4, 2011 grand opening was attended by Sam Hamad, Minister of Economic Development, Innovation and Export Trade; Patrick Huot, MNA for Vanier and Parliamentary Assistant to the Chair of the Conseil du trésor; and François Picard, Vice Chair, City of Quebec Executive Committee.

The Hydraulic Laboratory is located at the Québec Metro High Tech Park and funded through the Knowledge Infrastructure Program. The lab will allow researchers to simulate the swell, tides, and fast-moving currents typical of bodies of water in Québec and elsewhere in Canada. It will enable researchers to develop a wide range of applications and collaborative projects at the local and internationals levels, and bridge the gap between current hydraulic process modelling capabilities and the development of coastal environments.