A new memorandum of understanding (MOU) has been signed between Earth District, a consortium of universities and colleges, including Trent University, and Alstom, a global leader in smart and sustainable rail mobility. Trent’s senior director of Research and Innovation Christopher Rooney attended the signing held at Ontario Tech University on Monday, October 30. 

This MOU will help develop the Canadian and Ontarian talent required to propel sustainable mobility solutions forward, including the electrification of regional rail systems. Details outlined in the MOU include facilitating student skill development and talent recruitment through co-ops, internships and hiring new graduates – creating more experiential learning opportunities for Trent students. 

“Trent is thrilled to establish this valuable partnership with the Earth District and Alstom, an opportunity that will continue to provide Trent students with transformative learning opportunities and drive research for effective environmental solutions,” Says Christopher Rooney, senior director of Research and Innovation at Trent.  

The MOU also addresses the evaluation of joint and student research opportunities, including the development of rail specialization in undergraduate engineering programs – facilitated by the mobility expertise from Alstom. 

The EaRTH District is a consortium of schools in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and Peterborough and the Kawarthas, including Centennial College, Fleming College, Ontario Tech University, Trent University, and University of Toronto Scarborough. The goals of the EaRTH District are to fuel sustainable, resilient communities locally and around the world through research, academic programming and commercialization of advanced technology.