Appointment of Dr. Edward Sykes marks important milestone in institute’s ongoing partnership with Sheridan College, which began in 2019 with the creation of FIBRE
Dr. Edward Sykes has become the first college professor appointed as an affiliate scientist with the KITE Research Institute.
Dr. Sykes is the Director of Sheridan College’s Centre for Mobile Innovation (CMI). The CMI is an internationally recognized research centre that focuses on Mobile Health (mHealth) and creates innovative solutions to healthcare problems by utilizing leading technologies, such as mobile, AI/Machine Learning, wearable computing, and augmented/virtual reality (AR/VR).
“I'm fortunate to be surrounded by extraordinary individuals, contributing to research of the highest caliber. It's truly an honor to be a part of such an influential research institution,” said Dr. Sykes who is also an Adjunct Associate Professor in the Department of Computing and Software at McMaster University.
“The focus of our work on smart clothing and e-textiles marks the dawn of a promising future. I believe the profound impact these technologies will have on enhancing people's lives and health will stand as a significant milestone in scientific advancement.”
Dr. Sykes’ appointment is an important milestone in KITE’s ongoing partnership with Sheridan College, which began in 2019 with the creation of the Fabric Based Research Platform (FIBRE).
FIBRE is a first of its kind academic research platform in the field of textile-based wearable technologies operating under the KITE banner at the Toronto Rehabilitation Institute. Its mission is to make care accessible to people through technology by designing, introducing, and integrating smart textiles across the healthcare system.
Sheridan is one of FIBRE’s original academic partners. CMI is an integral part of Generator at Sheridan , which encompasses the college’s research, innovation and entrepreneurial activities. Generator is also home to four other Centres - the Centre for Advanced Manufacturing and Design Technologies (CAMDT), Centre for Elder Research (CER), EDGE Entrepreneurship Hub, and the Screen Industries Research and Training Centre (SIRT).
“I’m excited to welcome Dr. Sykes into the KITE community. His expertise and decades of experience will be critical in turning FIBRE’s vision of delivering care through the use of innovative technologies into a reality,” said Dr. Azadeh Yadollahi FIBRE Director and senior scientist at KITE.
“I hope this appointment encourages other college professors who aspire to work with us to reach out. We seek to collaborate with experts of all backgrounds. As a partner, you will be celebrated and your research will be woven into our structure.”
As the Director of the CMI, Dr. Sykes plays a pivotal role in fostering collaborations with prominent industry partners such as Apple, Microsoft, and IBM, as well as a wide range of small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs). His leadership extends to overseeing more than a dozen research projects throughout the year. These projects bring together faculty researchers and a dynamic mix of over 30 undergraduate students, along with a selection of Master of Science and PhD candidates.
In 2021 Dr. Sykes received the Synergy Award for Innovation from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada as well as the Minister’s Award of Excellence in 2020 from the Minister of Colleges and Universities, for his contributions to the community during COVID-19.