The NSERC CREATE MedPEM program lays the foundation for a unique training experience utilizing the expertise and existing collaborations within and between McMaster University, Western University, University of Alberta, University of Toronto, and leading medical personal protective equipment (PPE) companies.
The recent COVID-19 pandemic, several wildfires, earthquakes and other natural disasters all around the world have sparked international research and innovation in medical PPE and thus fueled the development of the nascent medical PPE industry which is a key growth segment within Canada.
MedPEM will provide the Canadian PPE sector with the highly qualified personnel it needs to be internationally competitive. This sector is strategically important for Canada’s economy and public health. As the sector is growing rapidly, the need for HQP, particularly with training in nonwoven manufacturing, PPE design, nonwoven filtration, functional materials, testing, and standards has increased.
Through a mix of industry experiences, disruptive thinking, industry-ready skill development and access to state-of-art and unique facilities, combined with mentorship by a team of accomplished faculty and industrial supervisors, the HQP will become specialists with the capacity to work effectively in industrial and interdisciplinary environments. In addition to the technical knowledge, the proposed program also focuses on the professional development and well-roundedness of HQP to provide them with a competitive edge in the job market and facilitate the transition from trainees to employees in the Canadian medical PPE sector.