Associated with the Centre for Effective Design of Structures

The Applied Dynamics Lab provides support to engineering research and undergrad curriculum, primarily in the department of civil engineering. Focus areas include the seismic resilience of structures and materials research.

Scientific Director: Dr. Lydell Wiebe

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Research Institute & Core Research Platform

The Biointerfaces Institute (BI) is a state-of-the-art facility implementing high-throughput research to investigate the nature of the biological/material interface, or biointerface. The Institute is led by Dr. John Brennan, Professor and Canada Research Chair in Bioanalytical Chemistry and Biointerfaces. Dr. Brennan is a world leader in the development of advanced sol-gel based biomaterials, biosensor technologies and high-throughput drug screening platforms.

The Institute has ten additional core faculty members with expertise in high-throughput synthesis, surface characterization, polymer chemistry, bioassay development and opthalmic biomaterials, with backgrounds in Chemistry, Chemical Biology, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering and Biomedical Engineering.

The BI houses approximately $15M in advanced equipment that is primarily utilized for the development and characterization of:

• New diagnostic sensors, assays and rapid tests
• New biomaterials
• Biologically modified surfaces

All equipment is arranged into “suites” that focus on:

• Production of biological entities, including DNA, proteins and cells
• Rapid synthesis and screening of (bio)materials using robotics and printing methods
• (Bio)surface development and characterization
• Evaluation of surface, material or device performance

Research Services

BI facilitates student training and offers services for research and industry. Training covers all items in the BI, including both technical and safety aspects of equipment use, training in BSL-2 protocols, and aid in data interpretation. The Institute provides research services internally and to industry, which include running samples on complex instrumentation including MALDI and Q-TOF mass spectrometers, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, or other equipment; developing printing protocols for sensor development; and setting up robotic systems for high-throughput materials development.

Scientific Director: Dr. John Brennan
Facility Manager: Leanne Brown

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The Black Box Theatre supports presentation, experimentation and research within the Centre for Networked Media and Performance, Communication Studies and Media Arts (CSMA) undergraduate and graduate presentations, and the School of the Arts theatrical performances. It has advanced lighting, digital sound and projection capabilities. The flexibility of the space allows for a range of seating configurations and capacity.

Scientific Director: Dr. Patrick Brennan

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Research Centre & Core Research Platform

The Canadian Centre for Electron Microscopy (CCEM) provides world-class electron microscopy capabilities and expertise to Canadian researchers and industry working in a broad range of fields. CCEM’s vision is to be one of the leading electron microscopy facilities in the world for high-quality scientific research; be the go-to provider of electron microscopy services to Canadian industry; and play a leading role in promoting interactions amongst researchers in various fields nationally and internationally.

CCEM is a one-stop solution to materials characterization problems. Experienced staff can help determine structural and compositional information of material through advanced knowledge in electron microscopy. Not only does CCEM offer a suite of electron microscopes and sample preparation services that can be used for characterization needs – it’s also fully equipped and available to train users, acquire various data, prepare characterization reports, and consult with users from McMaster, academia, and industry.

Research Services

CCEM offers professional analytical services for materials analysis (metals, alloys, semiconductors, biomaterials, minerals, ceramics, nanomaterials, etc.) at multiple length scales (millimetre to atomic) and using various media (electrons, photons, ions). These research services are heavily integrated with the research programs of McMaster faculty, but also extend to other external academic and industry users. CCEM also serves as a hub for knowledge and education by working with the department of Materials Science and Engineering on courses, conducting user training from expert staff and hosting international workshops on various topics within the field of electron microscopy.

Scientific Director: Dr. Nabil Bassim
Facility Manager: Brian Langelier

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The Centre for Advanced Light Microscopy (CALM) provides access to established, cutting-edge light microscopy, photo-patterning, light-assisted 3D printing techniques, expert training and technical support to help researchers in science, engineering and life sciences, as well as industry partners, achieve their scientific goals.

Research Services

CALM provides material and bioanalytical services, including:

• Microscopy (confocal, multiphoton, super-resolution)
• High content analysis
• Slide scanning
• Live cell imaging
• Time-lapsed imaging
• Atomic force microscopy
• Image data acquisition and processing/interpretation
• 3D image reconstruction and image analysis
• Sample preparation
• Custom image analysis routines
• Large dataset analysis
• User material/instrument consultation
• User training/education

Scientific Director: Dr. Jose Moran-Mirabal
Facility Manager: Joao Pedro Bronze de Firmino

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Research Centre & Core Research Platform

The Centre for Automotive Materials and Corrosion (CAMC) is located in the McMaster Automotive Resource Centre (MARC). CAMC spans the structure-property-performance relationship spectrum for lightweight alloys (advanced high strength steel, aluminum alloys and magnesium alloys).The Centre’s work focuses on improving the cost, longevity, and environmental impact of automobiles, other forms of transportation and physical infrastructure.

CAMC’s research focuses on materials engineering, including themes like strip casting of sheet metal, light-weight material systems, thermomechanical processing, galvanizing, physical metallurgy, mechanical properties, metal forming, fracture, fatigue and corrosion, material degradation and protection, and joining issues as they apply to automotive material innovations. The Centre is also investigating opportunities for developing magnesium-based components for lightweight fuel-efficient vehicles.

Research Services

• Determine structure-property-performance relationships for automotive structural lightweight alloys
• Thermomechancial processing, mechanical property and formability research
• Constitutive material property model development
• Durability and damage mode research
• Develop protective coating schemes for improved corrosion protection
• Failure analysis
• Targeted applications include transportation (vehicle mass reduction and safety applications), the hydrogen economy (distribution and storage) and carbon-free energy generation (small modular reactors)

Scientific Director: Dr. Joey Kish
Facility Manager: Beth McNally

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Research Centre & Core Research Platform

The Centre for Emerging Device Technologies (CEDT) is an organization that facilitates the study of the optical, electrical, mechanical, and biological properties of semiconductors and related materials and promotes the development of technology based on these materials.

The Centre is made up of faculty members and graduate students from various departments under the Faculties of Engineering and Science:

• Engineering Physics
• Electrical and Computer Engineering
• Materials Science & Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Chemical Engineering
• Chemistry & Chemical Biology
• Physics & Astronomy
• Geography & Earth Sciences

The Centre’s focus is on photonics and optical materials and devices. However, the approaches and applications are extremely diverse and the research interests span a diverse area. CEDT supports researchers in the development of materials and devices for emerging applications in communications technology, energy, and biotech (sensing and diagnostics). The Centre develops lasers, MEMS, detectors, waveguide devices and much more. Industrial collaborations take place frequently and new initiatives are always welcome.

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Associated with the Institute for Infectious Disease Research

The Centre for Microbial and Chemical Biology (CMCB) is a 7,000-square-foot multi-user lab housed within the Michael G. DeGroote Institute for Infectious Disease Research (IIDR) at McMaster University. This core facility has experienced staff, five integrated labs and over 65 specialized equipment items that provide research support, hands-on training and services in chemistry and biology.

The CMCB’s objectives include:

1. To provide specialized equipment, services, and expert staff in the area of chemical biology
2. To house and maintain the equipment within an open access core lab
3. To provide training and support to clients including McMaster researchers, external academic groups, and industrial clients
4. To provide an equitable and inclusive environment for scientific research
5. To help advance McMaster’s strategic priorities

CMCB’s labs cover a large scope of research activities: high-throughput screening, protein and cell biology, mass spectrometry, and chemical synthesis. Together, these modules provide the means for the development of new drugs, addressing fundamental biological questions, developing novel analytical techniques and technology, and training exceptionally skilled researchers. Services are generally centered around projects pertaining to infectious disease research, but are not limited to this area. The CMCB also supports researchers working on chronic diseases, AI, and aging, which combined with ID are all priority areas in McMaster’s strategic research plan.

Scientific Director: Dr. Matthew Miller
Facility Manager: Tracey Campbell

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Research Centre & Core Research Platform

The Centre of Excellence in Protective Equipment and Materials (CEPEM) aims to serve as the nucleus for research and development activities in the area of protective materials and equipment in Canada. The Centre supports research and development needs for Canadian companies, both existing and new, so that they can meet today’s needs and develop the next generation of personnel protective equipment to become global leaders in the future.

The Centre leads an advanced infrastructure and equipment platform – bringing together various interdisciplinary stakeholders from academia, industry and government – and provides opportunities for mentoring and training for high quality personnel.

Scientific Director: Dr. P. Ravi Selvanganapthy
Facility Manager: Rakesh Sahu

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Based within McMaster’s Faculty of Health Sciences, the Clinical Research Support Unit (CRSU) supports the next generation of clinical researchers leading collaborative studies that drive change in clinical practice and mobilize research insights beyond academia.

CRSU aims to decrease barriers to conducting clinical research for early and mid-career researchers with or without formal research training, as well as pilot or feasibility studies that would otherwise be challenging to complete. The Unit focuses on enhancing capacity to increase the quality of clinical research, maximize local and global outcomes, and attract new talent. CRSU offers advisory, collaboration and clinical research management services to support researchers.

Scientific Director: Dr. Paul Moayyedi
Facility Manager: Aida Fernandes

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The Community Research Platform (CRP) is an ongoing partnership between the Faculty of Social Sciences and five community organizations in Hamilton: the Hamilton Public Library (HPL), Canadian Mental Health Association of Hamilton (CMHA), YWCA of Hamilton, Centre for Artistic and Social Practice (C3), John Howard Society of Ontario (JHSO).

The CRP is a unique ‘platform’ model of community-university research partnership as it aims to develop and foster long term, sustainable, ‘programs of research’ that extend far beyond individual research projects. Stakeholders share research infrastructure in the form of space, software, data, equipment, and expertise. Five key thematic areas have emerged that align with the expertise and interests of McMaster researchers and the mandates of community partner organizations:

• Mental Health (CMHA)
• Arts-informed Research (C3)
• Social Engagement and Community Resilience (HPL)
• Gender and Intersectionality (YWCA)
• Crime, Criminalization and Punishment (JHSO).

For each thematic area, the CRP has formed working groups comprised of interdisciplinary researchers and community experts. Groups work to advance research that informs organizational practice and contributes to social impact (i.e., shedding light on social issues, supporting innovation, and providing guidance for policy). All CRP partners are well networked locally, regionally, and/or nationally, increasing the scalability and impact of research projects and knowledge mobilization activities.

Scientific Director: Dr. Christina Sinding
Facility Manager: Leora sas van der Linden

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Research Centre & Core Research Platform

The Digital Society Lab is a new interdisciplinary research facility dedicated to the study of the complex societal transformations that have accompanied the digital age. The Lab expects to offer high-performance computing, survey data (pertaining to citizens’ political attitudes, beliefs, and behaviours), and data analytic services.

Scientific Director: Dr. Clifton van der Linden
Facility Manager: John McAndrews

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Associated with the McMaster Immunology Research Centre

Glass Washing and Autoclave, located in MDCL 4091, is a staffed core service available to the McMaster community for washing of lab ware, autoclave sterilization of lab ware, dry loads and liquid loads. Glasswashing and autoclave sterilization is an essential component of many wet lab protocols; sterilization of glassware, flasks/bottles, solutions and hardware is required for a wide range of in vitro and in vivo experimentation.

Scientific Director: Dr. Carl D. Richards

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Associated with the McMaster Immunology Research Centre

The John Mayberry Histology Facility is a fully operational high quality histology core with the capacity to process, embed and section both formalin-fixed and cryopreserved tissues and stain by chemical, antibody and RNA probe technology. The Facility provides support to members of the McMaster Immunology Research Centre and is open to McMaster investigators and external laboratories, all on a fee-for service basis.

Scientific Director: Dr. Carl D. Richards

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Associated with the McMaster Institute for Music and the Mind

The LIVE (Large Interactive Virtual Environment) Lab is a unique 106-seat Research Performance Hall designed to investigate the experience of music, dance, multimedia presentations, and human interaction. The space includes Active Acoustic Control; Sound Recording Equipment; and measurement of Behavioural Responses, Movement (motion capture), Brain Responses (EEG), Muscle Tension (EMG), Heart Rate, Breathing Rate, and Sweating Responses (GSR). Research in the LIVELab is aimed both at theoretical understanding and applications to business, health, education public policy, and artistic creation.

Scientific Director: Dr. Laurel Trainor

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Associated with the Brockhouse Institute for Materials Research

The McMaster Analytical X-Ray Diffraction Facility (MAX) is a service, research, and teaching laboratory operated by the Department of Chemistry & Chemical Biology and the Brockhouse Institute for Materials Research. MAX integrates techniques and knowledge across the Faculties and is home to some of the top crystallographers in chemical and materials diffraction techniques in the country.

MAX supports Science and Engineering research at McMaster University using state of the art X-ray diffraction methods to characterize crystalline chemicals and materials, and develops new methods for collecting and interpreting diffraction data. MAX also trains students in the theory and practice of X-ray diffraction and provides fee for service characterization of chemicals and materials for external clients from industry and from other universities.

Scientific Director: Dr. Yurij Mozharivskyj
Facility Manager: James Britten

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The McMaster Concert Hall, located in L.R. Wilson Hall, features a pleasant acoustic environment and facilities. Seating 347 with 4 additional dedicated accessible seats, the venue has become the primary location for high profile university events, including conferences, keynote speakers, theatrical and musical performances and film screenings. The Concert Hall is home to the McMaster Chamber Ensemble, McMaster Concert Band, McMaster Percussion Ensemble, McMaster University Choir and Cantemus Vocal Ensemble.

Scientific Director: Dr. Patrick Brennan

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Associated with the Institute for Infectious Disease Research

The McMaster Core Flow Facility, aspects of which are located in the Health Sciences Centre and the Michael G. DeGroote Centre for Learning and Discovery, consists of both research and clinical laboratory facilities. The Facility provides access to operator-assisted sorters and to several state-of-the-art analytical flow cytometers, as well as a Cell Sorting service, comprehensive training and consultation services – enabling users to elevate the scope and quality of their research.

The Facility is accessible to a wide spectrum of investigators at McMaster University, as well as outside users. It is operated in a manner that maximizes research user access at a reasonable fee, and provides expertise to aid users in experimental design and protocol development.

Scientific Director: Dr. Carl D. Richards

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Research Centre & Core Research Platform

The McMaster Digital Transformation Research Centre (MDTRC) is a world-class research organization bringing together top researchers from the DeGroote School of Business, McMaster University, and beyond.

A growing wave of technological innovations is fueling the digitization of products, services, processes, organizations, industries, and entire ecosystems. The MDTRC was established to investigate the implications of digital transformation on our professional, educational, and personal lives. This innovative facility utilizes neuroscience tools and techniques as well as more traditional approaches in information systems to provide a more complete understanding of how the use of technology impacts us.

The MDTRC focuses both on the opportunities and challenges associated with digital transformation while working to optimize the use of information and communication technologies. It examines the implications of new technologies on employees, students and personal use cases. It informs ICT design and policy development and while also investigating the impact on workers and workplaces. It enhances social equality and technological accessibility issues facing the disadvantaged.

The MDTRC is designed to facilitate collaborative multidisciplinary research, student training, and executive education. This is facilitated through collaborations with key partners and affiliates in academia as well as the public, private, and not-for-profit sectors.

Scientific Director: Dr. Milena Head

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The McMaster Genomics Facility encompasses both the Farcombe Metagenomics Facility (FMF) and the Mobix Lab. The Facility provides valued NGS sequencing among other services and offers support to members of the McMaster University community, including academic and non-academic clients. The McMaster Genomics Facility team provides a full range of sequencing services to meet almost any sequencing need. Guidance on experimental design and the best choice of sequencing technology can be provided to customers unfamiliar with next generation sequencing. The Facility has expertise in every step in next generation sequencing from library construction to QC and generating the highest quality sequence data.

Research Services

The Farncombe Metagenomics Facility (FMF) provides Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) using a variety of platforms including: Illumina NextSeq 2000, Ilumina MiSeq and the Pacific Biosciences (PacBio) Sequel IIe System. The Facility presently uses the 10X Chromium X Controller for multiple single-cell sequencing assays. It offers DNA, RNA and protein analysis using Nanostring GEN2 nCounter technology. Other services include DNA and RNA quality assessment (Agilent Bioanalyzer, TapeStation and Femto Pulse Systems), DNA shearing (Covaris) and size selection (Blue Pippin).

The Mobix Lab provides high-quality capillary-based fluorescent Sanger Sequencing and Fragment analysis using our Applied Biosystems 3730 and SeqStudio Flex Genetic Analyzers. Services also include DNA and RNA Oligo synthesis service through an IDT portal.

Scientific Director: Dr. Michael Surette
Facility Manager: Christine Mader

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Research Institute & Core Research Platform

The McMaster Manufacturing Research Institute (MMRI) develops intelligent solutions to issues faced by Canada’s manufacturers in all steps of machining processes.

Nearly every industry is experiencing technological disruption. In manufacturing, developing new tooling and processes to meet shifting demands allows MMRI’s partners to stay ahead of the disruption curve.

Since 1999, MMRI has been a strategic partner to industry, applying world-class expertise and cutting-edge facilities to solving manufacturers’ challenges — honing processes to maximize productivity and quality while reducing cost, facilitating product innovation and providing training across a wide range of materials and manufacturing processes. MMRI also supports entrepreneurial programs through prototyping and full-scale production ramp up services.

For prospective researchers excited about the future of manufacturing, MMRI is a leading institute spanning many manufacturing processes where you can grow your experience and career in advanced manufacturing.

Research Services

• Performing material property assessments with a focus on surfaces
• Material selection to support high performance manufacturing
• Science-based tooling selection and development
• Data-based process development and optimization
• Condition-based monitoring of production assets and machine performance assessment

These services are organized to provide prototyping and manufacturing ramp-up support for local SMEs and startups. MMRI is establishing a 5G network within the facility that can be used as a test bed for assessing 5G applications in manufacturing.

Scientific Director: Dr. Stephen Veldhuis
Facility Manager: Steven Remilli

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Research Centre & Core Research Platform

The Physical Activity Centre of Excellence (PACE) team of researchers, staff and students help more than 500 community members stay active and healthy in their state-of-the-art exercise research and training centre.

PACE is committed to studying and improving the health and well-being of older adults and people living with chronic diseases or disabilities. Its five research-based exercise programs serve seniors and people living with cancer, heart disease, multiple sclerosis and spinal cord injuries.

More than 200 students work alongside PACE’s team of health professionals and staff in a specialized exercise and rehabilitation centre at McMaster University. Together, they provide community members with a welcoming, safe and supportive environment. Along with achieving their health and wellness goals, community members help students gain invaluable experience through experiential education. Community members can also participate in faculty-led research studies that advance scientific discoveries and knowledge related to health and exercise, active living and optimal aging.

PACE’s first program grew out of a research study conducted 40 years ago. Participants wanted a way to stay connected with each other and the university once the study was completed. While PACE has grown significantly over the decades since, that spirit of camaraderie remains strong among community members, students, staff and researchers.

Scientific Director: Dr. Stuart Phillips
Facility Manager: Angelica McQuarrie

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The McMaster Regional Centre for Mass Spectrometry (MRCMS) was officially opened in 1986 with funding provided by NSERC and McMaster University grants. Operated by a professional manager and a Research Scientist, MRCMS houses seven state-of-the-art mass spectrometers.

This world-class facility:

• Analyzes approximately 4000 samples per year
• Provides service to McMaster community, external institutions and corporations
• Offers 2-day turn around for most, regular samples
• Will develop special projects as per client requests
• Is one of the best equipped in Canada for the structural elucidation/analysis of unknown organic, inorganic, and biochemical materials
• Observes Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), instrument validation and documentation practices in adherence to the guidelines of Good Laboratory/Manufacturing Practices (GLP/GMP)

Research Services

• Identify components of complex mixtures
• Quantify components of complex mixtures
• Separation science: High Performance Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (LC/MS) and Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS)
• Solvent Purity Tests
• Targeted analyses in biological matrices
• Provide supporting information for publication submission

Scientific Director: Dr. Philip Britz-McKibbin
Facility Manager: Kirk Green

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The Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Facility was established in 1985, with funding from NSERC and McMaster University. The NMR Facility houses nine research NMR magnets, including a Bruker AVANCE III 700MHz, providing services to the Faculties of Science, Health Science, and Engineering. The NMRs serve several McMaster departments and research institutes as well as many clients outside the University.

The Facility is highly regarded in the Canadian chemical community for its versatility in the types of samples (organic, inorganic, biochemical, geological, industrial, forestry, agricultural and biomedical materials) that can be analyzed. It’s also known for the number of nuclei that can be studied by solution and solid state NMR.

Although the nine NMR spectrometers have many complementary capabilities, each is unique. NMR spectroscopy is an integral tool for advancing impactful research and excellence. The Facility has an extensive training program open to all McMaster researchers, empowering them to collect and analyze their own data independently. The Facility provides extensive expertise according to clients’ requirements, and supplement training when necessary.

Scientific Director: Dr. Gillian Goward
Facility Manager: Bob Berno

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Associated with the McMaster Immunology Research Centre

The Robert E. Fitzhenry Vector Laboratory has played a pivotal role in the development of immunotherapies in Canada. It was the first academic GMP facility in Canada to manufacture viral vectors approved for use by Health Canada for human clinical trials in 2009. The Laboratory is committed to supporting translational medicine by providing virus-vector manufacturing services to researchers who want to move forward to clinical trial testing of their product.

The Laboratory manufactures viral vectored vaccines for clinical testing on a campaign manufacturing basis. Between manufacturing campaigns, the Laboratory performs process development and collaborates with McMaster scientists and industry to aid in the development of new biomanufacturing technologies.

Scientific Director: Dr. Brian Lichty
Facility Manager: Maria fe Medina

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Research Centre & Core Research Platform

Spark: A Centre for Social Research Innovation is a McMaster Faculty of Social Sciences research centre. Spark works with faculty, students and staff in any Faculty at McMaster or neighboring colleges/universities, and with researchers, governments, businesses and not for profits in the community.

Spark brings the best of methodology to the challenge of understanding and responding to social dilemmas in ways that are innovative and transformative. Its training supports research-oriented students and faculty as well as policymakers and practitioners wanting to integrate evidence into how they do their work. Spark serves the needs of social researchers with an ever-growing body of knowledge and services, curating, building, and maintaining excellent research tools and facilities, and providing custom support and services. The Centre is a place where interdisciplinary, lived experience and the latest methods converge to spark innovative research.

Spark can help with any aspect of social research, including:

• The shift from, “I’m interested in X” to developing research questions
• Finding collaborators in academia or the community
• Training and support for a wide range of quantitative and qualitative methods
• Translation of research to policy and communities

Research Services

• SEAL: A secure data service where researchers can store and access highly sensitive data sets.
• Brighter Spark Applied Research: A consulting service to not for profits, government and companies seeking to measure impact or improve operations
• Qualitative Suite: Focus group and interview rooms
• Qualitative Software Pilot and Qualtrics Licenses: Access to research software
• Research Conversations: Up to 4 hours free consultation on research implementation
• Training and Implementation: Paid support for faculty around training their teams or implementing parts of their research
• CoLab: A free space for researchers to work

Scientific Director: Dr. Michelle Dion
Facility Manager: Allison Van

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Associated with the McMaster Immunology Research Centre

The Tissue Culture and Media Facility provides cell culture media essential for the growing of cells in culture for many wet lab experiments in cell biology, biochemistry, immunology and cancer research applications for in vitro and in vivo experimentation.

Scientific Director: Dr. Carl D. Richards

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