Message from the Dean

Engineering a Future Without Limits

Simaan AbouRizk, Dean of Engineering, outside

Our journey at the University of Alberta has always been defined by a singular, restless ambition: to solve the world’s most pressing challenges. Since 1908, this faculty has stood at the forefront of progress, and today, that legacy is more vibrant than ever. Our mission is clear—to be the most daring engineering community on the planet.

This past year has been nothing short of remarkable. Guided by a "no-limit" philosophy, we have pushed the boundaries of energy, environment, and quantum technology. Our collective dedication has earned us a place as the fifth-ranked engineering faculty in Canada, a testament to the brilliance and resilience of our people.

We are currently experiencing an energizing influx of talent, with a record 4,992 undergraduate and 1,581 graduate students in Fall 2025. This new generation is entering an ecosystem designed for radical innovation. This year alone, we launched the first Mechatronics and Robotics co-op cohort and our first fully online MEng program, opened the Centre for Applied Research in Defence and Dual-use Technologies and the Centre for Hydrogen Innovation Workforce Development and Outreach, and advanced undergraduate renewals and secured national accreditation to ensure engineering students have a world-class foundation for their future careers.

The future of engineering is interdisciplinary. We are blurring traditional lines to uncover breakthroughs at the intersection of diverse fields. By uniting our expertise with partners across the university and industry, we are transforming "what is" into "what could be."

To sustain this momentum, we are expanding our research capacity, empowering a positive and inclusive culture, and investing in the top-tier facilities our community deserves.

I am profoundly grateful for your unwavering support. As you explore this Impact Report, I hope you feel the same sense of pride and purpose that I do. Together, we are not just teaching engineering; we are engineering a better world.

With profound gratitude and utmost respect,

Simaan AbouRizk PhD, PEng, FRSC