Vanguard Magazine

E M E R G I N G T E C H www.vanguardcanada.com FEBRUARY/MARCH 2025 19 equipped with the international travel capabilities to take on this sort of expedi- tion, they are not equipped with scientific research equipment. This is where the aca- demic and private sectors contributed an essential piece to this collaborative puzzle. An earlier MEOPAR project in collabo- ration with Hawboldt Industries, with funding from Irving Shipbuilding, known as the Modular Ocean Research Infra- structure (MORI), was designed specifi- cally to support scientific research on non- research vessels. "What MORI does is it allows quite so- phisticated research, that you'd typically only be able to do on a highly-customised research vessel, to be done on vessels that weren't primarily designed for science," said MEOPAR Associate Scientific Direc- tor and Dalhousie University Professor of Oceanography, Douglas Wallace. "In fact, in the very early stages of thinking about MORI, Canada's con- struction of Arctic and offshore patrol vessels was a motivation for the develop- ment of the concept and the infrastruc- ture, right from the very beginning." The deployment of MORI on this mis- sion brings the project full circle by allow- ing the scientists aboard the naval vessel to carry out essential research with the best tools for the job. Looking Forward The Margaret Brooke scientific expedition exemplifies Canada's ability to collaborate and innovate, while making a meaningful scientific contribution during times of in- tense geopolitical relationships. The expedition is the culmination of three sectors – government, academia and industry – working together and shows just how much can be achieved through suc- cessful collaboration efforts. Although this expedition may be the first of its kind, it is doubtful to be the last given the impor- tance of this work. Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada Polar Knowledge Canada (POLAR)/Savoir polaire Canada (POLAIRE). HMCS MARGARET BROOKE facilitates a boat transfer in Conception Bay Harbour. Photo: S2 Taylor Congdon, DND "Antarctica is important for the entire planet, especially when we think about the ocean. Cold and dense waters form in the region we are travelling to, bring- ing oxygen to the deep ocean and driving important currents for global climate and fisheries. Canada has many polar experts who study our Arctic, but as a country we have few chances to work in Antarctica," explained Brent Else, co-chief scientist on the expedition, and co-Scientific Director of MEOPAR. "Partnering with the Royal Canadian Navy to work on one of their newest ships is an amazing opportunity to bring Canada's excellent scientists from government departments and universities south, and contribute to the international effort to understand the global ocean." Specialized Equipment The extensive collaborative aspect of this expedition was not the only challenge to overcome. There are very few available re- search vessels in Canada, let alone ones ca- pable of making such a journey. And, while modern Royal Canadian Naval vessels like the Margaret Brooke are more than Margaret Brooke scientific expedition. Photo: MEOPAR "Antarctica is important for the entire planet, especially when we think about the ocean."

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