Carleton University announced today its partnership in the Canadian Arrhythmia Network, a national program to combat heart rhythm disturbances affecting millions of Canadians that result in sudden deaths and reduced quality of life.

The Networks of Centres of Excellence (NCE) project based in London, Ont., is an unparalleled opportunity to connect excellence in research with social and economic benefits for Canadians. CANet aims to provide the tools to empower people to manage their own health and allow caregivers to improve patient care.

To that end, Carleton’s Faculty of Engineering and Design is contributing its expertise in biomedical engineering. Carleton researchers will participate in the area of technological innovations for the improvement of diagnosis of conditions leading to sudden cardiac deaths, atrial fibrillation, and of syncope.

Carleton researchers will be led by Rafik Goubran, professor and dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Design, a leading expert in the area of digital signal processing and its various applications, including biomedical devices and solutions in health care. In addition, Carleton’s Digital Signal Processing laboratory will be a key piece of infrastructure for conducting CANet research and collaborations.

“Biomedical Engineering is a key area of our faculty,” said Dr. Goubran. “We have brilliant researchers and more than 350 students enrolled in our various programs related to biomedical engineering.”

Details of the CANet Project were revealed in London today by Ed Holder, minister of state (Science and Technology).The new network will receive $26.3 million over five years through the Science, Technology and Innovation Strategy. It brings together clinicians, engineers, patients, industry and government to reduce sudden cardiac deaths, currently the leading cause of death in Canada at 40,000 people a year. The project will focus on early detection and intervention to transform arrhythmia care practices in Canada.

The federal investment is the result of the most recent competition in the NCE, which resulted in four new networks and a renewal, bringing the total to 14. Carleton will be participating widely in another network, AGE-WELL, which will be based in Toronto and focused on independent living for aging adults. Details will be available early next year.

“The new additions to the Networks of Centres of Excellence will undertake research into important aspects of biochemistry, cancer, arrhythmia, aging and brain development, leveraging nation-wide talent and resources to tackle social and economic challenges that are important to Canadians,” said Holder.

The Faculty of Engineering and Design at Carleton University is a leader in the study of engineering, architecture, industrial design and information technology and offers a comprehensive platform of research-intensive undergraduate and graduate programs. Interdisciplinary research and collaboration with health-care partners brings together our expertise in patient monitoring, biosensors, biological signals and sensing, and medical devices.

About Carleton University:
Located in the nation’s capital, Carleton University is a dynamic research and teaching institution with a tradition of leading change. Its internationally recognized faculty, staff and researchers provide more than 28,000 full- and part-time students from every province and more than 100 countries around the world with academic opportunities in more than 65 programs of study, including public affairs, journalism, film studies, engineering, high technology, and international studies. Carleton’s creative, interdisciplinary and international approach to research has led to many significant discoveries and creative works in science and technology, business, governance, public policy and the arts. As an innovative institution Carleton is uniquely committed to developing solutions to real-world problems by pushing the boundaries of knowledge and understanding daily.

For more information:
Christopher Cline
Media Relations Officer
613-520-2600, ext. 1391
613-884-0676 (cell)
Christopher.Cline@Carleton.ca

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