TMU engineering professor selected for France-Canada collaboration initiative
Toronto Metropolitan University’s (TMU) Mohammadreza Arani is one of 18 researchers selected to participate in the Mourou-Strickland Mobility Program designed by the French Embassy in Canada. Later this summer, Arani will spend two weeks in France, hosted by associate professor Mostafa Ameli from the Université Gustave Eiffel (external link) . The cross-border initiative will allow the two researchers to build on previous collaborations through in-person research, knowledge exchange and joint planning.
“This initiative will help us lay the groundwork for a broader and more sustained partnership between our Canadian and French research teams.”
Safeguarding transportation infrastructure, together
Today’s vehicles and transit networks increasingly rely on smart and electric technologies. With these advancements come new challenges, from ensuring the energy grid is resilient to protecting cars from cybersecurity attacks. To help address these complexities, Arani, a leading Canadian expert in cyber-physical security of critical infrastructure, and Ameli, a leading French expert in intelligent transportation systems, began teaming up several years ago. Most recently, they produced a joint article examining the cybersecurity vulnerabilities of variable speed-limit systems and their potential effects on traffic safety.
Two countries, one ongoing partnership
Thanks to the Mourou-Strickland Mobility Program, the researchers will now work together in France, bolstering their joint work. The team will examine how the widespread deployment of electric-vehicle fast-charging infrastructure affects transportation demand and the operation and reliability of power distribution networks. Another area of their collaboration will explore AI-based anomaly-detection methods for identifying cyberattacks targeting connected transportation infrastructure, including vehicular ad hoc networks.
Looking ahead, the researchers plan to build on their partnership and establish a pipeline for students to work under joint supervision – bringing together more perspectives and disciplines to solve future transportation challenges.
Learn more about TMU professor Reza Arani and his research.
Learn more about professor Mostafa Ameli. (external link)
Read about the Mourou-Strickland Mobility Program. (external link)