Radar and satellite domes in Greenland with mountains and ocean in the background

Data, Security + Defence Technology, + Predictive Systems

UBC Applied Science advances critical technologies in sensing, surveillance and secure communications that are essential for Arctic domain awareness, security and defence applications, leveraging expertise in radar systems, ice detection and next-generation wireless communications.

Our researchers are developing cutting-edge technologies for Arctic surveillance and security, including advanced sensor systems for ice detection, secure 5G/6G communication networks and AI-powered predictive systems for Arctic operations. These innovations directly support Canada's Arctic sovereignty priorities by enhancing domain awareness, improving communication capabilities and strengthening defence technologies for northern operations.

UBC's research program combines expertise in microelectronics, wireless communications and machine learning to create integrated systems that can operate reliably in harsh Arctic conditions while providing enhanced security and surveillance capabilities. 

Research Excellence Clusters

Institute for Computing, Information and Cognitive Systems (ICICS)

ICICS brings together UBC's expertise in computing, communications, and artificial intelligence to address complex challenges in data processing and secure communications. The institute's work on 5G/6G networks and machine learning applications is particularly relevant for Arctic communication sand surveillance systems.

Okanagan MicroElectronics and Gigahertz Applications (OMEGA) Laboratory

Directed by Dr. Mohammad Zarifi, OMEGA Lab specializes in microwave sensors, ice detection systems, and advanced electronics for harsh environment applications. The lab's ice detection technologies have gained significant attention from aviation and renewable energy industries and are directly applicable to Arctic operations.

UBC-Rogers 5G Partnership

This collaboration focuses on next-generation wireless communication technologies, including situational-aware 5G networks for defense applications and advanced communication systems for remote operations. The partnership addresses critical needs for reliable, secure communications in Arctic regions.

Major Partners

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Research Expertise

Mohammad Zarifi portrait

Mohammad Zarifi

Associate Professor, School of Engineering, Principal's Research Chair in Sensors and Microelectronics

Ice detection and monitoring systems, microwave sensors for harsh environments, smart de-icing technologies, wireless sensor networks for Arctic applications, advanced electronics for extreme conditions

Arctic Ice Detection

Vincent Wong portrait

Vincent Wong

Professor, Electrical and Computer Engineering

5G/6G wireless networks and security, machine learning for communication systems, network optimization for remote operations, secure data communications for defence applications, smart grid technologies

David Michelson portrait

David Michelson

Associate Professor, Electrical and Computer Engineering

Radar systems and signal processing, propagation modeling for harsh environments, wireless communication systems, antenna design for extreme conditions

Anais Orsi portrait

Anais Orsi

Assistant Professor, Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences

Polar climate modeling and prediction, climate reconstruction from ice cores, Arctic climate dynamics, predictive systems for Arctic weather and ice conditions

Karthik Pattabiraman portrait

Karthik Pattabiraman

Professor, Electrical and Computer Engineering

Dependable computer systems, computer security, cyber-physical systems, software engineering, cyber security of autonomous systems

 
 
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Arctic Ice Detection

UBC engineers are building low-cost microwave sensors that detect ice formation in real time on aircraft, drones and wind turbines, enabling safer operations in extreme northern conditions while minimizing detectable signatures.

Let's work together

Join us. Bring research and innovation insight to your biggest challenges. We work with industry, non-profit and government partners to accelerate solutions for the future.

Contact Us

UBC is located on the traditional, ancestral and unceded territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm people (Musqueam; which means 'People of the River Grass') and Syilx Okanagan Nation. The land has always been a place of learning for the Musqueam and Syilx peoples, who for millennia have passed on their culture, history and traditions from one generation to the next.

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