About Lucas


Technology transfer is made convenient with Lakehead University's Centre for Analytical Services (LUCAS) which acts as an access point to many of Lakehead University's laboratories. Internationally recognized scientists lead research teams that offer a wide range of expertise to users from North America and Europe.

LUCAS supports research & development, and training...

LUCAS combines experienced technical staff, internationally recognized researchers and unique technology, offering a wide range of scientific analyses in a single location. LUCAS has clients from across Canada and the US.

LUCAS supports economic development...

Accessing university facilities can save industry time and money by utilizing the unique capabilities and skills in place at the university. Many of the LUCAS operations have a proven track record in producing timely and accurate reports, allowing users to maintain productivity by responding quickly to production problems. Users are encouraged to visit the laboratories to discuss results or consult with the staff by phone. Proprietary information will be kept confidential if required.
 
Companies that are highly productive use advanced testing equipment such as scanning electron microscopy and x-ray diffraction use LUCAS facilities to help develop new products. Through LUCAS, these companie can gain access to advanced facilities which might be cost prohibitive to maintain themselves.
 
With modern communications and courier systems, location is no longer an issue for many of the clients of LUCAS.  Currently LUCAS has users in both Canada and the US who rely on our facilities and expertise. 

We support regional development...

Lakehead University is a regionally significant university with a mandate to provide services to Northern Ontario. Many local organizations rely on LUCAS analytical testing facilities for their research and development needs. Business, government and industry benefit from having internationally-recognized scientists leading research and development projects. This knowledge, expertise and quality is available right in Northern Ontario, saving time and reducing costs. LUCAS also offers subcontractor services, working in partnerships with private laboratories providing access to specialized apparatus which are not typically available in the region.

We maintain quality...

LUCAS is committed to maintaining quality in its services.

We support research...

The cornerstone to success for many of North America's most successfull enterprises is research and development. Lakehead University faculty includes international recognized researchers, many of whom are recognized leaders in their fields. Furthermore, government funding and tax incentives are available to support research projects, substantially reducing costs for industry. Funds generated are used to enhance the research infrastructure facilities at the university. These support a variety of research activities including those of graduate students and post-doctoral scientists, thus providing a foundation for research within the region.

We are a regional employer...

Post-secondary graduates, individuals with unique skills and capabilities, work in LUCAS operations and contribute to the region's economy.

We provide training...

LUCAS offers 'hands on' technical workshops in a number of exciting new technologies such as DNA analysis, instrumentation techniques and quality control methods.
  • Nearly 200 students have taken a three-week course on DNA analysis from the Paleo DNA Laboratory in the past 9 years. Check out the CBC Interview in the Media Blog section, featuring a couple international students that traveled to Thunder Bay to take the training.
  • Seventy -six thesis students were trained on technologies used by natural resource and environmental based industries in LUIL last year.

Research funding may be available...

For more information on how research can help your organization and how to obtain funding support, contact:
Your comments are appreciated. We are always interested in how our university can better serve your organization. You can send comments directly to LUCAS care of:
  • Allan Mackenzie, 807-343-8853

LUCAS Lakehead University