Research at the forefront of knowledge.

The Manitoba Institute for Materials (MIM) brings together more than 200 researchers and students. Their collaborative endeavors are enhanced by the state-of-the-art composite and material characterization facility, located within the Fort Garry campus. Researchers and students from all disciplines collaborate in the lab, using the world’s most cutting-edge equipment to develop hands-on skills for tomorrow’s workplace while tackling the challenges facing today’s communities. Consistent with the principles outlined in the Territory acknowledgment, the MIM team commits to advancing the University’s progress towards meaningful Reconciliation and partnership with Indigenous communities.

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Three students gather around a fourth as he sits at a desk and operates a Manitoba Institute for Materials instrument.

Our team

The Manitoba Institute for Materials is a multi-faculty organization bringing together researchers from a broad variety of fields.

Instruments

MIM's dedicated materials characterization facility includes state-of-the-art electron microscopes, analytical instruments and a dedicated sample preparation laboratory. These resources are supported by dedicated technical personnel with interdisciplinary experience and a track record of partnership-building.

MIM instruments spotlight

FEI Quanta 650 FEG Environmental SEM

The Quanta 650 FEG is a variable pressure field emission scanning electron microscope for high-resolution imaging (SE, BSE) and X-ray microanalysis with low-vacuum capabilities for really challenging samples and dynamic experiments. It can be used for characterization, prototyping and in situ analysis of both conductive and non-conductive solid specimens at low and high temperatures.

FEI Nova NanoSEM 450

The FEI Nova NanoSEM is a high-resolution scanning electron microscope (SEM) with advanced optics including a magnetic immersion lens for imaging a high magnification. Equipped with a field emission gun for high beam current and an in lens detector for secondary (SE) and backscattered (BSE) electrons.

FEI Talos F200X S/TEM

The FEI Talos F200X is state of the art scanning/transmission electron microscope for research in different areas of materials science. It has a higher brightness and high stability electron beam due to field emission electron source (X-FEG).

Kratos Axis Ultra X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy

The AXIS Ultra is an X-ray photoelectron spectrometer that offers a combination of XPS imaging and spectroscopic capabilities. It also has an automated system for large sample handling.

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The FEI Quanta 650 FEG Environmental SEM.
The FEI Nova NanoSEM 450.
The FEI Talos F200X microscope.
The Kratos Axis Ultra X-ray Photoelectron.

In addition to MIM's own instruments, we provide access to dozens of industry-leading research instruments through many university departments.

Visit the full MIM instrument list Find instruments across campus

Research expertise and community

About MIM

The facility is a strategic investment in shared infrastructure, as a result of partnership between federal, provincial, university and industry.

The role of the Manitoba Institute for Materials is to develop and enhance opportunities for research partnerships and personnel training at the University of Manitoba and in the Prairie region. The MIM team is committed to providing a supportive, inclusive, and welcoming environment by upholding principles of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion.

  • Facilities

    A state-of-the-art research and training facility specializing in material and composite characterization, opened in 2016, through partnerships with SFR, FEI, GE, CIC, Western Economic Diversification, the Province of Manitoba and the University of Manitoba. Our world-class infrastructure is available for use by members, collaborators and industry partners. Our goal is to support leading edge research and game-changing industrial development.

  • Materials

    Materials are at the cornerstone of all aspects of our economy: we draw on resources in the earth to provide raw materials, we create the newest technologies with them and incorporate these capabilities in the design of every device and structure that we use. Just as it impacts society and the economy, materials research represents a significant portion of the research and partnerships based at the University of Manitoba and underpins much of the diversity and growth potential in the regional economy.

  • Research excellence

    Our diverse base of expertise and infrastructure ensures that questions can be thoroughly investigated and the outcomes supported by state-of-the-art measurements. Our internal networks -- as well as the annual Manitoba Materials Conference -- ensure that new collaborators tap into expertise that can grapple with both intricacies of application and complexities of fundamentals. Dedicated technical staff train users and provide skilled and detailed analyses of samples for our partners.

Contact us

Manitoba Institute for Materials
20 Sifton Rd.
University of Manitoba (Fort Garry campus)
Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2 Canada

204-474-7820
204-474-7384