University of Toronto Institute for Aerospace Studies - Definition and Overview

The University of Toronto Institute for Aerospace Studies - or UTIAS (pronounced you-TIE-us) as it is commonly referred to - was established in 1949. It serves as both a premier research institute, and a graduate school, offering masters and doctorates.

It is officially part of the St. George Campus of the University of Toronto, although it is situated at a significant distance from the campus, at the Northern edge of Toronto.

In recent years, the institute has seen a number of firsts: world's first microwave-powered aircraft, the world's first engine-powered ornithopter (both inventions of James DeLaurier), and Canada's first space telescope. The major expertise areas represented are aircraft design, particularly at subsonic speeds, flight simulation, space robotics, and nuclear fusion. It has a close relationship with MD Robotics, the company which used to be called Spar and created the Canadarm for NASA.