Canadian Researchers Win Prestigious Award for Groundbreaking Work in Emergency Response

In a significant achievement for Canada’s research community, Professor Tiago Falk, a distinguished expert in wireless multimedia communications from the Institut national de la recherche scientifique (INRS), and Professor Sébastien Tremblay, a cognitive psychology specialist at Université Laval, have been honored with the 2024 Synergy Award for Innovation in the University Partnerships category. This accolade, presented by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), recognizes outstanding collaboration between academic researchers and private-sector partners.

The duo, alongside their private-sector collaborator Thales, the École nationale de police du Québec, and the Centre de recherche et d’innovation en sécurité civile du Québec (Centre RISC), have made strides in developing innovative "operator functional state" (OFS) assessment models. These models utilize real-time physiological and behavioral data collected via wearable sensor technology to enhance the performance and safety of first responders in high-pressure situations.

In response to the escalating demands placed on professionals in emergency and public safety roles, the concept of OFS becomes crucial. It evaluates an individual's readiness to execute tasks by considering various factors, such as mental workload, fatigue, stress levels, and physical activity. This revolutionary approach supports front-line personnel—ranging from police and paramedics to public safety officers and healthcare professionals—by enabling them to monitor their well-being more effectively.

Professor Falk, who leads the Multimedia/Multimodal Signal Analysis and Enhancement Laboratory (MuSAE Lab), expressed gratitude for the recognition, stating, “This award acknowledges the hard work and dedication we've shown with our partners over the past decade to empower Canadian first responders. Seeing our stress detection tools utilized by those on the front lines not only improves their mental health but significantly enhances the lives of Canadians.”

The research team amassed critical datasets that facilitated the development of advanced cognitive AI models capable of predicting first responders’ OFS and quantifying factors associated with stress, anxiety, and fatigue. The practical impact of their work is evident, with the tools being employed by notable organizations, including the Canadian Space Agency, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), and Public Safety Canada, to ensure the safety of Canadians. Additionally, healthcare facilities utilized these models to monitor and address burnout among nurses and doctors, as well as to support patients during solitary quarantine periods amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Looking ahead, the versatile applications of these models are promising. Their potential extends beyond emergency services; they could be integrated into manufacturing environments to assess operator stress and fatigue, helping companies maintain a competitive edge by fostering a healthier, more efficient workforce.

This pioneering work not only exemplifies the power of collaboration between academia and industry but also underscores the critical need for innovative solutions to support the mental well-being of those who serve and protect society.