GVC.dtLab started out with a vision to fundamentally change the way we think about modern economies – free from arbitrary geographic boundaries. At the heart of our approach lies the use of data science to make complexities induced by globalization more palatable.
GVC.dtLab is an initiative by CIRANO, a nonprofit research organization, created in 2023 to develop solutions that address the divide between data on trade and transportation in the St. Lawrence – Great Lakes region. The lab counts academics and researchers among its ranks who have a unified vision of advancing the incumbent hypothetico-deductive research approach with an inductive one using data science methods. We produce original data-based research and analysis with the ultimate goal of establishing a closed loop, where our findings become the foundational data for further research.
The SLGL dataHub represents our first project in showcasing the role of digital twins using real-time data on trade and transportation to visualize the networks of regional interconnectedness that develop beyond arbitrary political borders under fast-evolving global dynamics.
With a change in perspective, we can better understand the complexities of globalization and navigate an increasingly uncertain world
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Our impact
We believe that our work will have far-reaching impacts beyond its transformation of economic analysis, driving meaningful change in the bi-national St. Lawrence – Great Lakes region. Our overarching research agenda aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 9, SDG 12 and SDG 13. The predictive capabilities of our digital twin enables us to deliver insights about global value chains from a unique multi-disciplinary perspective of analyzing trade through the region’s multi-modal transportation system. Our aim is to bolster policymaking as governments take action in the broader context of transport infrastructure investments, effective utilization of resources and action against climate change. Through our efforts, we strive to create a lasting positive impact, advancing the well-being of communities and contributing to a more sustainable future that works for the benefit of all.
Click on the above icons to learn more about the SDGs.
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Meet the team
GVC.dtLab is built on a foundation of multidisciplinary collaboration, uniting experts from diverse fields to address the most pressing economic and transportation issues in the bi-national St. Lawrence – Great Lakes region. Our lab brings together economists, transportation engineers, data scientists and policy experts to create innovative solutions that enable data-driven decision making.
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Executive committee
Nathalie de Marcellis-Warin
CEO – CIRANO
Christian Dea
Chief Economist – Transport Canada
Lindsay Robles
Director – Canadian Centre on Transportation Data
Colin Stacey
Director General – Supply Chain Office
Martin Trépanier
Director – CIRRELT
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Scientific committee
Loubna Benabbou
Researcher
Julien Martin
Researcher and Fellow
Loubna conducts research on supply chains and climate change risk mitigation using data science techniques
Julien conducts research on international trade and urban economics using granular firm level data
Martin Trépanier
Co-Principal Investigator
Thierry Warin
Co-Principal Investigator, Researcher and Fellow
Martin brings valuable insights on transportation through his research leadership at CIRRELT to the lab
Thierry leads the application of data science methodologies to study global transformations and economic dynamics
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Research
Lucien Chaffa
Postdoctoral Fellow
Lucien conducts research applying the lab’s data science methodology to international economics
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Digital twin
Aïchata Kone
Research Professional
Jeremy Schneider
Research Professional
Aïchata develops and applies the lab’s data science methodology to produce insights for research and policymaking
Jeremy develops and applies the lab’s data science methodology to produce insights for research and policymaking
Thibault Senegas
Data Scientist
Thibault develops and applies the lab’s data science methodology to produce insights for research and policymaking
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Scientific communications
Bilal Siddika
Research Professional
Bilal oversees the flow of knowledge both within and beyond the organization and also manages scientific communications
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Coordination
Sarah Elimam
Attaché to the CEO – Academic Partnerships and Special Projects
Molivann Panot
Project Director
Sarah is in charge of the liaison between the lab and our partners while also managing the lab’s scientific activities
Molivann is in charge of operationalizing the lab’s vision and coordinates its functioning and research activities
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Affiliated researchers
Lucian Cernat
Associate Researcher and Fellow
Alain Dudoit
Invited Fellow
Marcelin Joanis
Researcher and Fellow
Patrick Leblond
Researcher and Fellow
Florian Mayneris
Researcher and Fellow
Jean-Philippe Meloche
Researcher and Fellow
Stéphane Paquin
Researcher
Ingrid Peignier
Senior Director of Partnerships and Research Valorization
Dalibor Stevanovic
Researcher and Fellow
Ari Van Assche
Researcher and Fellow
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Our partners
Our project has been made possible thanks to funding from Transport Canada’s National Trade Corridors Fund and support from our partners
Transport Canada
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Industry association
SODES
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Research centres
CIRRELT
IVADO
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Universities
HEC Montréal
Polytechnique Montréal
UQÀM
UQAR