GVCdtLab 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.

GVCdtLab 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
GVCdtLab 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.

Thierry Warin
Principal Investigator

Martin Trépanier
Co-Principal Investigator
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Thierry leads the application of data science methodologies to study global transformations and economic dynamics
Martin brings valuable insights on transportation research that complement the lab’s economic research and analysis

Molivann Panot
Project Director

Sarah Elimam
Academic Partnerships and Special Projects
Molivann is in charge of operationalizing the lab’s vision and coordinates its functioning and research activities
Sarah is in charge of the liaison between the lab and our partners while also managing the lab’s scientific activities

Aïchata Kone
Research Professional

Jeremy Schneider
Research Professional
Aïchata develops and maintains the lab’s digital twin technology and data science methodologies for the production of original research
Jeremy develops and maintains the lab’s digital twin technology and data science methodologies for the production of original research

Thibault Senegas
Data Scientist

Bilal Siddika
Research Professional
Thibault develops and maintains the lab’s digital twin technology and data science methodologies for the production of original research
Bilal manages the lab’s scientific communications and applies its output to produce pertinent insights for research and policymaking

Lucien Chaffa
Postdoctoral Fellow

Igor Sadoune
Postdoctoral Fellow
Lucien investigates the interactions and dynamics between firms, key infrastructure and supply chains using data science methods
Igor is an AI researcher specializing in public policy and decision-making, developing reinforcement learning solutions for trade policy

Adam Touré
Postdoctoral Fellow
Adam studies the interplay between time and trade at a granular scale using the lab’s data science tools and methodologies
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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

Martin Trépanier
Director – CIRRELT
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Scientific committee

Loubna Benabbou
Researcher

Julien Martin
CIRANO Researcher and Fellow

Martin Trépanier
Researcher

Thierry Warin
CIRANO Researcher and Fellow
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Affiliated researchers

Lucian Cernat
CIRANO Associate Researcher and Fellow

Nathalie de Marcellis-Warin
CIRANO Researcher and Fellow

Alain Dudoit
CIRANO Invited Fellow
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Marcelin Joanis
CIRANO Researcher and Fellow

Patrick Leblond
CIRANO Researcher and Fellow

Florian Mayneris
CIRANO Researcher and Fellow

Jean-Philippe Meloche
CIRANO Researcher and Fellow

Stéphane Paquin
CIRANO Researcher

Ingrid Peignier
Senior Director of Partnerships and Research Valorization

Dalibor Stevanovic
CIRANO Researcher and Fellow

Ari Van Assche
CIRANO 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