Grant: CCI Mobilize Grants

Algonquin College, with the support of the NSERC Mobilize program, is launching a unique initiative called the RESEARCH DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTE (RDI). The RDI will serve a dual purpose: (1) To support highly strategic applied research projects in collaboration with industry and community partners (an estimated five projects per year). (2) To grow applied research capacity within the College. Under task (1) the RDI will support special, collaborative applied research projects that have strategic importance to the College and community. The projects will reside in the College’s existing domains of research excellence, and they will address issues of national importance. The five projects for the inaugural year of the RDI, labeled SP1 to SP5, will tackle: (SP1) Supply chain innovation (with a large grocery chain). (SP2) Tools for on-line learning and EDI (with Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario). (SP3) Intimate partner violence and concussion (with a local medical device company). (SP4) Wastewater for rural development (with the Township of Eganville). (SP5) Reduction of carbon footprint in biogas generation (with a leading biotech company). The RDI will provide teaching release for Principal Investigators (PIs) and salaries for student research assistants to lead these projects. In all cases the RDI will maximize the number of in-class (unpaid) students who are engaged. Under task (2) the RDI will introduce a new type of faculty course-release called RESEARCH ENGAGEMENT FACILITATOR (REF). REFs will act as catalysts to grow Algonquin’s applied research capacity. They will mentor other professors who seek to adopt applied research activities and they will assist with tasks such as grant writing, business development, outreach, and networking. The key strategy of the RDI is to draw the PIs and REFs from the College’s full-time teaching staff. This is a departure from historical practices in which part-time professors were contracted to lead applied research projects. The new focus on full-time professors, which is supported by College management, will ensure that research know-how stays within the College. This will fortify Algonquin’s research culture and it will foster organic growth of research throughout the campus. The aim is to embed applied research in Algonquin’s cultural fabric and to ensure that it becomes self-sufficient, sustainable, and resilient to unforeseen changes in research funding and in society at large.