Grant: CCI Mobilize Grants

A sprint is a rapid move forward: the proposed Sustainable Prosperity through Research, Innovation, Novel Technology and Training (SPRINT2) program at NSCC endeavours to strengthen the region’s digital and Information Technology research workforce, undertake time-critical research for industry and community partners, and respond to the need for rapid movement in Canada and beyond to develop solutions to such major challenges as Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (EDIA), Climate Change, and the Future of Work in an increasingly digital world. Specific objectives under the Mobilize grant are to: 1) Engage in greater collaboration with communities and partners that have previously been under-represented or faced barriers in access to research and innovation, notably Indigenous and Black Nova Scotian communities, 2) Establish the necessary human resources to address gaps in Nova Scotia’s applied research and skilled research workforce, and 3) Extend and digitalize the college’s current applied research capabilities to reach more partners and grow into new research areas such as Social Innovation, digital health, and beyond. The grant objectives align directly with the college’s applied research priorities and institutional strategic direction. The SPRINT2 research program builds on existing strength in natural science and engineering at NSCC in areas such as geomatics, engineered technology, sustainable energy, agriculture and environment and ocean technology. Information technology opens this expertise to new applications. Mobilize funding will allow for far greater student research training, more inclusive research, and work on innovative projects ranging from clean water and energy to safety and social change. To achieve this, key gaps in the college’s existing research program are addressed via the creation of a research project manager to support interdisciplinary projects, research facilitators to connect directly with communities on their research needs, and a research coordinator to better manage research data and research ethics. A highlight of the SPRINT2 program is new opportunities for college faculty and students to undertake research training working directly with industry and community partners.