Grant: CCI Mobilize Grants

Durham College is applying for NSERC Mobilize funding to implement strategies designed to meet research, innovation, and labour market priorities of multisectoral organizations in Durham Region. Mobilize will enable regional organizations to address the persistent impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and the economic downturn via the development of community innovations and the adoption of digital technologies leading to regional and national socio-economic benefits. Our strong track record in applied is upheld by our commitment to research and innovation, team expertise and research infrastructure, focus on excellent customer service and delivery, and successful outreach. Durham has five research centres: The AI Hub is our most mature research and development centre, and features an expert team, state-of-the-art infrastructure, strong networks and partnerships, and well-established processes for excellence in customer service. The MRC Studio has rapidly gained capacity to become an advanced research centre with an expert team, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and strong networks and partnerships. The Centre for Cybersecurity Innovation is an established research centre with an experienced team, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and growing networks and partnerships. The Social Impact Hub is a developing research centre with multiple research themes, and growing teams, networks, and partnerships. Our specific objectives are to: (1) Drive socio-economic success in our community. (2) Expand and deepen regional partnerships. (3) Meet skills gaps and labour market needs by increasing research and innovation training opportunities for diverse students. (4) Develop and strengthen faculty and staff research and innovation capabilities. (5) Grow research capacity within our research centres. (6) Foster equitable, diverse, and inclusive work environments. (7) Responsibly manage resources and ensure good governance. The long-term goals of Mobilize funding are to enable Durham to: (a) Increase regional prosperity via the development of innovations, products, technology, and solutions with our partners. (b) Foster a more inclusive, equitable, safe, and healthy community via the creation of community innovations with our partners. (c) Meet labour market demand for highly qualified and skilled personnel (HQSP) with 21st century skills. (d) Increase and deepen DC’s network of partners, including strategic collaborations with synergistic benefits.