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International partnership with Durham College and the University of the Highlands and Islands advances renewable energy education and workforce development

Canada’s growing investment in renewable energy infrastructure is increasing demand for skilled professionals with the expertise to plan and deliver complex energy projects. To meet this need, Durham College (DC), in partnership with the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) in Scotland, is launching an online training module that provides learners the skills needed to manage renewable energy projects from planning through implementation.

Registration is now open for the Renewable Energy Project Management module, which is designed for both those entering the energy sector as well as working professionals. Delivered entirely online with flexible start dates, participants can begin at any time and progress at their own pace. Covering the full project lifecycle, participants will build practical skills in stakeholder engagement, budgeting, risk management, and project planning using industry-standard tools in less than 12 weeks. Upon successful completion, learners will receive a dual-branded Acknowledgement of Completion from both DC and UHI.

“Canada’s clean energy transition depends on more than new technology. It requires a workforce with the skills to turn ambitious projects into reality,” said Robin Young, Executive Director, Business and Workforce Development, Corporate Training Services at DC. “DC is uniquely positioned to bridge skill gaps with our specialized training facilities, industry-aligned curriculum, and deep ties to Canada’s energy sector needed to meet the growing demand for skilled talent.”

The module will be created by specialist colleagues at UHI Moray on behalf of UHI, reflecting the university partnership strengths, drawing on UHI Moray’s expertise in energy education. This collaborative approach ensures a globally informed curriculum that reflects current industry practices and the evolving needs of the energy sector across Canada and the United Kingdom.

“This exciting module draws on the strength of international collaboration in addressing the skills needed for the transition to a low-carbon economy,” shared Professor Su Bryan, Dean of Science, Health and Environment at UHI. “Our partnership with Durham College combines complementary expertise and industry insights to create flexible learning to support energy transition.  This programme will be delivered by our specialist colleagues at UHI Moray. It reflects the collective expertise and shared ambition of the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) partnership to provide accessible, high-quality education with global relevance.”

The module marks the first initiative to emerge from DC’s partnership with UHI, bringing together international academic expertise with input from leading energy sector organizations, including Ontario Power Generation (OPG), Statkraft, and SSE Renewables Ltd.

“Demand for clean, reliable renewable power continues to grow, and so does the need for skilled professionals who can help deliver complex energy projects,” said Mike Woodcock, Vice President, Operations, Ontario Power Generation. “OPG’s renewable assets have supported Ontario’s energy needs for generations, and continued investment in upgrades, redevelopment and optimization is essential to meeting future demand. Modules like this play an important role in building the workforce needed to lead renewable energy projects and support the province’s energy future.”

Registration is now open, and learners can start as early as September 14, 2026. As a self-paced module with continuous intakes, participants can register at any time and choose their preferred start date.

More information is available on the Renewable Energy Management Module webpage and on the Skills for Jobs Canada website.

Making an impact: Amanda Cappon’s applied research journey

Amanda Cappon never expected applied research to become such an important part of her work — but today, the Durham College (DC) faculty member is helping create meaningful change in the community through collaborative research initiatives. 

“Applied research means I get to interact with people and hear the stories of those living through these experiences — and understand the impact it has on clients and organizations,” said Cappon. “That is research I love and want to get behind.” 

Cappon’s passion for applied research, however, was unexpected. Her introduction to research prior to her time at DC was discouraging, and it wasn’t until she met colleague Lorraine Closs (retired) and discovered DC’s Social Impact Hub that her interest was piqued. The Social Impact Hub supports researchers in community-engaged research projects leveraging faculty expertise, student talent and strong community partnerships. 

That experience became a turning point; reshaping Cappon’s understanding of what research could be. Through this work, she discovered how applied research at DC connects students, faculty and community partners to create practical solutions for real-world challenges. 

Through her work with DC’s Social Impact Hub, Cappon co-led a multi-year research project with a diverse and inclusive steering committee titled Raising Resilient Families: Empowering Parents with Cognitive Challenges. The primary community organization and partner for this project was the Starfish Parent Support Program,  The project combined research evidence with lived experience to develop meaningful supports and resources for parents with cognitive challenges, including a post-birth advocacy document, parent and peer-led support groups and offered specialized training (the Step-by-Step Parenting Program) for social service and child protection workers to have increased awareness of how to best support parents who have cognitive challenges. 

“Applied research is exactly what it sounds like — research that is directly applied to support those impacted,” Cappon exclaimed. “As can be imagined, this is a population of parents who experience widespread stigma and discrimination. This was important work for me.”

The project has already created lasting change in the community. The EarlyOn now offers dedicated programming times exclusively for parents with cognitive challenges and their children. During these sessions, DC’s Early Childhood Education students provide hands-on support to parents and families, creating an inclusive and supportive environment. 

The project wrapped in January and was nominated for the 2026 Community-Based Research Canada Award of Excellence in Community-Campus Research Partnership. “To me, this nomination means that others value the research we have done and the community collaboration we demonstrated throughout the project,” Cappon said.

Today, Cappon brings those experiences back into the classroom. She encourages students to participate in applied research opportunities that help them build practical skills while contributing to initiatives that make a difference. Her journey reflects how applied research at DC can transform perspectives and is driving meaningful impact in our communities. 

Colleges and Institutes Canada recognizes DC for excellence in Applied Research and Innovation

Durham College (DC) has been honoured by Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan) with their coveted Award of Excellence.

During today’s 2026 CICan Connections Conference in Ottawa, we received the Gold Program Excellence Award for Applied Research and Innovation.

The award recognizes the significant growth of DC’s research centres over the last five years, and the national recognition and industry partnerships our Office of Research Services, Innovation and Entrepreneurship (ORSIE) continues to foster.

“We have five high-performing research centres that are really recognized in their fields,” said Debbie McKee Demczyk, Associate Vice President, Innovation and Research. “I am immensely proud and grateful to work with our team of superstars. These are people who care deeply about our community. They care about success and excellence, and they care about providing students with great opportunities to work on amazing projects.”

Each of DC’s research centres played a key role in earning this award, according to McKee Demczyk.

  • “The AI Hub is a Technology Access Centre – supported by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada – that has become very well known, not only locally, but also nationally. We’ve earned a lot of respect in that ecosystem.”
  • “The Mixed Reality Capture Studio is doing a fabulous job of carving out a space for themselves, and expanding virtual production capabilities with a new LED research stage to meet growing demand in a number of sectors. It’s really a centre of excellence.”
  • “There is tremendous promise in the work the Centre for Cybersecurity Innovation can do in support of the defense sector. We’re very strongly positioned to help organizations enter the defense space or become more prepared to be part of that defense supply chain.”
  • “The Centre for Craft Beverage Innovation is serving a lot of needs that are complementary to small business and entrepreneurship and the tourism focus of Durham Region.”
  • “The Social Impact Hub is making a difference right here in our community by collaborating with organizations to develop new approaches to serving their clients.”

Although the work of our research centres speaks for itself, there’s no denying the value of receiving an award from CICan.

“It’s really a stamp of credibility. Our clients know that we do good work, but when they hear that we’ve won this gold award, it’s just another way of recognizing that they made the right choice in coming to us. They take great pride in knowing that they’ve worked with a top of class research centre,” said McKee Demczyk.

That pride can be shared by everyone at DC.

“We’ve got a pretty awesome applied research enterprise here at Durham College.”

Durham College and Ayrshire College advance international partnership through immersive training innovation

Durham College (DC) and Ayrshire College are strengthening their international collaboration through a project that emphasizes workforce development, learning innovation and industry-focused education.

At the centre of this project is a 3D mixed-reality model of a Boeing turbine engine, managed by DC’s Corporate Training Services and developed by DC’s Mixed Reality Capture Studio (MRC). The interactive model allows students to explore the engine in detail, virtually disassembling components to better understand how the technology is built, maintained and serviced.

“Our partnership with Ayrshire College demonstrates how collaboration can transform workforce development. Together, we are creating immersive learning experiences that give learners a deeper understanding of complex systems, while preparing them for the evolving demands of industry,” said Robin Young, Managing Director, Business and Workforce Development, Corporate Training Services at Durham College.

The model was developed after Ayrshire College secured funding in 2025 to enhance programming through advanced learning technologies, with DC working closely with partners in Scotland to bring it to life. A DC delegation recently travelled to Scotland to meet with Ayrshire College partners and participate in a funders’ event celebrating the launch.

During the visit, representatives from both colleges also identified priority areas for future work, with a focus on initiatives that respond to evolving industry and labour market needs.

“Partnerships like this are vital in ensuring our learners are equipped for the future world of work,” said Alistair Rodgers, Director of Enterprise Development, Ayrshire College. “Working with Durham College allows us to bring innovation to life through immersive, industry-relevant learning that enhances both skills development and learner experience. This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to delivering high-quality education that responds to the needs of employers, supports economic growth, and creates meaningful opportunities for individuals and communities both locally and globally.”

Established in 2025 through the Scottish Educational Exchange Programme (SEEP), the partnership enables both colleges to pursue joint initiatives in applied research, skills development and industry engagement. By combining their expertise in workforce training and immersive technologies, they are creating new opportunities for learners and strengthening the global exchange of knowledge.

Durham College’s MRC Studio receives nearly $2 million in funding to launch immersive research stage

A state-of-the-art immersive research stage will be built at Durham College’s (DC) Mixed Reality Capture (MRC) Studio, thanks to a $1.886 million combined federal and provincial investment. The funding comes equally from the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) – College Fund and the Ontario Research Fund (ORF) and will help further solidify DC’s position as a regional leader in immersive technologies, virtual production, and motion capture.

The immersive research stage will enable applied research that blends physical and virtual worlds, allowing researchers to observe, test, and measure human behaviour in highly realistic, interactive environments. Using advanced extended reality (XR) technologies, including real-time game engines and head-mounted displays, the specialized stage will support controlled experimentation in areas such as training simulations, interactive audiences and human-centred technology development.

“This funding allows us to expand applied immersive research that directly benefits students and industry,” says Debbie McKee Demczyk, Associate Vice President, Innovation and Research. “By working with industry-standard immersive technologies, students gain skills employers are looking for, while our partners gain a trusted environment to innovate, test, and scale new products and services.”

The new stage will support applied research projects led by faculty and students in collaboration with industry clients. Through partnerships managed by the MRC Studio, it will provide advanced capabilities in virtual production, motion capture, virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR) to develop real-world solutions for digital entertainment, training, emergency response, and other high compliance environments. Located adjacent to DC’s Centre for Innovation and Research, the stage will integrate with the college’s other research centres, including the AI Hub, Cybersecurity Innovation Centre, and Social Impact Hub for interdisciplinary projects. The stage is expected to be operational by Fall 2027.

The expansion builds on the MRC Studio’s strong track record of research projects with dozens of industry partners. Over the next five years, the new facility is expected to support 40 partnerships, develop more than 30 innovative tools and workflows, and create at least 20 new products, generating new jobs, market opportunities and competitive advantages for industry clients. It will also provide hands-on training in immersive technologies to over 150 students, up to 60 industry professionals, and 15 post-secondary researchers, helping address critical skills shortages in the sector.

“This research stage will enable industry partners to explore and adopt immersive technologies through hands-on development of training solutions, interactive entertainment, and next-generation content,” says Jason Hunter, Senior Manager, MRC Studio. “At the same time, it equips students with the in-demand skills needed for careers in this rapidly evolving field.”

“The expansion of Durham College’s Mixed Reality Capture Studio is great news for our region. It gives students, researchers and local businesses access to cutting-edge tools that are transforming the interactive digital media landscape while strengthening our talent pipeline. As a leading film and digital media hub, Durham is well positioned to help more companies innovate and bring new ideas to life,” says John Henry, Regional Chair and Chief Executive Officer for The Regional Municipality of Durham.

The project reinforces DC’s commitment to applied research excellence, hands-on student learning, and innovation partnerships that benefit industry and communities across the region.

Learn more about the MRC Studio and Durham College’s applied research initiatives.

Learn on the job: co-op opportunities at Durham College

At Durham College (DC), some of the most valuable learning happens outside the classroom. Co-operative Education (co-op) allows students to engage in paid work opportunities directly related to their studies, giving them hands-on experience, professional skills, and clarity about their career path before graduation.

Students in programs with a co-op option can apply to join the co-op stream and, once accepted, start pursuing a co-op job tailored to their field. Most work terms take place in the spring and summer, helping students gain experience while keeping their academic progress on track.

Support is built into every step of the co-op journey. The Experiential Learning Hub provides guidance on resumes, interview preparation, and job searches, with co-op coordinators at both the Oshawa and Whitby campuses ready to assist in person or online. This ensures students are equipped to succeed and confident as they enter professional environments.

“Our co-operative education is designed to connect students with meaningful work that complements their learning and supports employer needs,” says Jordyn McCormack, Industry Liaison, Office of Research Services, Innovation and Entrepreneurship. “When students and organizations are aligned, the benefits are immediate and long-lasting.”

Employers also gain from co-op partnerships. Students bring current knowledge, enthusiasm, and practical skills to the workplace, often contributing from day one. Many organizations can access support programs, such as the Ontario Co-operative Education Tax Credit and the Student Work Placement Program, to offset hiring costs.

“Durham College students arrive with strong technical skills and industry knowledge, which allows them to contribute quickly to our teams,” says Andrew Steven, Senior Manager, Supply Chain Planning and Inventory, Celestica.

For students, the experience extends beyond technical expertise. Kirill Testov, a Supply Chain and Operations Management alumnus now working as an analyst at Celestica, reflects: “Co-op helped me translate classroom learning into real work. I gained confidence in communication, time management, and adapting to a fast-paced environment — skills that continue to shape my career today.”

Through co-op, students explore career options, build professional networks, and graduate with practical experience that positions them for success. For employers, it’s a chance to engage emerging talent and shape the next generation of professionals.

Learn more about co-op opportunities at Durham College and how you can gain experience, develop your skills, and prepare for the career you want.

Durham College recognized as one of Canada’s Top 50 Research Colleges and a leader in artificial intelligence applied research

Durham College (DC) is a nationally recognized leader in research and innovation, having once again been named one of Canada’s Top 50 Research Colleges by Research Infosource Inc.

The high-impact work done by DC’s Office of Research Services, Innovation and Entrepreneurship’s (ORSIE) five research centres – the AI Hub, Centre for Craft Beverage Innovation, MRC Studio, Centre for Cybersecurity Innovation and Social Impact Hub – received strong reviews in the annual report.

This year, DC placed first among medium-sized colleges in two artificial intelligence (AI) related categories; AI research partnerships, with 87, and AI completed research projects, with 106. Led by the AI Hub, DC has cemented its reputation as an authority in the burgeoning AI sector.

“AI is everywhere for companies right now, and they are looking to colleges and organizations like ours to help them bring it into their work in a meaningful way,” explained Natalie Arthurs, Senior Manager of the AI Hub. “DC is a destination of choice for cutting-edge, applied AI.”

As the only Technology Access Centre (TAC) in Canada that’s exclusively focused on artificial intelligence, the AI Hub has solved complex challenges for a variety of companies in eight provinces. For Niagara-based beauty brand Adoreyes, they helped develop a deep learning-based skin analysis platform that provides real-time insights to estheticians. They teamed with Forged Operations to determine how AI could improve the software utilized in nuclear environments.

“With the deep expertise we have across our five research centres, we are meeting the needs of our industry partners,” said Debbie McKee Demczyk, Associate Vice President, Innovation and Research at DC. “Being named one of Canada’s Top 50 Research Colleges recognizes that expertise and the good work that we’re doing in our community and across the country.”

To learn more about DC’s applied research centres, visit www.durhamcollege.ca/orsie.

Reflecting on the Success of Surviving Addiction: In Conversation

The Social Impact Hub at Durham College hosted an inspiring and impactful event, Surviving Addiction: In Conversation. This gathering brought together students, faculty, community members, and thought leaders to explore the complexities of addiction, mental health, and recovery.

The event featured a screening of the first episode of the Surviving Addiction docuseries, a project born from the collaboration between filmmaker and Durham College graduate Chris Cull, Durham College’s Social Impact Hub, and the Canadian Society of Addiction Medicine. This powerful series highlights the humanity behind addiction and its profound impact on individuals and their loved ones.

Our guest speaker, Chris Cull, shared his moving personal story—his journey of overcoming a decade-long opioid addiction and his efforts to advocate for change. His words reminded us of the importance of breaking down stigma, amplifying voices of recovery, and fostering systems of support for those affected by addiction.

We’re so proud of the role Durham College students played in this project, contributing their skills to bring Chris’s vision to life. Their work not only enriched their educational experience but also created meaningful, lasting impact in our community and beyond.

A Time for Reflection and Action
As we came together during National Addictions Awareness Week, the event emphasized the need to continue the conversation about addiction recovery and mental health. Awareness is only the first step—we must work together to ensure that individuals struggling with addiction can access the resources and support they need.

At the Social Impact Hub, we are committed to raising awareness of the resources available in our community, including the incredible work being done by organizations like CAMH Foundation, Campus Health and Wellness, and others who share this mission. Your voices, your questions, and your engagement during the event reinforced that we are stronger together in this fight.

Looking Ahead
We are excited to announce that Season 2 of Surviving Addiction will begin production in 2025 with the support of CAMH Foundation. This next chapter will continue to bring important stories to light, furthering our collective understanding and compassion.

Thank You
To everyone who joined us—thank you for being part of this critical conversation. Your presence, participation, and thoughtful dialogue remind us of the power of community in driving change. We extend our gratitude to our partners and supporters: DCSA, DCAA, Campus Health and Wellness, and the Social Impact Hub.

Together, let’s continue to advocate, raise awareness, and provide hope for those navigating the journey of addiction and recovery.

Office of Research Services, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship (ORSIE) hosts impactful event

Durham College’s (DC) Office of Research Services, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship (ORSIE) opened its doors for an exciting event last week.

The ORSIE Impact Expo on Friday, October 25 invited industry, business and community partners to explore and celebrate the innovative work they’re doing at DC.

Close to 150 visitors filled the Centre for Innovation and Research to discover DC’s hub for research and development, new products, processes and services, and experiential learning. They also explored its four applied research centres, including the AI Hub, Centre for Cybersecurity Innovation, Mixed Reality Capture Studio and the Social Impact Hub, as well as the Institutional Research Team and the Experiential Learning Hub. The Centre for Craft Brewing Innovation didn’t miss out on the fun, travelling from the Whitby campus to bring samples of their non-alcoholic products.

DC’s Associate Vice President, Innovation and Research, Debbie McKee Demczyk was proud to welcome so many attendees to the event.

“We’re so excited to share all of the cutting-edge ideas, products, and innovations that are being created right here,” she said.

Another big draw for the crowd was world-renowned keynote speaker Hamza Khan. A bestselling author and proven educator, he kept the audience intrigued and entertained with his powerful presentation on leadership.

Hailing from the Greater Toronto Area, and having worked with DC before, he was eager to take part in the special event.

“This was a very meaningful opportunity for me. DC was one of my first clients when I started in the early 2010’s. They’re one of the first companies that said yes to me, that took a chance on me, and so this felt like coming home,” he said. “This is a community of students, staff, faculty, partners and friends, who are all galvanized around the same idea.”

Though he spoke for an hour, Khan arrived at a simple and powerful conclusion for his listeners.

“Put people first.”

With those words in their ears, visitors spent the rest of the morning exploring, enjoying interactive tradeshow displays, and networking with peers and DC leaders.

It was an event that made DC proud, including President Dr. Elaine Popp.

“We’re fostering an environment conducive to innovation and entrepreneurship, promoting adaptability and agility, and encouraging a culture of experimentation and continuous improvement,” she said. “I’m excited about the future of DC. We are determined to be a future-proof college and spearhead the transformation of education. ORSIE is leading that charge.”

Is New Product Development Costing Your Craft Brewery Too Much?

At the Centre for Craft Beverage Innovation (CCBI), we understand that running a brewery can be challenging. Creating innovative products is a key strategy for attracting new customers and retaining existing ones.

Some new products come with higher risks, but we’ve got you covered! Our 50L brew house features tanks much smaller than the average craft brewery, allowing you to experiment with innovative products at a fraction of the risk and cost. This means you can explore those creative ideas that are a bit outside your usual production without the usual worries.

The CCBI brew house and fermentation tanks offer the same level of control as a commercial craft brewery, complemented by one of the top beer labs in Canada. Our skilled team is available to collaborate with you on a project-by-project basis, acting as an extension of your own. When you partner with us, we take the time to fully understand your goals, provide technical insights, and align on the desired outcomes for your final product.

In addition to brewing notes, we provide key characteristic test results that help you quickly scale up to production volumes, reducing the risk of blending or, even worse, losing a batch.

If your project qualifies for government funding, we can assist with grant writing, manage the project development and budget, all as an extension of your team. We also offer fee-for-service projects and can provide a quote tailored to your needs.

Selling samples through your taproom can significantly offset development costs without occupying valuable production tank space. This approach also saves time by minimizing trial and error.

If experimentation is part of your brand’s DNA, CCBI can assist with new product development that rapidly scales to your profitability targets. This not only boosts sales at healthy margins but also optimizes your production team’s time and capacity for making sellable products instead of just experimenting.

The CCBI also offers QC product lab testing and brewery quality management support, all aimed at improving your bottom line.

If you’re interested in exploring how CCBI can help you achieve your brewery goals, email chris.gillis@durhamcollege.ca.