October 22, 2010

Funding to be used to support ongoing research initiatives with local business and community partners

Oshawa, Ont. – Durham College’s Office of Research Services and Innovation is pleased to announce that it is now eligible to apply for funding from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), allowing it to further pursue applied research partnerships with local small- and medium-sized businesses.

“At Durham College we are committed to fostering innovation and creating an applied research environment that advances science and technology for the benefit of all Canadians,” said Durham College President Don Lovisa. “We have created an infrastructure that ensures we are conducting applied research in accordance to the highest ethical principles. We are grateful for the potential opportunities now available to us through NSERC’s extensive funding programs.”

The eight-month application process began in February 2010 with the Office of Research Services and Innovation compiling the extensive application, which included a written request from Lovisa; a brief overview of the college; and descriptions of the systems, policies, and protocols in place to ensure the effective administration of research projects. The completed application was submitted in April and approved in September and a memorandum of understanding was signed on October 20.

The college plans to apply for funding from the College and Community Innovation (CCI) Program, which is managed by NSERC in collaboration with the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada. The CCI program is designed to increase innovation at the community and/or regional level by enabling Canadian colleges to increase their capacity to work with local companies, particularly small- and medium-sized enterprises and support applied research and collaborations that facilitate commercialization, technology transfer and adaptation and the adoption of new technologies.

The Office of Research Services and Innovation has worked on a wide range of applied research projects since officially opening its doors in 2009. This includes the creation of a pool debris skimmer/extraction device prototype developed through a research agreement with A.B.D. Solar Power Pool Tools of Oshawa and an agreement with Innovative Solutions Incorporated, also of Oshawa, to bring energy-saving technology to the retail market.

The college also recently worked with Yowza Digital Inc.of Toronto, Ont. to create a new transmedia production process designed to make Yowza more competitive in the international animation marketplace and GreenWorks Solar Power of Brighton, Ont. to develop a new ground-mounted solar tracking system.

Additional applied research and testing priorities for college include the fields of alternative and renewable energy, construction, digital media, environmental technology, health and life sciences and manufacturing and materials

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About Durham College
At Durham College, the student experience comes first. In September 2010, the college welcomed more than 30,000 students to campus including more than 7,500 full-time post-secondary students as well as part-time, Second Career and continuing education students; apprentices; and online learners.

The college offers a wide range of market-driven programs in a number of different disciplines including business, information technology, energy, media, art, design, general arts and sciences, skilled trades, justice, emergency services and health care, enabling them to develop the skills required to meet the demands of today’s job market.

A three-phase expansion of the college’s Whitby campus is currently underway with Phase 1 opening in September 2009. Phase 2 is creating expanded shop space for several building trades and will also feature two homes where students will learn about sustainable construction and building. Phase 3 be a building focused on food, hospitality and tourism. In addition, a new Student Services building will open at the Oshawa campus in January 2011.

For more information, visit www.durhamcollege.ca or call 905.721.2000

Media contact for Durham College:
Allison Rosnak
Communications, Marketing and External Relations
Durham College
905.721.2000 ext. 2333
allison.rosnak@durhamcollege.ca

 

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