Durham College (DC) is leading the way in applied research and has been named one of Canada’s Top 50 Research Colleges by Research Infosource Inc. for the ninth time.

The college secured first place among medium-sized colleges in the percentage of social sciences funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC) over a three-year period, and second place among medium-sized colleges for the number of paid student researchers. 

DC’s Office of Research Services, Innovation and Entrepreneurship (ORSIE), facilitates applied research initiatives at the college and helps solve industry and social challenges with innovation and collaboration. Notable research accomplishments for this year include:

• Winning bronze at the World Federation of Colleges and Polytechnics (WFCP) World Congress for DC’s Centre for Cybersecurity Innovation, elevating the college’s ongoing commitment to applied research and cybersecurity on the international stage.
• Securing $4.2 million of shared research funding dedicated to COVID-19 recovery that helped boost the economy post-pandemic while working collaboratively with industry partners.
• Hosting an interactive gaming event at the Mixed Reality Capture (MRC) studio to celebrate applied research success and student talent.

“I have immense pride in the exceptional researchers and research administrators here at DC that have helped us achieve this honour once again,” said Debbie McKee Demczyk, dean, ORSIE. “This national recognition validates and propels our work as we continue to enhance our services, deepen our connections with the community, forge new partnerships with other colleges, and prioritize the student experience with real-world learning opportunities.”

All five of the college’s research centres – The MRC Studio, AI Hub, Centre for Cybersecurity Innovation, Centre for Craft Brewing Innovation, and Social Impact Hub – continue to grow and strengthen their relationships with industry partners and organizations. By engaging industry experts, faculty, students, and the community in research projects, DC continues to be a leading post-secondary institution that prioritizes collaboration, innovation and research.