(RDP)

By rdnewsNOW Staff

Accolades

Red Deer Polytechnic among top 50 research polytechnics and colleges in Canada

Jan 26, 2023 | 9:44 AM

Officials with Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) have announced the institution has been ranked 38th on Canada’s Top 50 Research Colleges 2022 list by Research Infosource Inc.

The ranking highlights that in 2021, Red Deer Polytechnic attracted $2.6 million in applied research investment. It is also ranked first in the country in annual growth in research income.

“We are proud of our institution’s ranking and growth in applied research income,” says Dr. Maureen Toews, Associate Vice President of Teaching, Learning, and Research. “With world-class facilities, strong partnerships, and expert faculty and staff, Red Deer Polytechnic will continue to enhance its funding and applied research impact.”

The Polytechnic’s Centre for Innovation in Manufacturing-Technology Access Centre (CIM-TAC) and Energy Innovation Centre (EIC), which includes the Alternative Energy Lab, are described as key on-campus applied research and learning hubs.

In 2022, RDP officials note that 73 projects were initiated in the CIM-TAC, supporting innovation and economic prosperity across Alberta for 57 companies. Staff are said to have conducted more than 1,300 engagements with industry representatives. The CIM-TAC currently houses $6.6 million in advanced manufacturing equipment, officials point out.

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As a key driver of economic and social prosperity in the province, officials say the Polytechnic is proposing a $16 million expansion to the CIM-TAC. This expansion is expected to increase RDP’s ability to support Alberta companies with technology adoption, provide work-integrated learning opportunities for students, engage learners from the region’s K-12 system and develop targeted corporate training.

“It is an honour to be recognized across Canada for our strong industry and community focused applied research. By aligning our programming with Alberta’s key economic and social priorities, RDP is making a significant and long-term impact on the province, the nation and the world,” says Stuart Cullum, President of Red Deer Polytechnic. “With an emphasis on innovation ecosystems, we will continue to focus our education, training and applied research activities toward addressing key challenges and opportunities of our industry and society.”

According to RDP officials, the institution’s growth in applied research has just begun. In addition to its focus on manufacturing and energy innovation, it is said to be developing capacity in other areas, such as multi-disciplinary approaches to wellness and social issues. The Polytechnic’s partnership with the Central Alberta Child Advocacy Centre (located on campus), will anchor a social innovation ecosystem for applied research, education, and training. It is anticipated to become a research and teaching hub for childhood trauma/mental health and integrated trauma informed practice, involving more than 40 regional partners.

To highlight the breadth of applied research and scholarly activity being led at RDP, officials say the Polytechnic will host its 2nd Annual Research Showcase on campus March 2, 2023.

Entrepreneurs and businesses can submit project inquiries to the CIM-TAC or EIC for assistance in applied research, product and process development, and improvement through innovative technical services. Additional project proposals for individuals and businesses can be emailed to: researchscholarshipoffice@rdpolytech.ca.