August 25, 2023

Trent University, Laurentian University, Lakehead University, and Nipissing University have formally agreed to share their resources, facilities, and expertise to drive the province’s economic development. The four universities signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to collaborate on research and commercialization support, knowledge sharing, access to professional expertise and advanced facilities, and ecosystem partnerships. The partnership will also receive funding from Intellectual Property Ontario (IPON) for the Northern and Rural Innovation Cluster pilot project. “The funding from [IPON] goes further with the four universities working together to invest the funding in a way that brings expertise, resources, and programming to each campus but all towards a unified goal,” said Trent Senior Director, Research & Innovation Christopher Rooney.

The École nationale d’administration publique (eNAP) and New Caledonia’s Institut de formation à l’administration publique (IFAP) have entered a partnership agreement to support the development of the New Caledonian civil service. Under this agreement, the two institutions will facilitate the regional integration of the New Caledonian civil service, while still preserving the unique national identity of the Oceanic territory. The partnership is also viewed as a means of combatting the geographical and professional isolation of New Caledonia’s institutions and employees. Together, eNAP and IFAP plan to design a certification course for New Caledonian executives and senior civil servants, develop continuing professional development tools, and create opportunities for knowledge exchange, among other initiatives.

Mohawk College and McMaster University are collaborating to open a new facility for training, imaging research, and patient access to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The Centre for Integrated and Advanced Medical Imaging (CIAMI) will be located at the Mohawk-McMaster Institute of Applied Health Sciences building and offer collaborative, unique models of care and a new model of training for interdisciplinary teams. The centre will have an advanced MRI unit, which will help to expedite training for MRI technologists, and will partner with Hamilton Health Sciences and St Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton for training using a “living lab.” CIAMI will also use a new approach to cut wait times for those needing MRIs. The Ontario Ministry of Health has made a $5M investment over three years to support the CIAMI model creation, development, and testing.

Keyano College has received provincial program expansion funding to support the Canadian Nursing Bridge program and offer a unique version of its Practical Nurse Diploma for Internationally Educated Nurses (IENs) program. The Canadian Nursing Bridge will prepare students to write the National Council Licensure Examination. Introductory courses will be offered this Fall semester. The Practical Nurse Diploma for IENs will provide individualized training to internationally educated nurses who need to upgrade their credentials to meet Alberta’s licensing requirements. The program will start in Winter 2024.

The University of Windsor recently celebrated the installation of a dual drive, electric-steam turbine chiller, which will heat and cool buildings on campus. The chiller uses electricity and steam energy to minimize natural gas usage and is part of UWindsor’s plans to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. It is estimated that the system will save UWindsor over $1M annually. “It’s one of the largest campus sustainability initiatives we have ever undertaken as a university and I’m also proud to say that it’s the first of its kind of any university in all of Canada,” said UWindsor President Robert Gordon.

In a recent editorial for the , University of Saskatchewan President Peter Stoicheff outlines the broader economic impacts that an ongoing decline in research funding could have on Canada. Stoicheff notes that members of the U15 are already experiencing a brain drain and challenges with attracting top researchers and students. He writes that this is occurring at a time when countries like the United States and Japan have committed significant funds to scientific research. “Evidence is mounting that the successful research ecosystem that Canada created 25 years ago is now at risk,” Stoicheff concludes. “Without significant new investment in research, Canada will become increasingly dependent on other countries in its efforts to become sustainable, innovative and prosperous.”

The University of Calgary has announced a variety of supports for students who are affected by the ongoing wildfires. The university has opened temporary rooms for students who have secured a space in residence for the upcoming term and who need an early move-in date. UCalgary highlighted the emergency financial assistance available to students, as well as encouraging students to connect with program and advising supports should they have questions about beginning their programs this fall. The institution also listed a number of mental health supports available to students, highlighting the Student Wellness Services, Writing Symbols Lodge, and the Faith and Spirituality Centre.

York University’s Osgoode Professional Development (OsgoodePD) has announced two new programs in response to the growing demand for construction-related legal education. This fall, OsgoodePD will provide a Certificate in Public-Private Partnership (P3) Law and Practice in Canada. Next September will see the launch of a Professional Master of Laws program in Construction Law. “There is certainly an appetite for more construction law courses, so it’s great that Osgoode is taking things to the next level,” said Andrea Lee, co-founding program director of the new Professional LLM in Construction Law program.

Public, community-engaged research can provide meaningful ways for academia to build connections within their communities, demonstrate the value of their expertise, and combat declining trust, writes Karin Fischer in an editorial for the . While postsecondary leaders may see the benefits of community-engaged research, Fischer argues that current institutional policies can discourage the practice. The author argues that both campus cultures and formal policies must change to encourage the benefits of community-engaged research and avoid the insularity of academia. Fischer concludes that this could be accomplished by reviewing tenure or promotion policies to ensure they prioritize public engagement efforts, developing graduate-school courses on community-engaged research, and establishing professional networks to encourage community collaboration.

Cégep de la Gaspésie et des Îles has unveiled the new logo, website, and name of its foundation, now called the Fondation du Cégep de la Gaspésie et des Îles. The foundation was originally named for its first donor and has borne the name the Fondation Cornélius-Brotheron since its inception in 1996. However, the recent name change now unequivocally links the foundation with the cégep. The corresponding logo draws on the brand colours of the cégep and features a circular shape to represent dynamic change. The foundation’s website has been revitalized, featuring a more user-friendly design, interactive forms, and project pages showcasing the Foundation’s ongoing initiatives.