Cambrian College in Sudbury is the only college in Northern Ontario to make the list of Canada’s Top 50 Research Colleges, in a new national ranking by Research Infosource Inc., an independent research and development analysis and consulting firm.
The school is ranked 37th out of the top 50 research colleges in Canada, up from 44th last year.
Cambrian is third in Canada among mid-sized colleges for engaging student researchers in innovative research and development projects in 2015-'16.
“Applied research projects feed into Cambrian’s innovation strategy and they lay the foundation for an exceptional teaching and learning experience,” said Emile Malvaso, chair of the Centre of Excellence for Innovation and Enterprise at Cambrian College.
“Last year, our faculty members guided 69 students in research and development projects led by industry partners.
“These partnerships encourage business growth and build innovation capacity through skill development and by leveraging government funding.
“Students and businesses benefit from these projects, which often lead to new products, enhanced processes, revenue growth, and jobs for students once they graduate.”
How Cambrian ranks among mid-sized Canadian colleges:
- Paid Student Researchers - 3rd
- Growth in Completed Research Projects - 5th
- Growth in Paid Student Researchers - 8th
- Completed Research Projects - 9th
- Research Partnerships - 10th
Research Infosource Inc. compares colleges engaged in applied research projects by research income from industry and government sources.
In its 2015-'16 fiscal year, Cambrian secured more than $1.8 million in research income, compared to $1.5 million last year. Research activity at Cambrian takes place within Cambrian Innovates, the applied research arm of the College, and the Northern Ontario Assessment and Resource Centre (NOARC), a consortium formed by the region’s 11 colleges and universities.
Since 2009, Cambrian Innovates has completed more than 100 successful projects. Many of those have assisted partners in the mining supply and services sector, specifically in process improvements and prototype development, building materials science and testing, and mine ventilation.
The college’s applied research division also works with partners in other sectors, including health sciences, occupational health and safety, marketing, and computer and web programming.
Also located at Cambrian’s Barrydowne campus, NOARC’s research focuses on how to best support academic success for individuals with learning disabilities and associated disorders.
Projects conducted to date have focused on gathering normative data, developing new measurement tools, understanding the factors that contribute to academic transitions, investigating the efficacy of assistive technology, and surveying the needs of postsecondary students and staff.
NOARC is also building a track record of article publication in both Canadian and international peer-reviewed journals. More information about NOARC’s current and past research is available online here.
