Research Infosource Inc. recently released its annual ranking of Canada's Top 50 Research Colleges, and Sheridan came out on top in three different categories for large colleges:
- number of projects completed,
- number of partners, and
- total funding from partners.
The rankings are based on data from the 2015-2016 academic year, and encompass both faculty-led projects, including those with agency or partner funding support, as well as curriculum-based projects completed by senior students in a broad range of academic programs. Sheridan ranked first with 200 projects, 263 partnerships, and $1,684,764 in research income from industry and community partners.
“Research thrives within Sheridan’s inclusive framework of scholarship, research and creative activities,” says Dr. Mary Preece, President and Vice Chancellor. “This philosophy is consistent with our commitment to deliver a high-quality polytechnic education for our students that is rich in experiential learning, enhances our communities, and puts creativity to work.”
Many of the projects highlighted in this year’s ranking were undertaken at our five Research Centres at Sheridan:
- The Centre for Elder Research conducts applied research aimed at improving the quality of life for older adults. The Centre collaborates with industry partners, students and faculty, and older adults in our communities on a range of research projects, networking events and symposiums.
- The Screen Industries Research and Training Centre (SIRT) supports Ontario's film, television and interactive media cluster with research and training related to digital workflow technologies and processes, with a growing focus on virtual and augmented reality. SIRT was designated a Technology Access Centre in the spring of 2013 through funding support from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC).
- The Centre for Advanced Manufacturing and Design Technologies exemplifies Sheridan's growing role as a hub connecting industry with applied research. The Cenre links companies of all sizes to Sheridan's advanced manufacturing expertise and equipment, and allows them to explore these tools with the help of Sheridan faculty and students.
- The Centre for Mobile Innovation is focused on addressing challenges related to mobile technology, specifically related to the Internet of Things and context-aware mobile applications.
- The Canadian Music Theatre Project is Canada's first incubator for the development of music theatre works. Through the CMTP, students in our renowned Honours Bachelor of Musical Theatre Performance program help Canadian and international composers, lyricists and book-writers develop their musicals.
The range of projects is diverse, and includes:
The creation of a two-story public art mural at the Davis Campus in Brampton that also tackles the long-standing challenge of glare and heat build-up in the adjacent spaces
Three social innovation projects funded by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada, which explore bullying among older adults, virtual reality as a tool for fostering global citizenship, and using the Creative Problem-Solving methodology to find solutions to local community issues.
A Chemical Engineering project that tests the suitability of natural minerals to accumulate and store carbon dioxide, reducing its concentration in the Earth’s atmosphere.
A multi-institution study aimed to increase the rate of participation, physical literacy and capacity among patients with chronic kidney disease.
“Our ranking in this year’s list recognizes the broad spectrum of collaborative projects at Sheridan, and our focus on creating rich learning opportunities for our students,” says Andrea England, Dean of Undergraduate Research. “It also reflects our track record of creating value for our community and industry partners, providing them with a path to innovation and commercialization.”
To view the rankings report, click here.