Sask Polytech receives two Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan) awards for applied research efforts
April 26, 2022 – Saskatchewan Polytechnic has been selected as the silver recipient for two innovative applied research awards with Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan). Sask Polytech received silver for the Applied Research and Innovation Excellence award and silver for the Leadership Excellence, Student award.
The CICan Awards of Excellence recognize best practices from institutions across the country, as well as individual leadership and achievements. The awards highlight the role of institutions in social, cultural and economic development and showcase the extraordinary contribution of individuals to their college/institute communities.
“Congratulations to our applied research team for these well-deserved awards,” says Dr. Larry Rosia, Sask Polytech president and CEO. “Dr. Susan Blum has showed exceptional leadership throughout her time at Sask Polytech by growing the applied research team, creating new partnerships, opening new centres, encouraging cross-sector innovation and providing student research opportunities. Congrats to Susan and her team on the Applied Research and Innovation Excellence award.”
The Sask Polytech Office of Applied Research and Innovation was recognized for facilitating meaningful relationships between industry and researchers through the creation of new partnerships and securing grant funding. Strategic investment in research supports and capacity has resulted in an 835 per cent increase in Sask Polytech’s research revenue since 2016. Serving 208 industry partners in 2020-21 alone, Sask Polytech has applied research projects serving industry sectors across Saskatchewan and clients across Canada. Nearly 90 per cent of these partnerships are with small and medium-sized enterprises, having a huge impact on local economies and communities. Sask Polytech’s applied research capacities continue to grow with the Digital Integration Centre of Excellence (DICE) and Sustainability-Led Integrated Centres of Excellence (SLICE).
“I am thrilled to congratulate Kelsey Knipple, a 2021 graduate of Sask Polytech’s Psychiatric Nursing program, on receiving the Leadership Excellence, Student award,” says Dr. Rosia. “Kelsey has a keen interest in making a change in mental health outcomes in our communities and she is a role model for her program and an inspiration for other student researchers.”
Knipple was recognized for her applied research project, Policing Mental Health: A Psychiatric Nursing Perspective in Crisis Intervention. Knipple’s applied research project, which she completed during her final year in the program, identified that law enforcement officers were not necessarily equipped with the proper education to deal with challenging and potentially dangerous mental health crises. Knipple partnered with Regina Police Service and began her research by surveying officers to understand their level of preparation for responding to mental health calls. The data that Knipple collected allowed her to develop custom training for police officers. Throughout her studies, Knipple had excellent marks and was the student representative for her program, advocating for students and bringing concerns to faculty.
“Congratulations to Sask Polytech on being the recipient of two CICAN awards. The recipients of our awards of excellence embody the best that colleges and institutes have to offer,” says Denise Amyot, president and CEO of CICan. “They are examples of innovation and dedication that make our institutions proud and contribute to the vibrant and welcoming culture found on campuses across Canada.”
Applied research at Sask Polytech is where ideas meet reality, delivering practical solutions to everyday problems. Applied research assesses a need, proves a concept and tests new products to refine them for market. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur with a big idea, or an industry professional with a challenge begging for a solution, Sask Polytech has the tools and expertise to help.
Learn more at saskpolytech.ca/research.
Saskatchewan Polytechnic is signatory to the SDG Accord. Sustainable Development Goal alignment is one of the ways Sask Polytech is leading the rise of polytechnic education.
