Sask Polytech receives top ranking in multiple categories on Canada’s Top 50 Research Colleges list
December 7, 2023 – Saskatchewan Polytechnic has reached an impressive milestone by securing the ninth overall position in Re$earch InfoSource Inc.’s latest Top 50 Research Colleges list. Sask Polytech ranks first for number of completed research projects, with 382 research projects in 2021-22. Sask Polytech also secured second place for number of research partnerships, with 185 collaborations, and number of paid student researchers, with 347 students actively engaged in research.
Sask Polytech received fourth place for industry research growth, with a 154 per cent increase from the previous year. These rankings are a testament to Sask Polytech's ability to secure financial support from industry and government, transforming ideas into practical solutions.
“I am proud of the hard work and dedication of our applied research team,” says Dr. Susan Blum, Applied Research and Innovation associate vice-president. “In five years, our team has moved up from 35/50 to the top 10. It has been a team effort to increase the number of research projects completed, research partnerships undertaken and student researchers assisting with projects. Our researchers, along with students, complete innovative and exciting projects with industry and community partners. This work is important because it helps identify and solve real-world problems and leads to the development of innovative new products and services.”
“Congratulations to our Office of Applied Research and Innovation and our applied research centres on their continued success,” says Dr. Larry Rosia, Sask Polytech president and CEO. “Our applied research team is leading the rise of polytechnic education in Canada. The work we are completing with our faculty and students supports industry and communities, and drives economic growth in Saskatchewan and beyond. Sask Polytech will continue to expand our research activities and collaborations that further enhance the exceptional value we deliver to our partners.”
Several noteworthy projects from the 2021-22 academic year include the development of a virtual reality (VR) wellness tool in collaboration with Indigenous youth. Together, Sask Polytech researchers and Indigenous participants are actively melding innovative technology with the human connections between the youth, their communities and culture. Additionally, Sask Polytech's Sustainability-Led Integrated Centres of Excellence (SLICE) has made significant strides in ecological soil reclamation using biochar, a substance derived from organic biomass, to improve soil health and address nutrient and microbial deficiencies.
The first phase of the Farmer and Rancher Mental Health (FARMh) initiative, aimed at identifying key features for a farm-culture-friendly mental health support system, has been successfully completed. This ongoing project continues to receive funding and support from the agriculture community, underscoring Sask Polytech's commitment to addressing the unique mental health challenges faced by farmers and ranchers.
Sask Polytech’s Digital Integration Centre of Excellence (DICE), in partnership with VeriGrain, has been working to expand the capabilities of a mobile app. App features such as the ability to accurately determine grain qualities and track sample results back to bins will help maximize efficiencies and profits for the agriculture industry.
Employers continue to seek out Sask Polytech as a provider of real-world solutions to market challenges. Sask Polytech remains committed to assisting companies in product development, technology enhancement and innovation commercialization needed for Saskatchewan to be a global economic leader. Intellectual property for applied research projects at Sask Polytech is retained by partners, which fosters future creative engagement and collaborations.
To learn more visit saskpolytech.ca/research.