Funding will be used to spearhead new research initiatives with community partners

Oshawa, Ont. – Durham College announced today that its Office of Research Services and Innovation (ORSI) is now eligible to apply for research funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC) through the Insight and Connection programs.

“At Durham College we are committed to fostering innovation including supporting research in areas that will enhance our understanding of the world in which we live,” said Durham College President Don Lovisa. “Our students and faculty are extremely creative, excel in critical thinking and recognize the social, economic and cultural determinants that affect our quality of life. We are grateful for the potential opportunities funding from SSHRC will provide as we continue to move forward our social sciences and humanities research agenda.”

A federal agency that promotes and supports post-secondary-based research and training in the humanities and social sciences, SSHRC enables the highest levels of research excellence in Canada and facilitates knowledge-sharing and collaboration across research disciplines, universities, colleges and all sectors of society. The majority of its funding is awarded through open competitions that are accessible to all disciplines, areas, themes and approaches within social sciences and humanities.

The goal of the Insight program is to build knowledge and understanding about people, societies and the world by supporting research excellence in all subject areas eligible for funding while the Connection program focuses on the potential of social sciences and humanities research for intellectual, cultural, social and economic influence. This includes its benefit and impact on and beyond the college through the support of specific activities and tools that facilitate the flow and exchange of research knowledge.

Research outcomes from both programs are then shared with communities, businesses and governments who use this new knowledge to innovate and improve people’s lives.

Durham College’s diverse programs in the arts, sciences, media, technology, justice, health and communications make it an ideal candidate to help further social sciences and humanities research – in particular for SSHRC-identified priority areas of Aboriginal research, Canadian environmental issues, digital economy and innovation.

Significant progress has been made in establishing a strong research environment at Durham College since the college opened ORSI in 2009. Through the creativity and expertise of its faculty, staff and students the college has sustained the engagement of several community partners and small- and medium-sized businesses, launching many research projects and collaborations in just two short years.

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About Durham College

At Durham College, the student experience comes first. In September 2011 the college welcomed more than 30,000 students to campus including more than 8,400 full-time post-secondary students as well as part-time and continuing education students; apprentices; and online learners. The college offers a wide range of market-driven programs in a number of different disciplines including business, information technology, media, art, design, general arts, science, skilled trades, justice, emergency services, health and engineering technology, enabling students to develop the skills required to meet the demands of today’s job market.

A three-phase expansion of the college’s Whitby campus is currently underway. Phase 1 opened in September 2009 followed by Phase 2 in May 2011. Phase 3 will see the creation of a 36,000-square-foot building focused on agriculture, culinary, hospitality and tourism. Accommodating approximately 900 new students, it will house new classrooms and labs and offer a full-service, green-certified restaurant and lounge and see the creation of a greenhouse – all of which will be open to the general public. In addition, a new Student Services building opened at the Oshawa campus in January 2011.

For more information, visit www.durhamcollege.ca or call 905.721.2000.

Media contact:
Cosette Kazarian
Communications, Marketing and External Relations
Durham College
905.721.2000 ext. 3611
cosette.kazarian@durhamcollege.ca