Defining applied our goals, objectives, and research opportunities презентация

Engineering, University of Saskatchewan)
Work experience - engineering consulting, technical sales
Westlink - Technology commercialization internship program
RRC’s first “Research Manager” – 2007 onward

Why are we here?
Defining applied research
Overview of applied research at colleges
Benefits to staff/students, industry partners
AR&C – our main activities, and development of an “applied research module”

at RRC
Serves as contact point for industry, granting agencies and councils

research proposals
Identify and form partnerships with industry
Seeks and administers external funding
Administers internal research funding program
CARD – College Applied Research Development Fund (formerly RIF)

(Research Manager)
Aman Hussein (NSERC Research Manager)
Danielle Puddicombe (Research Office Manager)
Lyndsay Ross (Administrative Assistant – currently on mat leave)
Technical
Ken Klassen (CARSI Research Professional)
Jose Delos Reyes (Research Coordinator)
Serge Broeska (SITRG Mechanical Engineering Technologist)
TBD (SITRG Civil Engineering Technologist)

Transfer & Communications Manager)
Adam Campbell (Communications Officer)

Research?
Wikipedia – “involves the practical application of science”; “deals with solving practical problems”; and “resides in the messy real world”
Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory's ELSI in Science:
“Applied research is designed to solve practical problems of the modern world, rather than to acquire knowledge for knowledge's sake. One might say that the goal of the applied scientist is to improve the human condition ”.
http://www.lbl.gov/Education/ELSI/research-main.html

Research?
Wisegeek.com:
Applied research is: “any fact gathering project that is conducted with an eye to acquiring and applying knowledge that will address a specific problem or meet a specific need”
All definitions focus on the solving of specific/practical problems

solving (Focusing on the HOW not the WHY)
Shorter-term projects
Applying knowledge and testing to previous research
Basic research lays the foundation for applied research
Focus on work of students and instructors
Engage on a project basis
Incorporate into co-op work terms or
projects for coursework

patents
- commercial rights routinely assigned to industry partner
- research and education rights retained by RRC

ask: “How long will it be before some practical application results from the research ?“
The longer the timeline, the more likely it is BASIC research

of a new rubber compound formulation for use in automobile tires that is thought to improve durability and performance in all seasons

Applied college research may involve driving automobiles outfitted with tires of the new rubber formulation and evaluating the durability and performance – i.e. measuring tread wear, stopping distance on ice

An example…

of compounds in flaxseed that have disease-prevention properties

Applied college research may involve taking the flaxseed or its compounds and incorporating into a palatable food item(s)

Another example…

applied research?

“Someone who studies (something) thoroughly so as to present findings in a detailed, accurate manner”
In an applied research context - Do we all deal with practical “real world” problems everyday? Absolutely!
Not limited to persons with advanced degrees
Is it for everyone? Not necessarily…

entire process
Association of Canadian Community Colleges has developed an applied research workflow
AR&C developing its own “how to” module (to be discussed at end)

colleges & industry/community
College graduates play a critical role in incremental innovation
Increased federal government investment
More opportunities for staff and students
Increased awareness of capabilities
Future trends: population growth, energy usage, pollution – shift from focus on new product creation to finding solutions for using the planet’s resources in a sustainable manner

research process

Colleges (ACCC)
Over 100 colleges and institutes across Canada are engaged in applied research
4,444 companies partnered with colleges for applied research projects, 4,380 for industry research and 64 for social innovation research
447 areas of research specialization and 305 specialized research centres and labs support innovation in all sectors of the economy

Colleges (ACCC)
13,585 students engaged in applied research in 2010-11, up by 63 percent from 2009-10
1,606 faculty and staff, including industrial experts and technicians, engaged in research, up by 34 percent from 2009-10
Private sector investment in Canada’s colleges increased by 13 percent in the last year to $50.3 million

in RRC’s mandate
Integrated with educational and training activities
Major areas: Sustainable infrastructure technology, bio-sciences, manufacturing design technology, among others

http://www.rrc.mb.ca/files/File/researchplan/other/FINALRRCInstitutionalResearchMay004.pdf

to assume a leading role in the application of knowledge through directed applied research in specific areas of expertise, to enhance the connectivity between College expertise and the needs of industry, and to create an institutional climate of support for applied research. By adding applied research projects to the curriculum, the college will educate the next generation of applied researchers, equipping them to assume leadership roles in their respective fields.”

http://www.rrc.mb.ca/files/File/researchplan/other/FINALRRCInstitutionalResearchMay004.pdf

industry challenges
Gain critical skills in proposal development, conducting applied research and report writing
Chance to impress potential future employers

trends
Use of research results to update/modify courses
Access to new equipment
Professional development

new technologies
Enhances productivity and efficiency
Increases industry competitiveness
Supports community economic development
“Test drive” potential future employees

of the College’s values and themes
Fits in main research areas
Maximizes the building of research capacity
Addresses workforce needs/private sector partnerships

and existing buildings
Funded by a $2.3-million grant from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC)
Funding supports faculty release time, students, and fees for external consultants/experts among others

March 2008
Goals of funding:
Benefit technology-based SMEs in the sustainable infrastructure sector
Establish/enhance College relationship with public research facilities
Support capacity within CARSI

awareness and advisory services to Manitoba SMEs to increase their productivity.
Key Components:
Digital Technology Strategy Development
Events
Digital Technology Advisory Support Service (DTASS)
Industry Outreach and Linkage Facilitation
NRC-IRAP funding: $100,000

opened in 2007
Environmental control chambers
Removable exterior wall section
Structural dynamic test system
Strong floor for testing of large structural members

vehicle innovation in/by Manitoba’s transportation sector
Enhance electric vehicle education at RRC and in the region
Increase public awareness of electric vehicle technology
ATEC – Advanced Transportation and Energy Centre
To support innovation in the transportation industry
To introduce new vehicle technologies through applied research
to train the next generation of skilled workers to ensure the successful commercialization of new innovations

laser systems
Vapour phase crack-cleaning equipment
Aerospace hot section coating equipment
Digital non-destructive inspection system
On-site materials lab
CNDI – Centre for Non-Destructive Inspection
Distributed network of technologies, facilities and expertise in non-destructive inspection of components and assemblies
Defect visualization using ultrasonic imaging and x-ray radiography
Distributed network of workstations

study
Conversion of 10 Toyota Prius vehicles to PHEVs

Manitoba Hydro
Parabolic solar trough – evaluate performance in cold climate

buildings
Data plentiful for residential buildings, but not for large
commercial/industrial buildings

internal, short-term research projects (Since 2005)
Wide variety of projects have been funded (Over $300,000 in total)
High efficiency furnace evaluation to early childhood development
2012 deadline: May 31, 2012
More info: http://www.rrc.mb.ca/index.php?pid=7614

drainage/venting systems
For more information:
http://xnet.rrc.mb.ca/rcharney

researcher guides for both staff & students, including a webinar
Reference guide for the entire applied research process, from proposal development to final report and technology transfer activities
Your feedback is important!
What are your main questions/unknowns?
What are the critical pieces that need to
be in the researcher guide?
Expertise survey