Today's Top Ten
December 17, 2018
NAIT to build Centre for Culinary Innovation for product research and development
The Northern Alberta Institute of Technology has announced that it will build a Centre for Culinary Innovation in 2019. The $2.55M Centre will allow culinary experts and food-related businesses to collaborate on new and better food products. The facility will include six high-tech kitchen stations and focus on four key areas: enhanced food experiences, nutrition and health, sustainability, and kitchen efficiency. “We want to build on NAIT’s culinary reputation and our expertise in finding solutions for industry,” explained Dana Gibson, Director of Business Development for the Centre. “The time is now to invest in agri-foods and add value to the crops Alberta produces, which are some of the best in the world.” NAIT (AB)
Global analysis of highest-achieving business schools features six Canadian institutions
Times Higher Education and the Wall Street Journal have ranked the highest-achieving business schools worldwide according to 20 individual performance indicators. McGill University’s Desautels Faculty of Management (48), University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Management (50), and McMaster University’s DeGroote School of Business (53) featured in the two-year MBA rankings, while Western University’s Ivey Business School (6), Queen’s University’s Smith School of Business (27), and HEC Montreal (30) made the one-year list. No Canadian institutions featured in the MIM (Master’s in Management) or MIF (Master’s in Finance) rankings. Times Higher Education (International)
Research network featuring 16 institutions, 30 partners launches at UQAM
Rémi Quirion, the Chief Scientist of Quebec, has formally announced the launch of the Réseau Inondations intersectoriel du Québec, which will be led by Université du Québec à Montréal Professor Phillippe Gachon. The RIISQ will see 16 university institutions and over 30 partners work together to fulfil a mandate of research, monitoring, training, and consultation on laws and public policies related to hydrometeorological issues related to climate change. A network of 120 researchers will work round five thematic axes: flood risks, territorial management and governance, biopsychosocial impacts, vulnerability reduction, and risk management. RIISQ has received a $1.5M investment over three years from Fonds de recherche du Québec. UQAM (QC)
UoGuelph launches AI ethics research centre
The University of Guelph has launched the Centre for Advancing Responsible and Ethical Artificial Intelligence, which will seek to minimize the potential harms of AI and influence public policy and regulations. “We hope to help guide the development and implementation of AI, including ensuring that we don’t lose sight of the human side of this technology,” said Charlotte Yates, Provost and VP Academic. UoGuelph explains that the Centre will consist of 90 academics from a range of disciplines, and apply machine-learning to fields related to agricultural sciences and health. UoGuelph (ON)
Youth research at ENAP receives $6M
The École nationale d'administration publique has announced that it will be creating a Quebec Research Chair focused on youth research, thanks to a major investment from Fonds de recherche du Québec - Société et culture (FRQSC) and Secrétariat à la jeunesse (SAJ). ENAP Professor Martin Goyette and his team will share an investment of $4.5M over six years to develop, coordinate, and structure research around the theme of youth in QC. The Chair will develop knowledge about issues that concern QC youth and promote knowledge mobilization for the dissemination of research results to stakeholders. ENAP (QC)
AB employers look to human skills for future of provincial economy: Conference Board
“Alberta is well positioned to thrive amid disruptors like demographic change and rapid technological development, but meeting the demand for skilled workers will be essential to ensuring its long-term prosperity,” according to a new report from the Conference Board of Canada. Produced with the support and assistance of leaders from six AB colleges, the report finds that in-demand jobs in AB increasingly require post-secondary education, and that employers are prioritizing new skill sets such as creative/problem-solving skills, digital skills, skills related to international collaboration, and social/human skills, particularly as some skill sets are made redundant by technological developments. Conference Board (PDF) (AB)
Federal government launches online gendered violence research hub at Western
Western University will be home to a significant online research hub for studying gender-based violence, thanks in part to a significant investment from the federal government. The Western Gazette reports that the Gender-Based Violence Centre will provide researchers, stakeholders, community organizations, and individuals with a one-stop shop for access to relevant and up-to-date information on gender-based violence. “For interested individuals, organizations and communities, having this access to information means that they don’t have to invest their scarce resources in projects and ideas that have already got solutions from others’ efforts,” said Monsef. The launch was accompanied by an announcement of $5M in funding to address knowledge gaps in gender violence. Western Gazette (ON)
USask announces renovations at Prince Albert campus
The University of Saskatchewan has announced that it will convert a 30,000 square-foot facility in Prince Albert into a new education campus featuring classrooms, laboratories, research areas, a common room, and space for traditional Indigenous ceremonies. Patti McDougall, Vice-Provost of Teaching, Learning and Student Experience stated that the renovation is part of a long-term plan to expand and consolidate programming in Prince Albert. McDougall added that 47% of the Prince Albert campus’ education students are Indigenous. “There’s no reason why we couldn’t try to build on that so people in Prince Albert and points north can pursue the kind of degree that they want,” she added. paNOW adds that USask will also expand its dentistry program to the new campus. paNOW (SK)
Tips to attract and retain diverse faculty
Perry Greene, a VP for Diversity and Inclusion at an American college, suggests that “intentionality” and “engagement” can help attract and retain diverse faculty. The author explains that “intentionality” consists of engagement and collaboration with on- and off-campus groups such as unit-level search committees, the provost’s office, the office of human resources, professional associations, and doctoral programs. According to Greene, a recruitment plan might also consist of a cluster of diverse hires. Engagement, Greene adds, can include policy shifts, best practices, and outreach. The author cites a network for faculty of colour and a collaborative task force on LGBTQ+ issues as examples of strong engagement. Inside Higher Ed (International)
Acadia students in financial need to benefit from Sobey Foundation donation
Acadia University has received $500K from the Sobey Foundation for student awards. An Acadia release notes that the Sobey Bursaries will be awarded annually to support Acadia students in any discipline who demonstrate financial need, while the Sobey Awards in Nutrition and Dietetics will assist Nutrition and Dietetics students to offset the costs of pursuing a high-quality dietetic practicum. “Each day, Acadia’s faculty, staff, and students are following the Sobey Foundation’s mandate, which is to improve the lives of others, and this gift will help them accomplish that goal. We’re extremely grateful for the Foundation’s investment in the Campaign for Acadia,” said President Peter Ricketts. Acadia (NS)
