Top Ten
November 28, 2018
UQAR receives $8M for research equipment
The Université du Quebec à Rimouski has received an investment of $8M from the Government of Canada, Government of Quebec, and other partners to acquire state-of-the-art equipment for studying coastal areas year round. The Journal de Montréal states that the university will use the funds to purchase an operational fleet of research equipment to study coastal erosion. Pascal Bernatchez, who holds the Canada Research Chair in coastal geoscience, states that the equipment will allow researchers to carry out analyses in shallow waters and to go to areas that were previously inaccessible. The equipment will arrive in Rimouski and be operational by Summer 2019. Journal de Montréal
Canadian journalism programs launch J-Schools Canada
Several postsecondary journalism programs across Canada have teamed up to launch J-Schools Canada, a national organization that enables journalism educators to maintain high journalistic standards across the country. Carleton University currently administers the new program, which is also affiliated with the World Journalism Education Council. In addition to Carleton, J-Schools Canada includes the University of British Columbia, British Columbia Institute of Technology, Kwantlen Polytechnic University, Lethbridge College, Mount Royal University, University of Regina, Wilfrid Laurier University, Ryerson University, Algonquin College, University of King’s College, and College of the North Atlantic. The release adds that membership is open to all post-secondary journalism programs in Canada. Carleton
SFU to build 12,000-square-foot art museum
Simon Fraser University has announced that it will add a new 12,000-square-foot art museum to its Burnaby campus, thanks to a gift from the family of former gallery director Edward Gibson. “This new facility will be an exciting addition to the Burnaby campus and will enrich the cultural landscape of Metro Vancouver,” said SFU President Andrew Petter. “This visionary gift from the Marianne and Edward Gibson Trust and family will enable students, scholars and the public to gain an appreciation and understanding of modern and contemporary art, while enabling SFU to extend its commitment to be Canada’s engaged university.” The museum is expected to be completed in 2022. Vancouver Sun
New study suggests that hazing is still commonplace for male and female varsity athletes
A new study by researchers from the University of Manitoba, the University of Windsor, and San Jose State University suggests that hazing rituals amongst male and female varsity athletes remain commonplace despite initiatives to root them out, reports CBC. According to the study, nearly two-thirds of all varsity athletes say they have experienced some form of hazing, and that women are more likely to report hazing than men. While UManitoba Professor Jay Johnson pointed to gender as a factor that differentiated hazing rituals, University of New Brunswick Psychology professor Ryan Hamilton told CBC that hazing depends more on the type of sport, rather than gender. CBC | Study
Ahuntsic, Siemens Canada establish partnership to meet skills training need
Collège Ahuntsic and Siemens Canada have established a partnership to meet the need for skilled technical manpower. The dual model takes advantage of Ahuntsic’s access to state-of-the-art professional equipment for training students and Siemens’ access to highly qualified technical manpower. In a video by Investissement Québec, Ahuntsic Executive Director Nathalie Vallée and Professor Benoît Trempe explained that the partnership is inspiring for instructors and engages students by providing them opportunities to work in the industry, learn new methods, and become more motivated in their studies. Ahuntsic | Investissement Québec
U of T launches microfluidics lab
The University of Toronto is partnering with Canada’s National Research Council to establish the Centre for Research and Applications in Fluidic Technologies, an innovation hub focused on biomedical applications that range from portable diagnostic labs to repair kits for human organs. “This partnership between the NRC and the University of Toronto will deliver a tangible impact on the lives of Canadians by developing and commercializing biomedical technologies that improve care for patients while reducing costs for the Canadian health system,” said Vivek Goel, U of T’s VP of Research and Innovation. A U of T release states that both partners have committed to investing $22M into the Centre over the next five years. U of T | NRC
Discussing non-academic careers, internships benefit women in science
“As a researcher, I’ve found many women are interested in science,” writes Marianne Stanford for the Chronicle Herald. “The challenge is getting them to stay.” Stanford then discusses the trends and barriers that tend to lower women’s participation in, and completion of, science-related doctoral programs, as well as the initiatives that seek to change this. In particular, the author focuses on the positive impact of alternatives to the professor-or-bust career mindset of many PhD programs, seeding academia with professors who understand how companies operate, and entrepreneurship skill development can have on women scientists. Chronicle Herald
Police arrest Victoria man after fires damage buildings at Camosun
Police have arrested a 30-year-old Victoria man in connection with fires at Camosun College’s Pacific Institute for Sports Excellence and Centre for Business and Access building. CBC reports that firefighters were putting out a large blaze at PISE when they received alerts of a smaller fire in the CBA. Joan Yates, VP of Student Experience for Camosun, told the Victoria Times-Colonist that nobody was hurt in the fires, and that they did not cause severe damage. “My feeling is if not tomorrow, then by Wednesday [we’ll re-open] but we’re taking our time to make sure the air quality is appropriate for everyone,” added Robert Bettauer, CEO of PISE. Victoria Times-Colonist | CBC
STU to apologize to student over crop top incident at gym
St Thomas University says that it will apologize to a fourth-year student who was told she could not wear a crop top at its recreation facility, reports CBC. The student, MacKenzie Parsons, said that a staff member warned her that crop tops were not allowed because some people find them distracting. "This is an unfortunate experience and it's completely our responsibility," said STU spokesperson Jeffrey Carleton, who added that Parsons will receive an apology. "We have to be careful how we communicate [the policy] because it's not intended to discriminate against anyone, but there will be some dress exclusions based on safety issues related to perspiration and germs and cleaning equipment and overexposure." CBC | Ottawa Citizen
SaskPolytech, Cowessess First Nation partner on mapping project
Saskatchewan Polytechnic and the Cowessess First Nation have partnered on a mapping project that will help 911 responders reach Cowessess First Nation emergencies more quickly. “Previously seeking an emergency location was done with an outdated physical map, resulting in response time typically taking over an hour. These are life and death situations,” said Cowessess Chief Cadmus Delorme. “With this initiative, people on Cowessess First Nation can be assured emergency responders will use the quickest route possible.” The maps will also be used by the First Nation for future planning, development, and management. SaskPolytech
