January 29, 2021
The University of British Columbia has launched the Centre for Indigenous Fisheries (CIF), which is based at the Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries. A goal of the CIF is to support the management of fisheries and aquatic ecosystems through the use of knowledge systems, methodologies, and tools from Indigenous and Western science. Research is community centred, and Dr Andrea Reid, the Principal Investigator, explains that “Indigenous knowledges, methods and values will fundamentally steer what we do, how we do it, and where we go.” CIF also focuses on teaching and training and will bring forward courses that will guide those who want to develop a deeper knowledge of Indigenous issues.
UBC (BC)
The University of Windsor has announced that it will host the SHIELD Automotive Cybersecurity Centre of Excellence. The centre aims to support the development of skills, innovations, and policy that will address hardware and software vulnerabilities in connected and autonomous vehicles. The centre has also signed a MOU with Automotive Parts Manufacturing Association (APMA) to collaborate on developing technology and building academic programs, and will work with UWindsor Continuing Education to develop courses and micro-credentials in the industry.
UWindsor (ON)
Polytechnique Montréal has partnered with Neptune Cyber and Davie Shipbuilding to create Canada’s Maritime Cyber Security Centre of Excellence. The five-year partnership will focus on research and development in maritime cyber security solutions. Neptune Cyber and Davie will invest $1.7M in the project. “Getting such a partnership going, with the possibility of creating an innovation zone encompassing this hub of excellence on maritime cyber security along with sectorial partners, constitutes a key step towards ensuring the national security and economic stability of Canada and of Quebéc,” said Polytechnique Montréal professor José M Fernandez. “[I]t is key to protect our critical infrastructures and increase their resilience, in addition to training the next generation of highly qualified experts in a critical domain.”
NewsWire |
Times Colonist (QC)
The University of Guelph is increasing COVID-19 measures and their enforcement after an
outbreak in the East Village residence townhouses. The article says that UoGuelph is considering eviction or restriction from the university for students who broke public health rules. To ensure that COVID-19 rules are being followed, UoGuelph is installing security cameras around the townhouses, adding additional monitoring by security staff in various areas of campus, and considering a campus curfew. Additionally, UoGuelph has added virtual programming to support and engage students. “Right now, we are focused on ensuring those in isolation are being supported and putting additional measures in place to increase compliance and reduce the spread of COVID-19,” said Carrie Chassels, UoGuelph vice-provost (student affairs).
UoGuelph |
Guelph Mercury Tribune (ON)
The University of Saskatchewan’s Global Institute for Food Security has launched the Omics and Precision Agriculture Laboratory (OPAL). USask says that the lab is Canada’s only facility with the ability to provide analytical and computational services, including genomics, phenomics, and bioinformatics. The facility will address challenges such as climate change, limited water, and limited nutrient resources through the use of technology. “[W]e are very pleased to have these advanced services available here to complement Saskatchewan’s thriving biotechnology ecosystem,” USask GIFS Chief Executive Officer Steven Webb said.
USask (SK)
The Université du Québec à Montréal has announced that it will be setting up a new campus in Saint-Constant in Montérégie-Ouest in the Collège de Valleyfield’s Center d’études de Saint-Constant. The campus will allow students to access higher education and stay in the region to pursue careers. It will offer programming in areas such as administration and education, with the aim of expanding its academic offerings in the future. Some programs will be designed as bridges between the college and university levels, allowing students from the Collège de Valleyfield to continue studies at UQAM.
UQAM (QC)
McMaster University and the University of Toronto will receive $2.3M from the Government of Ontario’s Ontario Together Fund for the research, development, and testing of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). U of T will receive $1.12M for testing filtration efficiency of masks at its Dalla Lana School of Public Health testing facility. McMaster will receive $1.21M in support of research and development of PPE, as well as to support collaborations with industry partners focused on streamlining the process of product optimization and putting products on the market. “With this investment into research and testing at two of our leading universities, we are reinforcing our province's reputation as the gold standard for medical equipment across Canada and around the world,” said Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade.
ON (ON )
CTV News reports that Vanier College is reviewing the behaviour of one of its instructors after a video posted on Instagram showing Vanier instructor Afshin Matlabi “hectoring” a student over his last name went viral. The article says that the instructor questioned the student on why his mother’s family name was first in his hyphenated last name, before saying to the student “I’m telling you your problem.”
CTV News reports that two other students from the class feel that the video has been taken out of context. Vanier has responded by opening a formal investigation into the instructor’s conduct and by temporarily suspending the classes.
CTV News |
CityNews (QC)
A report by the Council of Canadian Academies discusses the career challenges that Canadian PhD students face. The article explains that though both universities and students invest in PhD programs, graduates often face challenges when transitioning to careers either within or outside of academia. The report brings up six key findings: though the number of students graduating from PhD programs has increased, academic jobs have either stayed the same or declined, non-academic sectors have not increased their hiring of PhD graduates, and the labour market differs by discipline and gender. The report also highlights how academic culture can keep graduates from pursuing non-academic careers, how PhD students may not be aware of their skills, and how graduates may be driven to seek jobs outside of Canada.
University Affairs |
CCA (Release) |
CCA (PDF Report) (National)
Portage College’s Practical Nursing Program has been granted a four-year accreditation renewal and has achieved a score of 100% from the College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Alberta. The accreditation review process took place virtually. “We are honoured to receive this excellent score and four-year accreditation,” said Guy Gervais, Portage VP Academic. “It is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our amazing faculty and staff at Portage College.”
Portage (AB)
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