Alberta’s top research colleges join forces to showcase innovative solutions
MEDIA RELEASE
Alberta’s top research colleges join forces to showcase innovative solutions
Calgary, AB (Wednesday, Sept. 13) — Today, the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT), Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) and the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) are gathering for the first annual Alberta Corridor Technical Symposium — Research Matters: Empowering Alberta Through Innovative Solutions — presented by the Alberta Corridor Technical Committee.
All three institutions were named in Canada’s Top 50 Research Colleges for 2022 as part of the Canada's Innovation Leaders report, adding an elevated level of expertise to this collaborative event. Held in Calgary on SAIT’s main campus, this one-day event is showcasing more than 15 industry-based, cutting-edge applied research projects in progress which embody the collective efforts in research fostered at Alberta’s leading polytechnic colleges.
Exploring research in the areas of agriculture and sustainable ecosystems, thermal energy storage, carbon neutrality, remote healthcare delivery, veterinary medicine and much more, the projects aim to create advanced solutions to foster new opportunities for Alberta’s diverse economy.
Industry professionals, academics, students and community leaders are attending the symposium to network with peers, learn from researchers and be inspired by the next generation of innovators. Students from all three post secondaries are exhibiting their research findings at the poster sessions on topics including advancing microplastics science, impacts of electric vehicles, issues facing rural immigrants and verifying activity on Alberta's Crown land using satellite imagery.
“Applied research at NAIT is a collaborative effort where multidisciplinary researchers, members of industry, students, and community members advance innovative solutions with a focus on cleaner energy, the environment and sustainable development. NAIT is proud to partner with SAIT and Red Deer Polytechnic for this research showcase to demonstrate the impact of Alberta polytechnic applied research across Alberta and Canada." Olle Lagerquist, Associate Vice-President, Industry Solutions, NAIT
“Alberta’s polytechnics provide critical applied research capacity and industry relationships that support a vibrant and growing economy. As a leader in advanced manufacturing technologies and sustainable energy innovation, Red Deer Polytechnic is very pleased to come together with SAIT and NAIT to showcase the impressive applied research that is being done in Alberta.” Dr. Tonya Wolfe, Associate Vice President, Applied Research, RDP
“SAIT’s Applied Research and Innovation Services (ARIS) works closely with industry to anticipate challenges and develop innovative solutions through applied research. The opportunity to present projects from ARIS — and SAIT’s School of Business, School of Construction and the School of Hospitality and Tourism — at this unique event, was an exciting progression in our efforts to emphasize the important research in progress across our campus, and with our collaborative partners at NAIT and Red Deer Polytechnic.” Jamie McInnis, ARIS Director, SAIT
About NAIT
The Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) is a leading Canadian polytechnic, delivering education in science, technology and the environment; business; health and skilled trades. With more than 34,000 credit and non-credit students and a 98 per cent employer satisfaction rate, NAIT grads help fuel the economic engine of the province. NAIT also contributes to Alberta's prosperity by helping businesses and communities become more competitive through industry-driven research and corporate training. Recognized as one of Alberta's top employers, NAIT provides outstanding returns on investment for its graduates, industry partners, the provincial government and the people of Alberta.
About Red Deer Polytechnic
Focused on advancing the economic and social priorities of Alberta, RDP provides more than 80 industry-relevant programs and a breadth of credentials to approximately 10,000 credit, non-credit, and apprenticeship students. With modern teaching and learning spaces, and state-of-the-art research and innovation centres, RDP provides education and applied research opportunities in partnership with industry and communities.
Red Deer Polytechnic’s main campus is located on Treaty 7, Treaty 6 and Métis ancestral lands. This is where we will strive to honour and transform our relationships with one another.
For more information, please visit: rdpolytech.ca | twitter | facebook | instagram
About SAIT
Established in 1916, SAIT was the first of its kind, publicly funded technical school in North America. As a global leader in applied education and research — serving nearly 40,000 students annually — SAIT offers certificate, diploma, post diploma, apprenticeship and applied degree programs, baccalaureate degrees, corporate training and more than 1,000 continuing education courses, along with six dedicated, award-winning areas of research and capacity for new and emerging research. Curriculum and research priorities are developed through industry partnerships to ensure graduates have the skills and knowledge required to fulfill the demand for talent. SAIT is honoured to be recognized by Mediacorp Canada Inc. as one of Alberta’s Top Employers for 2023, and to be ranked fifth by Research Infosource Inc. in the Top 50 Research Colleges in Canada for 2022. CEOWORLD Magazine ranked the SAIT School of Business #51 on the list of Best Business Schools in the World for 2023, and the School of Hospitality and Tourism placed #15 on their list of Best Hospitality and Hotel Management Schools in the World — the only Canadian school listed — for 2023.
Connect with us: facebook.com/SAIT | twitter.com/SAIT | instagram.com/SAIT
Media inquiries
Nicole Graham
NAIT Senior Media and External Relations Specialist
780.916.8307
media@nait.ca
Brent Forster
RDP Communications Strategist – Corporate
403.342.3389
brent.forster@redpolytech.ca
Kate Laverdure
SAIT Senior Communications Specialist
403.630.6152
kate.laverdure@sait.ca