Media Advisory - New Possibilities: Applied Research Symposium explores
exciting future

TORONTO, May 27 /CNW/ - From breathtaking advancements in robotics technology to bio-engineering and collaborative open-source research, the future is unfolding faster than anyone had predicted. Canada could be setting the stage for a wide range of innovations across many sectors, thanks to the expanding role of colleges involved in applied research.

On May 31, Centennial College is presenting the fifth annual Applied Research and Innovation Symposium (ARIS), which will explore everything from the next wave of renewable wind energy to the rise of the "citizen researcher" revolution.

"Applied research is an important part of the innovation chain and a fundamental part of how we make our products, services and country strong," says Trish Dryden, Associate Vice-President Research and Corporate Planning, Centennial College. "We act as matchmakers between industry and community partners, and our students and faculty."

Featuring keynote speakers Dr. Thomas A. Corr, President and CEO, Ontario Centres of Excellence (OCE) and John Breakey, co-founder and CEO of UNIS LUMIN Inc., ARIS seeks to define the increasingly critical role of colleges in Ontario's applied research efforts. Centennial's own Applied Research and Innovation Centre is mandated to support faculty research and foster innovation within the college, bridging the gap between research innovations and commercial enterprises.

"Students and faculty come to us with great ideas, industry and employers come to us with great ideas, and we sit down and try to help them sort out the research plan," says Dryden. "Applied research in colleges uses a pragmatic approach that will help close the innovation gap and fuel economic and social prosperity at home and on the international stage."

Expertise exists in a wide variety of areas in the public college system. Over the past few years there is growing recognition, by both federal and provincial governments, that applied research led by the nation's colleges is helping to address the innovation gaps Canada has historically faced.

"Colleges can provide a link between industry, students and faculty who have the know-how and facilities to test their products and services. Applied research and innovation in colleges matters as we build towards the kind of world we hope to live in," says Dryden.

For more details, visit: www.centennialcollege.ca/applied/aris.

    
    Date:      Monday, May 31

    Time:      8:30 am to 4 pm

    Location:  Centennial College Residence and Conference Centre
               940 Progress Ave. (east of Markham Rd.), Scarborough
    

For further information: Media Contact: Paul Koidis, Manager, Communications, Marketing and Development, [email protected], [phone], ext. 8609