Division of Applied Research

What We Do

The heart of the polytechnic experience is our learning environment. We create dynamic, interdisciplinary spaces called "innovation ecosystems." These living laboratories are interwoven with technology and expertise from multiple sectors and disciplines, creating the perfect environment for applied research. 

Our research focuses on advancing Alberta's industries and communities in technical, economic, and social ways. We work with businesses, non-profits, government and health sectors across Alberta to collaborate, innovate and find practical solutions to the problems facing all Albertans. 

Our main research areas are:

  • Manufacturing & Advanced Manufacturing
  • Healthcare & Health Technology
  • Energy Innovation
  • Social Innovation

We also support faculty-led research in all disciplines at RDP.

Applied Research thrives when technology, creativity, arts, science, and humanities synergize to co-create solutions for communities and individuals to live better, together. Innovative ecosystems thrive when multidisciplinary teams come together to garner best possible solutions to real-world problems.

Happy students in the library

Supporting Research

The Division of Applied Research at Red Deer Polytechnic works with the Research Common and the Research Ethics Board to guide research and scholarships occurring across the institution including:

  • offering administrative support
  • support for research and teaching with animals 
  • research data management
  • oversight for grant applications
  • grant management

This work is supported in part by the Government of Canada's Research Support Fund.

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Our Team
  • Tonya Wolfe, Ph.D., P.Eng. - Associate Vice President, Applied Research
  • Debjyoti Sen, M.Sc., P.Eng. - Director, Centres for Manufacturing and Energy Innovation (CMEI)
  • TBA - Applied Research Chair, Data-Driven Innovation (DDI)
  • Emile Johnson, M.PA. - Director, Resiliency & Child Advocacy Research
  • Alicia Cafferata-Arnett, M.Sc. - Applied Research Specialist
  • Stacey Bliss, Ph.D., M.Ed. - Research Grant Specialist
  • Gail Wolski, B.Com., B.A. - Operations Manager
  • Kate Romanoff, B.Mgmt., CCAP – Operations Coordinator, Applied Research
  • Tyrell Wesenberg, B.BA. - Operations Coordinator, CIMTAC
Committees

The Scholarly Activity Committee is a standing committee of Red Deer Polytechnic’s and a key connection to the academic governance processes of the Polytechnic. It oversees the policy direction for research and scholarly activity across the institution, the promotion of research among all members of the Red Deer Polytechnic community and the recognition of research and scholarly activity. 

The Recognition of Scholarly Activity Committee recognizes and rewards high-quality scholarly productions by faculty and staff that have a large impact on the field of study.

Relevant Policies and Plans

All scholarly work at Red Deer Polytechnic that involves research conforms to or interacts with the following policies:

View All Policies & Procedures
Research Ethics Board

Red Deer Polytechnic and the Red Deer Polytechnic Research Ethics Board (REB) are committed to ensuring research at the institution is conducted with the highest ethical standards. Together, they promote ethical conduct to ensure that the rights of human participants in research are respected and protected.

Through the Research Ethics Board webpages, you can access information needed to obtain ethics approval for your research project, review common questions regarding the ethics approval process and provide resources and forms needed for an ethics application submission.

Contact us if you have questions about:

  • completing the ethics application
  • an application currently under review
  • visiting a class or meeting to talk about research ethics
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