RDP, NAIT and SAIT join forces to showcase innovative solutions
Inaugural exhibition explores Alberta’s future through industry-driven research and collaboration
Today, Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP), the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) 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