Kwantlen Polytechnic University's Wilson School of Design has just received a $1-million federal research grant.
The grant came from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada's program to applied research at post-secondary institutions across the country.
This funding will formalize Wilson School of Designs' ability to expand its research capacity and build industry partnerships, said dean Andhra Goundrey.
To do so, the school will first be establishing an applied research centre, which will focus on addressing themes such as sustainability, climate change and inclusivity. It will also forge connections across disciplines and partners.
“This is just the first step. A research centre will provide students with more opportunities to gain experience that will help them make a positive impact,” said Goundrey.
“Our industry partners need connections to our research activities coupled with a steady base of skilled, critical thinking, and creative graduates to work in hard and soft goods development, small to medium-sized enterprises, large well-established multi-national companies, and emergent tech innovators.”
Deepak Gupta, associate vice president for research, innovation, and graduate studies at KPU, added that the funding is "critical to providing experiential learning opportunities for students while addressing design needs of community and industry partners."
“Applied research is integral to KPU’s polytechnic experience and is key to impactful innovation through community partnerships,” said Gupta.
