Sheridan Research Ranks Second in Canada for Meeting Clients’ Needs

Last week, Research Infosource Inc. released its annual ranking of Canada’s Top 50 Research Colleges.  The study looks at key indicators including research income (funding from external sources); number of partnerships; and number of completed projects.

Sheridan was ranked second in the country for its total completed projects (91), and fourth for number of partners (73).  “We’re very pleased with this ranking, which reflects our dedication and commitment to delivering results for our industry and community partners,” said Dr. Darren Lawless, Dean of Sheridan Undergraduate Research.  “We’re also committed to enriching the educational experience of our students.  By bringing partners into the classroom, we ensure that our students work on real, interdisciplinary problems that challenge them to be creative as they prepare to enter the workforce.”

Research undertaken at Sheridan spans five faculties and three centres of expertise: the Centre for Elder Research, Screen Industries and Research Training Centre (SIRT), and Centre for Advanced Manufacturing and Design Technologies (CAMDT).

The Centre for Elder Research, which celebrated its 10^th anniversary in 2013, conducts applied research aimed at improving the quality of life for older adults.  The Centre collaborates with industry partners, students and faculty, and older adults in our communities on a range of research projects, networking events and symposiums.

SIRT supports Ontario’s film, television and interactive media cluster with research and training related to digital workflow technologies and processes including virtual production/performance capture, stereoscopic 3D and high frame rate cinema.  SIRT was designated a Technology Access Centre in the spring of 2013 through funding support from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada.

CAMDT exemplifies Sheridan’s growing role as a hub connecting industry with applied research, acting as a link between leading corporations that provide technology and expertise to the college, and local SMEs that explore how to integrate these new tools into their businesses with the help of Sheridan faculty and students.

As Sheridan progresses on its journey to become Sheridan University, undergraduate research will play an increasingly important role, says Dr. Mary Preece, Provost and Vice President.  “Our goal is to make research a cornerstone of all degree programs, providing students with the opportunity to collaborate with faculty and industry partners and to apply classroom knowledge to real world problems that are directly relevant to their chosen fields of study.”