Cambrian College hosts annual Research and Innovation Week – April 6

SUDBURY, ON – The benefits of applied research will be on full display at Cambrian College over the next few days as Cambrian hosts its annual Research and Innovation Week.

The event, being held at the Barry Downe campus from April 7 to 10, highlights the work of Cambrian R&D, the college’s applied research division, and its various projects with industry partners.

“Applied research is about taking a real-world, real-time challenge that industry is facing, and finding a solution,” explains Dr. Mike Commito, Director of Cambrian R&D. “Our students, staff, and faculty work with industry partners from sectors like aggregates, health care, mining, manufacturing, and robotics to name a few. We’ve done everything from build a heavy-duty trailer for an arctic all-terrain vehicle to a special medical mannequin to help train surgeons at our hospital. Research and Innovation Week is a great way to show the work that is being done here at Cambrian R&D.”

Research and Innovation Week starts with tours of Cambrian R&D plus the Research Showcase, which highlights the projects involving Cambrian and its research partners.

One of those industry partners is Ruf Diamond. It approached Cambrian to develop a multi-purpose all-weather sled for its heavy-duty all-terrain vehicle, Fat Truck, which can be used for military operations, remote mining and exploration, and forest firefighting.

“Cambrian R&D has been a terrific partner to work with, and they really came through with an amazing design and build for a trailer that can handle the workload and rough terrain that the Fat Truck is built for,” explains Ruf Diamond President Daryl Adams. “To be able to access this level of expertise and facilities right here in the city is a huge boost for my company. Working with Cambrian is also a great way to scout new talent for our business, so it’s a win for everyone.”

Research and Innovation Week wraps up with the annual Student Innovation Challenge, Powered by RBC.  Cambrian students pitch their ideas for a new business, product, or service to a panel of judges, with $7,000 in prize money to be won.

For the past 14 years, Cambrian College has made the list of Canada’s top 50 research colleges, as compiled by Re$earch Infosource. In the latest rankings, Cambrian placed first overall for medium-sized colleges for the use of paid student researchers.

To learn more about Cambrian R&D, and Research and Innovation Week, visit https://cambriancollege.ca/events.