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Recognition for industry partnerships

Concordia recognized by regional office of the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada.
June 6, 2011
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By Cléa Desjardins


Research and collaboration are two key words for Concordia, so it is fitting that the university receive special recognition for just that. The Quebec regional office of the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC-Quebec) highlighted Concordia at a recent event hosted by the Association pour le développement de la recherche et de l’innovation du Québec.

Present at the May 26 event celebrating collaboration between business and research were some 300 researchers and entrepreneurs, including research vice-presidents from various universities and colleges, representatives from government organizations, legal and financial counsels, commercialization specialists and many more. Suzanne Fortier, president of NSERC, was a guest of honour.

The Concordia representatives from left to right: Robert Fews, Shelley Sitahal, Suong Van Hoa, Dora Iordan, Jonathan Farber. | Photo by André Bazergui
The Concordia representatives from left to right: Robert Fews, Shelley Sitahal, Suong Van Hoa, Dora Iordan, Jonathan Farber. | Photo by André Bazergui

Joining these delegates were representatives from Concordia’s Faculty of Engineering and Computer Science (ENCS) and the Office of Research: professor of mechanical engineering Suong Van Hoa (who was himself recognized for a special research partnership with McGill University); Aerospace Special Advisor and director of the Concordia Institute of Aerospace Design and Innovation, Robert Fews; Associate Director for Research Partnerships and Innovation, Shelley Sitahal; ENCS Research Facilitator, Dora Iordan; and Technology Transfer Officer, Jonathan Farber.

When Pierre Bourassa, manager of NSERC’s Quebec office, honoured the university’s impressive success with the NSERC Engage Grants this year, it was a welcome surprise for attendees. While it has been a point of pride for the university that it has received 16 of these grants, a number unprecedented for a single institution in Quebec, no one expected that Concordia would be singled out during the soirée.

As of the 2010-11 academic year, ENCS has enjoyed a 100 per cent success rate with Engage Grants, which are given for new industry-research partnerships. The grants provide up to $25,000 over six months, and support short-term research and development projects aimed at addressing a company-specific problem in the natural sciences or engineering fields. Recipients are chosen based on the creation of new collaborative relationships, research competence, industrial relevance, contribution to technology transfer, and benefit to Canada.

Related Links:
•    “Faculty Engages with Industry Through Federal Grant Program” - ENCS News and Events, March 31, 2011
•    NSERC Engage Grants Program



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