If you are a student or a member of faculty and staff interested in being part of a project OR are a community organization or business interested in research and development, please contact innovation@northern.on.ca
Work & Services
What We Do
Applied Research
Applied Research goes beyond theory to apply the latest knowledge, technologies and innovations toward a specific practical purpose. Applied Research can help communities and businesses solve all kinds of problems: everything from uncovering operational inefficiencies to conceptualizing new products and services.
Applied Research provides superior experiential learning opportunities for students, embraces collaborative partnerships with our industry and community stakeholders, and delivers meaningful, real-world solutions that stimulate social and economic growth in our region and beyond.
The Innovation Hub serves as a gateway for external partners seeking to work with the College on applied research and for internal employees seeking to utilize their research skills.
Types of Applied Research We Can Help With
Independent – is normally characterized as a large project usually requiring external government funding. These projects can provide the maximum flexibility and opportunity for companies to invest in new ideas in a cost-effective way.
Action – is a research project that aligns with the course curriculum. Companies have the opportunity to engage an entire class or a class team in solving a particular problem.
Capstone – is a multifaceted assignment, similar to a college thesis, which culminates in a final product, presentation, or performance. It provides an opportunity for students to engage with companies or organizations directly (usually in small student teams) to explore and solve a specific problem.
Phases required to complete an Applied Research Project
- Engagement – initiate faculty, student and industry
- Proposal – internal approvals, agreements and proposal writing
- Execution – grant approved, the project is underway
- Closure – Reports, media releases and commercialization
Entrepreneurship
Entrepreneurship is learning how to work with local industries and partnerships to test, validate and bring new products and/or services to the markets. Students and staff are welcome to bring forth new innovative ideas to explore options where help can be accessed.
We provide resources and referrals to qualified personnel to transform your dreams of being your own boss into the real thing.
We work with a network of partners who together can provide entrepreneurship education, market research, access to capital, business advice and mentorship.
Funding Opportunities
The Innovation Hub applies and is eligible for funding through local industries, businesses, provincial and federal government agencies.
Northern College has met the eligibility requirements of the following agencies:
- Social Sciences & Humanities Research Council of Canada
- Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC)
- Ontario Centres of Excellence
- eCampus Ontario
- Canada Foundation for Innovation
Connect with us to learn more about how we can assist with obtaining funding opportunities.
Important Information
Policies & Procedures
5.1 AR-5 Commercialization of Intellectual Property POLICY [PDF, 114 KB]
5.1 AR-5 PR-1 Commercialization of Intellectual Property PROCEDURE [PDF, 137 KB]
Project Documentation & Forms
Invention and Innovation Report (IR) [PDF, 76 KB]
Employees of Northern College can find more documentation on NorAction.
The Northern College Research Ethics Board (REB) was established to fulfill the ethical responsibilities concerning research involving human participants in accordance with the standards developed by the Tri-Councils (Canadian Institute of Health Research (CIHR), Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) and Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC)] and contained in the TCPS2. The Tri-Councils only provide funding to researchers and institutions that are compliant with this Policy.
The REB is built upon the guiding core ethical principles as discussed by the TCPS2, of respect for persons, concern for welfare, and justice. The application of these core principles is intended to maintain the balance between the necessary protection of participants and researchers and the legitimate requirements of research. It is the responsibility of Northern College’s REB to ensure that research involving human subjects is conducted in an ethical manner, as stated in the TCPS2.
All proposed use of animals at Northern College falls under the jurisdiction of the Animal Care Committee (ACC). The ACC reports through the Dean of Sciences, to the Vice President of Academic and Student Success, and fulfills the roles and responsibilities laid down by the CCAC. Any proposed applied or other research projects with animal subjects will also fall under the ACC jurisdiction and must be approved by the ACC as well as any other persons required by the CCAC prior to being undertaken.
All research must align with the Animal Care and Use Policy #1. Any individual(s) wishing to conduct research involving animals within the context of, or associated with, Northern College, whether locally or in other jurisdictions or countries are required to oblige. It is the responsibility of Northern College’s ACC to ensure that research involving animal subjects is conducted in an ethical manner as stated by the CCAC.
Contact innovation@northern.on.ca to find out how we can help support your project.