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Laurentian Tops National Ranking In Undergrad Research Revenue

Laurentian Tops National Ranking In Undergrad Research Revenue

Research income rose nearly 40% during the last fiscal year

November 13, 2019 -- Laurentian University’s researchers are pleased to see their institution’s name so high up the ranks of this year’s national list of research universities by Research Infosource. The organization has rated our institution number one in research income for undergraduate universities. In fact, multiple areas of success have seen Laurentian take the top spot two years running. The institution is also ranked 27th overall across Canada. 

According to the organization, Laurentian posted a research income of $44 million during the most recent fiscal year. This represents a growth of 37.2%, which represents the highest growth of any institution in the current list. Laurentian also took first place in a ranking of graduate student research intensity, up from second place last year.

Several factors have contributed to the attainment of these results. Most notable in this context is our university’s Strategic Research Plan, which emphasizes collaboration, openness and interdisciplinary cooperation as some of our key values.

For a complete list of rankings, please click here.

QUOTE
‘As far as research rankings go, Laurentian has been moving in the right direction. This is a reflection of the commitment and hard work of our faculty, staff, and students who are making a difference locally, nationally and internationally. Congratulations to all and let's accelerate the pace of this upward movement.’ Rizwan Haq, Interim Vice-President of Research at Laurentian University

ABOUT RESEARCH INFOSOURCE
Research Infosource Inc. labels itself Canada's source of research and development Intelligence. As a leading research, consulting, and publishing firm, we specialize in the areas of policy, research, business intelligence and analysis on science, technology, innovation, and the Canadian R&D ecosystem.

Laurentian University Set to Host Top Canadian High School Students at New Tricultural Summer Program

Laurentian University Set to Host Top Canadian High School Students at New Tricultural Summer Program

Shad Canada to share STEAM and entrepreneurship training adapted to northern Ontario

Laurentian University is thrilled to announce a new collaboration with Shad Canada, a Waterloo-based charity which runs education programs in science and entrepreneurship for Grade 10 and 11 students. Together, our organizations have created a summer program which will reflect northern Ontario’s unique cultural and linguistic landscape.

Not only will our institution play host to Shad for the first time ever come July 2020, we will also become the only place in Canada where participants can learn in both English and French. Additionally, the directors of the program are working with Laurentian’s Indigenous Sharing and Learning Centre to incorporate Indigenous perspectives into the program.

Laurentian University is on the territory of the Atikameksheng Anishnawbek, and is also in close proximity to Wahnapitae First Nation. It is also a key part of Greater Sudbury, where more than 25% of residents say French is their first language. It is only fitting that Shad’s Laurentian program reflect these facts, and we are proud of this collaboration.

QUOTES
“Part of Shad is getting high functioning students to realize that you can work together. You don’t always have to work alone. Cooperation and collaboration is possible. We’re hoping to do that on another level as well, that being language-wise.” —  Christian LaForge, program co-director at Shad Laurentian

“The more we can talk to students about the diversity of people that are driving STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math), they can better see themselves as part of that. The more diverse faces and languages that we can pull into the experience, the better we represent what science really does look like.” — Thomas Merritt, program co-director at Shad Laurentian

ABOUT SHAD
Shad Canada is a STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) and entrepreneurship program for students in grade 10 and 11. During the month-long program students live on campus and participate in a real-world design challenge that prepares them to take on social and economic challenges. Shad’s program is transformational and life changing and many Shad’s go on to innovate and start their own businesses. Shad has 19 campus partners, a network of 18,000 program graduates and has been running STEAM programs since 1980.

Laurentian Professor Sets Sights on Antarctic Adventure

Laurentian Professor Sets Sights on Antarctic Adventure

Dr. Tammy Eger joins around one hundred women leaders in STEM for the Homeward Bound program

Following months of preparation, Prof Tammy Eger is heading off to Antarctica on Friday, November 15 to participate in the Homeward Bound project. Eger, a Full Professor of Human Kinetics and Research Chair at the Centre for Research in Occupational Safety and Health, is among only four Canadians selected for this fourth cohort of the program.

Homeward Bound aims to train 1,000 women leaders in STEM over the next ten years. The goal is to equip them with the tools necessary to influence policy and lead decision-making in order to help create a more sustainable future for the planet. This year’s leadership program is a 3-week journey to Antarctica focused on learning about climate change and polar science. Professor Eger will be joined by about 100 researchers in various fields from around the world, including psychiatric health researcher Hinemoa Elder, geospatial scientist Charity Mundava, and clinical researcher Pallavi Prathivadi.
 
The entire Laurentian community wholeheartedly supports the aims of the Homeward Bound wishes Prof. Eger a safe journey.

To see more about Homeward Bound, please watch this video featuring Prof. Eger.

QUOTE
Travelling to Antarctica with 99 accomplished leaders in STEM from around the world is an
incredible privilege. I am excited, humbled, curious, cautious, and overwhelmingly inspired. I know we will all be changed by the experience and I can’t wait to see the impact my cohort will have around the world. One of the mottos of the program is “Stronger Together”. I truly believe this. When we work together with all voices in the lab, at the boardroom table, writing policy, and innovating, our world will be a better place. — Tammy Eger, Homeward Bound participant

ABOUT HOMEWARD BOUND
Homeward Bound is a ground-breaking, global leadership initiative, set against the backdrop of Antarctica, which aims to heighten the influence and impact of women in making decisions that shape our planet.
 

Laurentian Students Win Second Place at International Business Plan Competition in South Korea

Laurentian Students Win Second Place at International Business Plan Competition in South Korea

Our team is the first and only Canadian team to be invited to this competition.

A team of students from Laurentian University won second place during the finals of the 7th International Business Plan Competition at the SolBridge International School of Business in South Korea. Our team is the first and only Canadian team to be invited to this competition. The team is comprised of Daniel Boileau, Stephane Lauzon, Sarah Napoli and Maxime Leduc.
 
“I would like to congratulate our students,” said Prof. Michel Delorme, Dean of the Faculty of Management. “I hope that they learned a lot and enjoyed this experience. It is an experience of a lifetime that can help them finish their studies and have an impact as they start their careers.”
 
Prof. Delorme also thanks Professor Luc Lagrandeur for his mentorship and guidance in preparing the students for this competition. He also extends his gratitude to Associate Dean Bernie Schell for accompanying the students to South Korea and being their mentor during the competition.
 
“This is a great success to bring back to Laurentian University," says Prof. Delorme. "We are very proud of our students!”

Jennifer Abols appointed Executive Director of the Goodman School of Mines and President and CEO of MIRARCO

Jennifer Abols appointed Executive Director of the Goodman School of Mines and President and CEO of MIRARCO

Appointment effective November 4, 2019

SUDBURY, ON. Oct. 30, 2019 --  Laurentian University and its Mining Innovation Rehabilitation and Applied Research Corporation (MIRARCO) are pleased to announce the appointment of Jennifer Abols as the next Executive Director of the Goodman School of Mines and President and CEO of MIRARCO effective November 4th, 2019.

When Dr. Bruce Jago completed his term as Founding Executive Director of the Goodman School of Mines and Vic Pakalnis retired as the President of MIRARCO, this created an opportunity for one person to lead both organizations. This change will take advantage of synergies between the two entities, which will help position Laurentian University as Canada's Mining University.   

“As Laurentian builds its position as Canada’s Mining University and expands its reach internationally, it was looking for a passionate industry innovator, with global connections who can be a bridge between industry and the university. We have found a leader who can bring people from across campus together and help ensure we are preparing graduates to transition successfully to careers and be vibrant contributors to the innovation that will help move the mining sector forward,” says, Dr. Robert Haché, Laurentian University’s President and Vice-Chancellor. 

Jennifer Abols was the unanimous choice of the selection committee, comprised of representatives from Laurentian University, and the Boards of the Goodman School of Mines and MIRARCO.

Abols grew up in Sudbury, graduated from Laurentian University with a Bachelor of Engineering in Extractive Metallurgy, and obtained her MBA from Wilfrid Laurier University with a focus on marketing and international strategy.  Abols is a bilingual, professional engineer with over 20 years’ experience in the mining and minerals sector. Her wealth of experience across the mining cycle made her the perfect candidate to build Laurentian’s reputation as Canada’s Mining University.

She is the past chair of the Canadian Mineral Processors (2005), was the president of the Western Australia Mining Club (2009-2010) and received the Canadian Mineral Processors Mineral Processor of the Year award in 2015.  “I am very excited about the opportunity and eager to jump into this new position at Laurentian University,” Abols commented. “I look forward to working with the talented people at MIRARCO and the Goodman School of Mines to further position Laurentian as Canada’s Mining University.”

Jonathan Goodman, Executive Chairman, Dundee Corporation and Chair of the International Advisory Board to the Executive Director of the Goodman School of Mines, was a member of the selection committee. “My family invested in the University because we believe it is educating tomorrow’s mining executives by integrating the environmental, social, governance and finance into the fabric of a strong technical education.” 
Dominic Fragomeni, Vice-President of XPS Expert Process Solutions (a Glencore Company) and Chair of the MIRARCO Board of Directors, was a member of the selection committee. He is familiar with Ms. Abols’ strong business and marketing acumen and experience with industry.  He is confident that these strengths will be key to MIRARCO serving the mining innovation ecosystem including its researchers, other collaborative mining innovation organizations, government and the industry, both locally and abroad, while MIRARCO pursues is industry focused research programs.

New Collective Agreement Between Laurentian and CUPE

New Collective Agreement Between Laurentian and CUPE

Union represents approximately 300 Graduate Teaching Assistants

Oct. 30, 2019 -- The University is pleased to inform that a new two year Collective Agreement has been ratified between Laurentian University and the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) which represents approximately 300 Graduate Teaching Assistants (GTAs) at the University.
 
GTAs play a critical role within the university experience. They support our faculty members in their teaching, provide mentorship and training to our undergraduate students, and provide help in laboratory and tutorial settings. The GTA experience represents a unique Work-Integrated-Learning opportunity for our graduate students and we are appreciative of their diverse perspectives and important contributions." said Serge Demers, Interim Vice-President Academic & Provost.

Laurentian University reaffirms its dedication to environmental stewardship

Laurentian University reaffirms its dedication to environmental stewardship

Tree planted on campus to symbolize commitment to progress

In a city well aware of a tree’s power to transform, Laurentian University was proud to have Gitxsan scholar and activist, Dr. Cindy Blackstock, plant a tree on campus as part of the convocation ceremony on October 26th where she was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Laws. With a continued commitment to the environment, this gesture underpins Laurentian’s dedication to tree planting and soil restoration on its campus.

"To have Dr. Blackstock plant a tree on our campus, helping to reaffirm the importance we afford to taking action on climate change is a meaningful step” said Dr. Robert Haché, President and Vice-Chancellor of Laurentian University.

“The upcoming decade has been declared by the United Nations as the Decade of Environmental Restoration. Laurentian University's faculty and students, in conjunction with our community, industry and government as well as college and sister university partners, have for more than 40 years led the world with our "regreening and related environmental restoration research" to address local problems of air pollution and industrial land damage.” said Dr. John Gunn, Canada Research Chair in Stressed Aquatic Systems.

Laurentian will pull from this talent and passion to work on updating the existing Environmental Policy while exploring potential projects and initiatives such as a carbon offset and restoration forest on campus. This focus has been identified as a priority in Laurentian’s Strategic Plan. Specifically, one of the 25 outcomes is defined as "being a leader in influencing global audiences with research and expertise in environmental stewardship of water and land".

Laurentian salutes SGA for successful grand opening of Student Centre

Laurentian salutes SGA for successful grand opening of Student Centre

Student-led multimillion-dollar project in the works for five years

Oct. 28, 2019 -- Laurentian University would like to congratulate the Students’ General Association (SGA) on the successful grand opening of its new Student Centre. This new multi-million dollar project has been a student-led undertaking for over 5 years, following a successful student referendum. SGA students have been paying a fee and investing in this capital project since 2014.

Built with an eye towards sustainability, the Centre is divided into two main areas: the lobby and the lower level. The lobby is open to the public and houses a coffee shop, club rooms and even a dental hygienist. All students who contribute to the centre through a student centre fee will have access to the lower level which features a spacious atrium, games rooms, and several private study areas.

The Centre is accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week (except for special events). With their new space, the SGA is committed to enhancing the student experience and looks forward to serving its members. Student members of the Association des étudiantes et étudiants francophones (AEF) and the Graduate Students’ Association (GSA) benefit from gathering space in the Parker Building, which was enhanced through the University’s campus modernization initiative.

QUOTE
‘The SGA is excited to have a non-academic space on campus, and to see how much this space will contribute to the students' experience at Laurentian. I would also like to thank the university, past SGA executives, and all community members for contributing to the success of this project.’
Eric Chappell, President of the Students' General Association
 

Laurentian to present honorary doctorate to Dr. Cindy Blackstock

Laurentian to present honorary doctorate to Dr. Cindy Blackstock

October 24, 2019 – As part of its 2019 Fall Convocation ceremony, Laurentian University will recognize and celebrate the remarkable career and achievements of Cindy Blackstock, who will receive a Doctorate of Laws (honoris causa).

 

Dr. Cindy Blackstock

A member of the Gitxsan First Nation, Cindy is honoured to serve as the Executive Director of the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society and a professor at McGill University’s School of Social Work. She has over 30 years of experience working in child welfare and Indigenous children’s rights and has published more than 75 articles on topics relating to reconciliation, Indigenous theory, First Nations child welfare and human rights.

Cindy was honoured to work with First Nations colleagues on a successful human rights challenge to Canada’s inequitable provision of child and family services and failure to implement Jordan’s Principle. This hard-fought litigation has resulted in hundreds of thousands of services being provided to Inuit, Métis, and First Nations children, youth and families.

She recently served on the Pan American Health Commission on Health Equity and Inequity and fundamentally believes that culturally-based equity is fundamental to meaningful reconciliation. Cindy is frequently sighted in the company of the Caring Society’s reconciliation Am-bear-rister, Spirit Bear, engaging children in meaningful actions to implement the TRC Calls
to Action.

 

Psychology research turned into a children’s book

Psychology research turned into a children’s book

'Les émotions : Comment mieux les comprendre' officially launched in Sudbury

Dr. Annie Roy-Charland, of the University of Moncton, and Dr. Mélanie Perron, of Laurentian University, launched their book, 'Les émotions : comment mieux les comprendre,' surrounded by more than 100 students at École publique Jeanne-Sauvé.

The book, developed according to Pons, Harris and deRosnay’s model (2004), features nine stories that highlight the characteristics of the emotional experiences of young and old. The book strives to develop young Francophones’ (3-12 years) emotional understanding and is the result of several psychology research projects led by Drs. Roy-Charland and Perron on the impact that reading together with children has on these children’s understanding of emotions.

“Since 2007, we have researched children’s emotional development and strategies to improve their understanding of emotions,” said the researchers. “Our goal was to develop a simple and effective way for children to better understand certain active phenomena while presenting an abundant and inexpensive educational resource that can be used by everyone. Without the participation of many children, parents, schools and school boards in Greater Sudbury and Moncton, along with committed research assistants, this project would not have been realized.” The book was created as a result of significant collaborative efforts among various school boards, daycare centres, researchers and research assistants in Sudbury (Laurentian University) and Moncton (University of Moncton), who, despite the geographic distance, demonstrated the strength and diversity of the minority Canadian francophonie.


Recognized in 2016 as an academic innovation school, École publique Jeanne-Sauvé was involved in the project. “We’re thrilled that our vision to make our school a centre of choice for Laurentian researchers has led to such relevant and practical projects,” stated school principal, Lynn Tellier. “Regulating emotions begins with understanding them, which is a big challenge both in elementary and middle schools.”

With funding from Health Canada and the support of the Consortium national de formation en santé (CNFS) and Éditions Prise de Parole publishing house, what was originally a working document has become a wonderful vibrantly illustrated hardcover book. “The CNFS values not only developing knowledge on the health of minority francophones, but harnessing it as well,” explained CNFS research manager, Eric Chevaucherie. “It is a real joy for us to support Drs. Perron and Roy-Charland in making this book accessible to the francophone community.”

The book is available in several locations in the Ontario communities of Greater Sudbury and Timmins as well as in francophone bookstores and daycares in New Brunswick. A digital copy is available at cnfslaurentienne.ca

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