TORONTO, ONTARIO - Humber College is the second top research college in the country, according to rankings released today by Research InfoSource Inc. Humber’s leadership in Canadian applied research is also noted by its top three ranking nationally for research partnerships.
Humber has steadily improved its ranking since the launch of the report by Research InfoSource Inc. in 2011. The rise is in part the result of a strong network of research partners, as well as Humber’s five Centres of Innovation which create learning opportunities for students, faculty and industry to work together to solve real-world challenges.
"Through our Centres of Innovation Network and applied research projects, Humber serves as an innovation intermediary for organizations of all sizes and from all industrial and social sectors and this recognition reflects that work and commitment," said Chris Whitaker, president and CEO, Humber College. "We will continue to seek out new ways to support industry, create opportunities for researchers and engage our students with Canadian businesses and community organizations to respond to the economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic."
“Our government is proud of Ontario’s strength in postsecondary research that advances knowledge, drives economic growth and creates a better future," said the Honourable Jill Dunlop, Minister of Colleges and Universities. "The applied research being undertaken at Humber, and in partnership with industry, is training the next generation of workers and positioning Ontario to meet the demands of the labour market now and into the future. Congratulations on this incredible achievement!”
In 2021, Humber received more than $15 million in funding for various research projects. Some highlights include:
Affordable housing for all: In South Etobicoke, Salomeh Ahmadi, Professor in Humber College’s Faculty of Social and Community Services, is working towards a day when all renters can consistently access affordable housing. The research project aims to uncover cost of living issues and develop a baseline of housing affordability. It will also identify measures to inform decision-making and contribute to the fight against homelessness.
3D landfill modelling: Landfills pose a risk to the public and the environment and must be closely monitored, however, current modelling methods are expensive and time-consuming. Maria Jacome, Professor in Humber College's Civil Engineering Technology program, went in search of a solution and received funding from The Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC). With the help of industry partner DGI Geoscience, she developed a fast, cost-effective alternative to traditional methods, creating 3D models of landfills. Their method simulates the landfill's behaviour, showing the interaction between landfill gas and contaminated groundwater moving through the landfill.
Reducing youth crime and gang violence: Youth at risk of entering the criminal justice system need help and resources, especially those who become involved with gangs. Ann Corbold, Professor in Humber College’s Faculty of Social and Community Services, is studying what makes community agency partnerships effective. The overarching goal is to reduce youth crime and gang violence in Canada. Researchers will evaluate each program for cultural sensitivity, alignment to reconciliation and more.
Humber’s Office of Research & Innovation leads the college's research activities by bringing together industry and community organizations, researchers, and students to collaborate on projects that use new or existing knowledge to solve real-world challenges with immediate practical applications. Project outcomes often lead to innovative products and services that benefit the economy and society.
Research Infosource annually ranks Canada's 50 research colleges, in addition to other rankings that help to highlight the strengths of Canada's research environment. Humber is the top college ranked in Ontario.
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About Humber College Institute of Technology & Advanced Learning
Humber College is focused on our students' future. As a global leader in polytechnic education, Humber students receive in-depth theoretical learning and hands-on experience with applied research and extensive industry connections. Humber provides career-focused education to more than 38,000 full-time and 19,000 part-time students and professional learners in-person at three main Toronto locations and online. A comprehensive range of credentials, including honours undergraduate degrees, Ontario graduate certificates, diplomas, apprenticeships and certificates, prepare career-ready global citizens to move seamlessly from education to employment. More than 86 per cent of Humber graduates are employed within six months of completing their studies. Visit humber.ca.
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Humber College - Media Relations
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