Lethbridge Polytechnic continues to rank among Canada’s top research colleges, according to a new report. Research Infosource has listed the polytechnic as ninth among the top 50 institutions in the country. That’s up from 10th last year and 11th in 2023. Applied research began with the polytechnic’s Aquaculture Centre of Excellence in 1999. Since then, the Centre of Applied Research, Innovation and Entrepreneurship has expanded research operations to encompass five themes, including: · Agriculture; · Food and environment; · Business and technology; · Health and wellness; and · Justice and public safety. “Being recognized for our applied research, when compared with so many other institutions across Canada, is a remarkable win for the polytechnic,” said Kenny Corscadden, Lethbridge Polytechnic vice-president—academic and research, in a release issued on Thursday. “Over the past three years, we have consistently demonstrated our ability to compete at the national level. “By offering applied learning and research opportunities for students and researchers in a growing number of industry and community-based sectors, Lethbridge Polytechnic is becoming an institution of choice for those interested in making a difference and taking their education and research to the next level.” “The heart of applied research is responsiveness to industry and community needs,” said Andrew Dunlop, Lethbridge Polytechnic associate vice-president—research, in Thursday’s release. “Lethbridge Polytechnic has worked to diversify our research capabilities, develop relationships with stakeholders and leverage the strengths of our researchers to solve challenges and problems.” Dunlop additionally spoke with press about the former Lethbridge College stepping into a different role. Being “a new polytechnic,” Dunlop said it’s trying to put its new brand out there. “To get people used to the idea that it is a different kind of institution now,” Dunlop said. “We serve a different mandate, and applied research is part of that. “To have that high ranking just gives people confidence that they’re working with an institution (where) they know what they’re doing in this area.”
