A prominent showcase of research excellence at Lakehead University is celebrating an important milestone: 20 years of Research & Innovation Week!
A graduate student presents during the 3MT (Three Minute Thesis) competition taking place on Monday, Feb. 24 from 2 to 4 p.m. in the CASES Building Atrium.
Demonstrating the exceptional work of Lakehead University researchers in the north for the north, Research & Innovation Week has evolved over the last 20 years to include public lectures, interactive exhibits, art and music performances, and more, revealing the growing impact of Lakehead research locally, nationally, and internationally.
"Lakehead has a deep tradition of research excellence," explained Dr. Andrew P. Dean, Vice-President of Research and Innovation. "By opening our campus to the public and the world we can highlight the profound impact our faculty, student, and staff researchers have on our community and beyond through the advancement of new perspectives and innovations."
The scope and depth of research activity at Lakehead University were acknowledged in the 2024 Research Infosource Top 50 Research Universities rankings; Lakehead was named a Canadian research powerhouse in the rapidly evolving field of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and maintained its spot as one of the top three universities in Canada in the Research University of the Year competition in the undergraduate category.
"I am immensely proud of the extent of research activity happening at Lakehead University, work that continues to advance knowledge, improve lives, and change our world in meaningful ways," Dr. Dean said.
The Rita Nicholas Undergraduate Research Conference celebrates emerging researchers at Lakehead University, presenting undergraduate students the opportunity to share their research with peers and the public. This year's conference will take place on Tuesday, Feb. 25.
To celebrate the 20th year, over 30 events are taking place on the Thunder Bay campus from February 22 to 28, featuring topics for everyone. On Saturday, Feb. 22, in collaboration with Science North, there is a free public event at the Intercity Mall between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. with hands-on activities and fun for the whole family. Then, on Monday, Feb. 24 at 12 p.m., Lakehead welcomes keynote speaker, explorer and author Jill Heinerth, the first Explorer-in-Residence of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society, to share her incredible career and talk about reaching beyond limitations, challenging the unknown, and overcoming fears, while sharing practical lessons on risk management and safety, discovery learning, failure, and collaboration.
Come find out why Lakehead University is one of the top research universities in Canada. For a full list of events and workshops, visit www.lakeheadu.ca/ri.
