The Centre for Innovation (C4i) at Medicine Hat College (MHC) is growing its capacity for agricultural research and education in Southeast Alberta, thanks to $750,000 in grant funding from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC).
"C4i will be developing an Agriculture Applied Research Program that aims to tackle pressing challenges and opportunities by emphasizing technology, science, and business innovation within the agricultural sector," explains Dr. Morgan Blair, dean for the School of Business and Continuing Studies and the School of Trades and Technology.
"With a focus on applied soil research, we will enhance production and optimize resource utilization, while also considering labor shortages and climate change impacts."
This funding represents the largest ever NSERC grant received by MHC and will provide $150,000 annually over the next five years. Key objectives include facilitating, designing, and securing funding for time-sensitive applied research projects, strengthening partnerships with stakeholders, increasing faculty and student involvement in applied research, and providing training for students aligned with partner innovation priorities. The partners involved are stakeholders from the agriculture sector in the South Alberta region, ensuring that the research efforts are closely aligned with the needs and priorities of the local ag community.
MHC Vice-President Academic and Provost, Dr. Nancy Brown, adds that this applied research program is also in alignment with the college's strategic goals, which are committed to supporting regional vitality.
"By fostering collaboration, increasing participation, and providing training opportunities, the program aims to advance applied research priorities within the college and the broader agricultural community. Medicine Hat College and its Centre for Innovation are grateful for NSERC's support of this initiative that will address major innovation needs in the agricultural sector, explore solutions to enhance productivity, optimize resource utilization, and mitigate challenges posed by labor shortages and climate change impacts."
Next steps will include identifying industry experts to lead the applied research program and members of the community to provide critical insight into pressing agricultural challenges here at home and beyond.
For more information about research and innovation at MHC, please visit C4i | MHC.
