At an event last night (March 4), Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) shared with 180 attendees the breadth and impact of innovative applied research that addresses real-world challenges. On March 4, RDP students, faculty and staff shared their research projects and scholarly activity at the Polytechnic's Fifth Annual Research Showcase, demonstrating the significant role RDP plays in advancing Alberta's social and economic development.
(l-r): Keynote speakers Dr. Greg Wells, RDP Psychology instructor; Dr. Tonya Wolfe, Associate Vice President, Applied Research, Red Deer Polytechnic
"The Research Showcase reflects the collaborative and applied learning culture that defines Red Deer Polytechnic. When students, faculty and staff engage in multidisciplinary applied research, they work alongside industry and community partners to address real challenges and create practical solutions across the province," says Lindsay Engel, Vice President, Academic and Student Experience, Red Deer Polytechnic. "This event highlights the tangible impact of our research while giving learners hands-on experiences that build the skills, innovation mindset and industry connections needed for rewarding careers."
This year, the Polytechnic's Research Showcase featured six poster displays and 24 presentations, an increase of three posters and six presentations from 2025. Projects represented diverse disciplines, including Humanities, Social Sciences, Creative Arts, Sciences, Advanced Manufacturing and Technology, Business, Health Sciences and the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning.
As keynote speakers, Dr. Tonya Wolfe, Associate Vice President, Applied Research, Red Deer Polytechnic, and Dr. Greg Wells, RDP Psychology instructor, presented Exploring Solutions With, Not For: Rethinking Research for Complex Human Challenges. This collaborative presentation explored how multi-disciplinary, person-centred research bridges human needs and technological innovation, advancing Industry 5.0 principles (where humans and technology collaborate to drive sustainability and resilience in the production process) to create ethical, responsive, context-aware solutions for complex societal challenges.
Beyond celebrating achievements, the Research Showcase strengthened connections across RDP's campuses and with community partners. By bringing together students, faculty, staff and industry representatives, the event encouraged interdisciplinary dialogue and sparked new collaborations. It also underscored how RDP's applied research transforms theory into practical solutions that enhance quality of life and deliver meaningful benefits to the province, reinforcing the value of community-focused innovation.
"Student research opportunities allow students to become the creators," says Eli Wolters, Vice President, Academic, Students' Association of RDP. "They are not just learning from textbooks or lectures, they are actively shaping their own understanding and asking questions that no one has answered yet and challenging existing ideologies."
RDP's Fifth Annual Research Showcase was sponsored by Central Alberta Regional Innovation Network (CARIN), along with the Polytechnic's Research Common, Donald School of Business, School of Arts and Education, School of Health and Wellness, and School of Trades and Technology.
Red Deer Polytechnic Cook Apprenticeship students also supported the event by creating the menu and making the food served to guests.
For more information about the Fifth Annual Research Showcase, including session details, please visit:
rdpolytech.ca/events/fifth-annual-research-showcase.
