Vancouver, BC – In an effort to develop and build research capacity at both institutions, Vancouver Community College and BCIT have entered into an agreement centered on applied research and research services cooperation.
This Memorandum of Understanding between VCC and BCIT will ensure increased opportunities and resources for both students, and faculty, to enter into research collaborations and exchanges, and will provide a platform for innovation, specifically in the fields of science and technology.
“Over the last few years, VCC has been exploring ways to expand applied research opportunities, and sees this agreement with BCIT as an important step towards greater research collaboration. Linking VCC’s applied research projects with research groups at BCIT will create greater information exchange and enhanced links between theory and practice, resulting in a more robust educational experience for our students” says Karen Belfer, Dean, VCC Centre for Teaching, Innovation & Applied Research.
“BCIT is pleased to be collaborating with VCC as part of our ongoing efforts to establish greater applied research connections and opportunities among BC colleges,” says Kim Dotto, Dean, BCIT Applied Research. “Applied research has been a part of BCIT’s mandate for the past 25 years, and this, together with our provincial mandate, means that closer ties with colleges across BC is a natural progression in our evolution. We look forward to a long and mutually beneficial relationship with VCC.”
In May 2013, VCC was granted eligibility by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) to authorize applications and administer NSERC grants, scholarships and fellowships. This agreement with BCIT is one step towards embracing increased research initiatives to address emerging issues of critical importance to our region, including a focus on auto and transportation technologies, health sciences and nursing, culinary and food sciences, and hospitality and operations management.
VCC and BCIT are committed to working together to offer students a first-rate education combined with practical training and enriched learning experiences.
Media contacts:
Kate Chandler
Phone: 778.873.1513
Email: Kchandler@vcc.ca
Kelly Friday
Phone: 604.432.8773
Email: Kelly_Friday@bcit.ca
