Message from the Vice-President, Research & Innovation
It is with great pleasure that I share our 2016-17 annual report. It spotlights some of the many scholarly, research and creative activities undertaken by Ryerson University’s community.
What is particularly impressive and invigorating to me is the synchronicity of ideas, innovation and impact and how they are deeply woven into the fabric of Ryerson’s DNA. Working collaboratively and across disciplines at the centre of this global city, research at Ryerson is uniquely equipped to meet the challenges presented by our rapidly evolving world.
Our nationally and internationally recognized researchers drive Ryerson’s robust innovation agenda. Their research is addressing real world problems in a wide range of established and emerging fields, including aerospace design, artificial intelligence, biomedical engineering, cloud computing, digital humanities, entrepreneurship, food security and Indigenous governance. While their areas of research vary, these faculty members are united by the same purpose: to improve the quality of life for the world’s citizens through social, health or technological innovation. I am a firm believer in the importance of brain circulation; that is, providing opportunities to both Ryerson’s most promising and established scientists and scholars to make an impact beyond our borders through collaborative research and knowledge sharing.
Support from provincial and municipal agencies help solidify Ryerson’s profound commitment to city building, exemplified by funding to support ideas to improve employment and training for our citizens, to advocate for sustainable use of our resources, lands and waterways or to champion social justice and social equity for our underserved communities.
Our partnerships with industry, foundations and non-profit organizations help generate collaborative research projects, develop innovative products for the marketplace and build capacity in underserved communities. New invention disclosures and patent applications demonstrate the application of innovation in the real world and the mobilization of knowledge through action.
Led by intellectual curiosity and a genuine desire to incubate sustainable change, Ryerson’s researchers are truly distinguishing themselves. I am proud of how our community members are making strides in their disciplines, creating evidence-based solutions and activating real-world transformation. This is how Ryerson is leveraging its position as a leading innovation university in this province, in this country, and around the world.
Steven N. Liss, PhD
Vice-President, Research and Innovation
Ryerson University
