Executive Summary
The annual report of the Office of the Vice-President, Research and Innovation (OVPRI) for the 2018-19 fiscal year celebrates a tremendous year of growth, demonstrating Ryerson University’s research excellence, and its cross-sectoral partnerships and collaborations with industry, community and government.
During this period, Ryerson’s overall research funding increased by 63 per cent, with revenues totaling $79.4 million. Support from Tri-Agencies — Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) and Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC) — exceeded $17 million. This was led by a 14 per cent increase in support from SSHRC, indicative of Ryerson’s strength in scholarly, research and creative (SRC) activity and overall growth of Ryerson’s research enterprise.
This past year saw the establishment of the Rogers Cybersecure Catalyst, the Future Skills Centre and the Women’s Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub. Collaborations such as these illustrate Ryerson’s ability to convene a variety of partners to work together and activate real-world transformation that will enhance Canada’s competitiveness and prosperity.
Ryerson continues to attract researchers who are leaders in their fields. In 2018-19, the university established its first Canada Excellence Research Chair (CERC) in Migration and Integration — the only CERC in social sciences awarded during the most recent round of funding. The year also saw Ryerson researchers continue to elevate their areas of expertise and to be honoured for their work. Two new Canada Research Chairs (CRCs) and one CRC renewal were awarded during this time, an increase in Ryerson’s overall CRC allocation. Early Researcher Awards were bestowed to four Ryerson professors. Ryerson was also pleased to see the induction of three of its scholars as Fellows of the Royal Society of Canada (RSC), in the RSC’s Academy of the Arts and Humanities. Research published by Ryerson faculty was cited by other scholars in 1,369 academic publications, speaking to the influence of their journal articles and conference papers.
As one of Canada’s top comprehensive universities, Ryerson excels at translating theory into practice. Its unique Zone Learning network of 10 themed zones champions entrepreneurial activities, while the Incubate Innovate Network of Canada (I-INC) has grown to accelerate commercialization of university-linked venture development. During the 2018-19 fiscal year, I-INC delivered 432 programming events and gained 105 new digital technology and gaming clients while Zone Learning startups served 95,571 new national and international customers.
This annual report provides a selection of the research and accolades made possible by funding awarded in the 2018-19 fiscal year. The OVPRI is proud to showcase Ryerson’s SRC excellence and impact and to share the work of its researchers as they identify and incubate new ideas that serve societal need.