Message from the Vice-President, Research & Innovation

Welcome to a special edition of Innovation.

As the first edition we have published since my arrival as Vice-President, Research and Innovation (VPRI), I am delighted to share with you some of the latest developments and game-changing research undertaken by our researchers. This Innovation edition holds the promise of tomorrow and reflects on the foundation of excellence in a variety of fields and disciplines that distinguish Ryerson.

The stories reflect some of the many reasons I was drawn to join Ryerson this spring as VPRI. As Ryerson finds its place on the innovation stage, our faculty, students and post-doctoral trainees are having an impact on our communities and beyond in ways that only evidence-based knowledge can.

In this issue, we highlight the following:

The work of professor Rupa Banerjee (Business Management) is effecting change even as this edition is published. Already, the government of Canada has implemented new hiring practices that incorporate some of the recommendations she has made, including name-blind recruiting.

Professor Mark Campbell (Media) is highlighting the need for a more inclusive Canada, especially from the perspective of our cultural mosaic, and to honour those who contribute to our rich history.

Professor Candice Monson (Psychology) has created protocols for addressing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) that are known around the globe and have become the new standard for not only treating PTSD but also making life without further symptoms possible.

The work of professor Victor Yang (Electrical and Computer Engineering), whose 7D Surgical imaging suite recently received Food and Drug Administration and Health Canada approval, is set to be rolled out in hospitals all over North America. This technology has the potential to reduce operating times and complications associated with complex spine and brain surgery.

The international work of professor Tara Collins (Child and Youth Care) and professor Henry Parada (Social Work) is changing lives in countries around the globe as they both engage in projects that are making the world a safer place for children to grow and thrive.

Professor Sarah Sabatinos’ (Biology) work with yeast cells is showing promise in helping to solve the question of why some cells escape cancer treatment and go on to form secondary cancers.

Ryerson researchers are set to be thought leaders and change-makers as we forge ahead in writing Canada’s history, creating impact both at home and across borders.

Steven N. Liss
Vice-President, Research and Innovation