Inaugural CapU x Langara research exchange connects colleagues, lays groundwork for future collaborations
Capilano University and Langara College launched an inaugural series of joint research exchange events on Nov. 1. Funding for the series came from each institution’s NSERC (Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada) Mobilize grants.
The first-ever event was hosted by Langara’s Applied Research Centre (ARC) and featured expertise from both institutions: CapU’s strength in partner-led research in addressing UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) and Langara’s expertise in biochemistry and life sciences. The session featured short presentations from both institutions, followed by roundtable discussions and networking.
"We are grateful to Langara College for hosting the inaugural joint research exchange between our institutions,” the event’s co-organizer Jessica Lu, senior manager, CARS & Graduate Studies, said. “It was a great opportunity to connect colleagues, explore shared research priorities, and lay the groundwork for future research collaborations. This event is just the beginning of what we hope will be many more initiatives to share insights and drive knowledge mobilization.”
CapU presenters included Cheryl Schreader on the EarthWorks Collective, Roy Jantzen on SDG Week at CapU, and Donna Perry on the RESILIENCE (Research Effects for Sport and Life in Electroencephalography Neurological measurements at Capilano University EEG testing and research division) program. Presenting for Langara were Philip Robbins on the circular economy in action, Prashant Kumar on a mobile app for the unhoused and Ji Yang on the molecular biology of hops and yeast.
Research and life partners Thomas Flower (CapU) and Martha Nelson-Flower (Langara) jointly presented on the human impacts on biodiversity in the Howe Sound Biosphere. Joined at the podium by student research assistants, they highlighted their research project that explores the use of environmental DNA collected from streams and rivers to detect the presence of federally listed species at risk the Coastal-tailed frog in the Shannon River basin and identify how recreational trails affect its distribution.
The event was open to everyone interested in applied research and knowledge exchange and was attended by 63 employees and students from both institutions.
The event is just the beginning of what both institutions hope will be many more initiatives to share insights and drive research knowledge mobilization, Lu said. “A special thank you to NSERC for their funding support through the Mobilize grant, which makes opportunities like this possible. We look forward to welcoming Langara to CapU for our next event in 2025."
Submitted by: Communications