Loyalist College to advance regional business development with new Applied Research and Innovation Office

Belleville, Ontario, May 6, 2021 – Loyalist College announced the creation of a new Applied Research and Innovation Office (ARIO), which will support the College in driving economic development through industry partnerships, applied research, innovation and entrepreneurship. The ARIO will bring the College’s existing Applied Research department under the purview of External Relations and Business Development, empowering the College to collaborate with more industry partners across all industries to help take their ideas, products and services to market.

“Through this strategic College-wide applied research initiative, we will connect more employers with our academic teams, thereby enhancing employment opportunities for graduates, informing curriculum development, and aligning College activities with the latest industry trends and technological innovations,” said Dr. Ann Marie Vaughan, Loyalist College President and CEO. “With the highest percentage of college research income in Canada, the ARIO will play a significant role in the Bay of Quinte region’s post-pandemic economic recovery, working with industry to envision and develop sustainable revenue-driving solutions.”

The ARIO will support and develop capacity for applied research and innovation at Loyalist College by:

• Providing financial and human resources;
• Supporting and promoting the Research Ethics Board (REB);
• Offering project management support;
• Networking across the College and externally in relation to applied research opportunities; and,
• Producing evidence, data, and information for decision-making within a continuous quality improvement context for the sustainability of high-quality student learning experiences.

To collaborate with Loyalist College’s Applied Research and Innovation Office, please visit loyalistappliedresearch.com.

About Loyalist College
Ranked one of Canada’s top 50 research colleges and #1 in the country for industry research income as a percentage of total research income, Loyalist College empowers students, faculty, staff, and partners through experiential, industry cluster-based education, training and applied research programs. As Ontario’s Destination College, the College provides job-ready graduates for, and knowledge transfer to, industry and the community. Of 2017-18 Loyalist graduates, 88.5 percent were employed within six months after graduation. Located on more than 200 acres in the beautiful Bay of Quinte region, the College is perfectly positioned between Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal. Loyalist College offers more than 70 full-time diploma, certificate and apprenticeship programs in biosciences, building sciences, business, community service, health and wellness, media studies, public safety, and skilled trades. Continuing education options are available through LoyalistFocus.com, including hundreds of online, distance and in-class courses, and through the College’s 100+ university transfer agreements. Loyalist College is a key driver of social and economic health in eastern Ontario. It contributes 3.7 percent of the Gross Regional Product, representing $382 million annually to the regional economy – based on a March 2020 report by Emsi. For more information on Loyalist College’s Belleville, Bancroft and Toronto campuses and Port Hope satellite location, visit YoureGoingPlaces.com.

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Contact: Kerry Lorimer, Director, Marketing, Communications and Recruitment
Loyalist College, klorimer@loyalistcollege.com, 613-969-1913, ext. 2536