Yukon College receives prestigious research status

Whitehorse – Yukon College has become the first northern institution to receive eligibility status with the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC). The Yukon Research Centre (YRC) of Yukon College is now able to access funding that is exclusive to select research centers within Canada.

The NSERC status will add to the already significant research portfolio of YRC. Over the past 6 years, YRC has secured over 8 million dollars in research funding for the Yukon. In 2008, the Centre received eligibility status with the Social Science and Humanities Research Council of Canada. Securing NSERC eligibility allows YRC to broaden its research base and develop more partnerships. “Yukon College has been doing university level research for many years, and with NSERC eligibility we will go even further with our research capabilities and continue to contribute to the knowledge economy of the Yukon”, said Dr. Chris Hawkins, vice-president, Research.

Within weeks of receiving NSERC status, YRC submitted a proposal that could result in 6 million dollars over the next 5 years. “It is very exciting for the College to receive NSERC eligibility as it will provide for more research opportunities that will benefit all Yukoners”, said Clint Sawicki, director, Northern Research Centre.

The benefits of NSERC eligibility reach beyond the area of study to the community at large. NSERC eligibility will attract researchers from across the country which will lead to more courses and programs for Yukon College students and communities. This status provides Yukon College with more research funding options, the opportunity to work with industry to develop innovative products by and for Yukoners, and to work with national and international partners.

NSERC is a federal agency that supports university students in their advanced studies, promotes and supports discovery research, and fosters innovation by encouraging Canadian companies to participate and invest in postsecondary research projects. For further information, visit http://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/Index_eng.asp

The Yukon Research Centre (YRC) is a research and innovation centre at Yukon College. It brings together several organizations with a common goal to develop collaborative research and innovation important to Yukon, Canada and the world. YRC programs include the Northern Research Institute (NRI), the Yukon Cold Climate Innovation Centre (YCCIC), the Yukon Technology Innovation Centre (YTIC), the Northern Climate Exchange (NCE), Youth Science Adventures, and the Social Economy Research Network of Northern Canada (SERNNoCa).