Office of Applied Research & Innovation operating principle:

"Applied Research = Making things work!"

Applied research is sometimes confused with basic research, however in reality they are not the same thing. They are both different and complementary. Basic research is focused primarily on the discovery of new academic knowledge through the investigation and proof of new theories and principles. Applied research is a complementary activity that is focussed on applying theoretical knowledge in the creation of useful products and services. It often involves prototype development, feasibility studies, clinical trials, as well as technical consultation and problem solving for business, industry and community partners.

The Office brings together Algonquin College’s talented professors and students and greater Ottawa’s business, industry, and community organizations to collaborate on applied research projects that provide practical solutions to every day issues and create new and innovative products and services. For example, in the Black Walnut project, collaborators developed a new mechanical device which, when combined with a regular harvester, made these hard nuts easier to process. This has given rise to the beginnings of a new agricultural industry.

How does the Office Do This?

The Office facilitates the development of applied research projects from idea to successful process, product or service. The Office helps to foster innovation in many ways including:

• helping project participants to structure their projects
• working with appropriate federal and provincial funding agencies
• assisting participants with often complex grant applications and other documentation
• arranging to temporarily free professors from their classroom duties to lead projects
• hiring the College’s best students to work on projects

The Office also advises on the physical resources that a particular project may need, including work space, laboratories, and other facilities within the College.