Holland College’s Applied Research department has received $2,250,000 in funding from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council’s (NSERC) Mobilize fund.

Colleges conducting applied research in natural sciences, engineering, social sciences, humanities and/or health sciences are eligible to apply for Mobilize grants. The grants provide colleges with flexible funding to acquire necessary resources to address applied research priorities in industry, health, public and not-for-profit organizations within their community and to provide applied research training opportunities for students.

The Environmental Management and Bioinformatic Analysis for Research and Knowledge (EMBARK-Mobilize) initiative at Holland College will align three emerging applied research centres to support economic prosperity in the areas of bioscience, data analytics, and environmental management at the college’s Applied Biotechnology Research Centre, Business Analytics Center and the John and Christine Andrew Centre of Excellence in Watershed and Aquifer Management. The initiative will leverage unique interdisciplinary strengths, boost collaboration with industry partners, community groups, and government agencies, and lead to advanced applied research projects.

Holland College President Dr. Alexander (Sandy) MacDonald said the five-year funding agreement to develop the interdisciplinary research group will enable the college to provide unique, highly specialized training and support economic development in key growth sectors in PEI.

“The development of the EMBARK program will enhance the training and re-skilling of students, and provide rapid access to equipment, facilities, and expertise through collaborative research and development, bringing innovative ideas to life for our industry partners,” he said.