Strategic Research Themes

Early in 2006, Conestoga undertook a process to develop a Strategic Research Plan to identify areas of strategic research importance to the College. While Conestoga encourages research across all five Schools in the College (Business; Career and Academic Access; Engineering & Information Technology and Trades & Apprenticeship; Health Sciences, Community Services and Biotechnology; Liberal and Media Studies) we also recognize the importance of focusing our research activities on strategic themes which are supported by our academic programs and address the needs of local business, industry and institutions. By considering the eight essential elements required of a strategic research theme, the College identified four strategic research themes to focus on for the next five years. They include:

1. Advanced Manufacturing and Materials
   Research in this area will focus on the integration of product design, process design, and process control directed towards helping manufacturers improve efficiencies and productivity. Research in this area is supported by an infrastructure grant from the Ontario Innovation Trust (OIT).
2. Built Environments
   This theme investigates energy and operational efficiencies of buildings, architectural issues and building environments. Research in this area is supported by an infrastructure grant from the Ontario Innovation Trust (OIT)
3. Health
   The primary focus in health is related to the application of information technologies in the effective management, sharing and use of health records among professionals in the health care system.
4. Telecommunications
   Research in this area is directed towards wireless networks, access and transmission technologies, synthetic instrumentation, testing, and electronics manufacturing.

October 17, 2006