Sheridan College in Oakville set up the
Elder Research Centre (SERC) in 2003 to conduct research into helping older Candians as they age. Earlier this week, the
federal government announced a $2.3 million grant to the centre as part of the
College and Community Innovation Program.
The money will support the centre's groundbreaking "Aging in Place" project, which the school's release says, "will see SERC collaborate with small and
medium-sized companies in the research and design of technology
applications that promote cognitive health and social inclusion. Ten
founding partners will work together with Sheridan researchers, faculty
members and students; the partners include Acclaim Heath and Community
Care Services, Cerebral Vortex, pigeon*branding + design, PointerWare
Innovations, Posit Science Corporation, Recreational Respite, the
Region of Halton, Retire-at-Home, Schlegel Seniors Villages and
Symetric Productions."
In
announcing the grant and 10 others in the program, federal Minister of Industry Tony Clement said "These new partnerships will provide skills training for the communities
in which they are based, position Canadian colleges as a destination for
top research talent and give local businesses in communities across the
country access to the knowledge and resources they need to innovate and
commercialize new products and services."
"This is an important announcement for SERC, Sheridan and the broader
communities we serve," Jeff Zabudsky, Sheridan's president and
CEO, said. "By collaborating with regional companies, we can help to foster
innovation and economic development at a local level."
Writer: Edward Keenan
Sources: Susan Atkinson, Sheridan College; Lynn Meahan, office of Minister Tony Clement