SUDBURY – Cambrian College’s reputation for applied research has reached new heights. Today, the Government of Canada announced that Cambrian has been designated as a national Technology Access Centre (TAC), for its expertise in mining.
Cambrian’s TAC, to be known as the Centre for Smart Mining, is made possible through renewable funding of $1.75 million over five years from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC). Making the announcement on behalf of the government was Nickel Belt Liberal MP Marc Serré.
“With its wealth of experience, infrastructure, expertise and existing relationships with industry partners, Cambrian is extremely well-positioned to advance entrepreneurial activity in mining technology,” says Marc Serré. ”We can confidently expect that through its Centre for Smart Mining, Cambrian will become an even greater resource for mining technology developers and producers in Nickel Belt/Greater Sudbury, Northern Ontario and around the globe.”
A TAC is a centre affiliated with a Canadian college or applied research office that provides access to specialized technology, equipment, and expertise to local industry – particularly small- and medium-sized enterprises – with the goal of enhancing their productivity and innovation.
“This will put Cambrian at the forefront of any college of applied research in Canada when it comes to mining,” says Cambrian College President, Bill Best. “Being designated as a Technology Access Centre hits all the strategic priorities we’ve identified for Cambrian, namely to champion innovation, enrich the student experience and expand our influence globally. Congratulations to our Applied
Research team for this incredible accomplishment.”
Cambrian is one of only two TACs in Canada with a specialty in mining-related applied research.
“This is a tremendous opportunity for Cambrian and really does speak to the amazing work we’ve been doing in applied research,” says Mike Commito, Cambrian’s Director of Applied Research. “This TAC designation opens the door to more applied research projects involving our faculty and students, working with industry partners to come up with real-world, real-time solutions to challenges they’re facing now in the industry.”
Last year, Cambrian College ranked 22nd among Canadian colleges for research activity by income, up 15 places from 2017. Cambrian also placed 2nd overall for growth in applied research income, and 3rd among mid-sized colleges for paid student researchers.
“Canada supports science and our talented researchers. Today, we are delivering on our historic investment in research and development and in the next generation of scientists,” adds Sudbury Liberal MP Paul Lefebvre. “These remarkable researchers and students we are celebrating at Cambrian College are working to make the world a better place and to secure a brighter future for all Sudburians and Canadians.”
To learn more about TACS, please visit – http://tech-access.ca/en/about/
Cambrian College is Northern Ontario’s largest college, with more than 80 programs. Cambrian’s main campus is in Greater Sudbury, with satellite centres in Espanola and Little Current. For more information about Cambrian College, visit www.cambriancollege.ca
Media contact:
Dan Lessard
Manager, Communications
705-566-8101, extension 6302
705-929-0786 c
Daniel.lessard@cambriancollege.ca