Industry News News
New partnership to open opportunities in forest science research, education

On May 2, Algoma University (AU), Sault College (SC), Natural Resources Canada’s Great Lakes Forestry Centre (CFS-GFLC) and the Ontario Forest Research Institute (OFRI) signed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding for research, innovation and education.

“Algoma University is pleased to formalize this collaborative partnership with Sault College, the Canadian Forest Service and the Ontario Forest Research Institute that will continue the positive momentum generated this past year through the creation of our School of Life Sciences and the Environment and the Office of Research and Innovation,” said Asima Vezina, President and Vice-Chancellor of Algoma University. “The level of talent within our local research community is remarkable and we know that this enhanced partnership will have a positive impact on current and future research activity in our region“.

The MOU is aimed at identifying current and potential areas of collaboration between AU, SC, CFS-GLFC and OFRI, and to increase opportunities for all organizations to share expertise and resources in research, innovation and education initiatives. It recognizes the potential for this relationship to assist each organization in more efficiently and effectively meeting their respective needs, in strengthening forest science research, education and commercial development in Canada, and encouraging economic growth in the community and beyond.

“Sault College is honoured to partner with Algoma University, Natural Resources Canada’s Great Lakes Forestry Centre and the Ontario Forest Research Institute through this Memorandum of Understanding,” said Colin Kirkwood, Vice-President of Academic and Research. “Each one of these organizations brings valuable strengths that collectively make this collaboration unique. It is these types of partnerships that further reinforce our college’s commitment to our students, our community, and our industry partners and it is truly reflective of our desire to continuously improve and evolve and advance research, innovation and education for generations to come.”

“On behalf of the Canadian Forest Service and the Great Lakes Forestry Centre, we are excited to further strengthen our relationship with Algoma University, Sault College and the Ontario Forest Research Institute through this Memorandum of Understanding. This MOU represents our mutual support for the advancement of forest and environmental science research within our respective organizations and throughout Canada,” said Danny Galarneau, Director General of CFS-GLFC.

“Our goal is to encourage economic growth within the forest sector so that we can create and protect jobs for the communities that depend on them,” said Dan Puddister, manager, Forest Research and Monitoring of the Ontario Forest Research Institute. “By working together towards a common vision, we leverage the ability to grow and strengthen our communities.”

The MOU provides a variety of opportunities and benefits for all organizations involved. There will be increased opportunities in natural resources, environmental science and forest science research and education that may exceed what the organizations could do separately.

There will also be increased sharing of intellectual and technical resources, including faculty and staff expertise and sophisticated research infrastructure and equipment and research sites.

Finally, the development of collaborative research projects, including more competitive research grant proposals as well as the increased participation of CFS-GLFC and OFRI researchers as adjunct professors contributing to active mentoring of undergraduate and graduate students will support an increased collaboration of forest science research and education.

Together, Algoma University, Sault College, the Great Lakes Forestry Centre and the Ontario Forest Research Institute will continue to advance forestry research, collaboration and education within Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., and throughout Canada.