"There is a lack of extensive knowledge on the breadth of work taking place [within Ontario's Universities]," says Bonnie Patterson, president of the
Council of Ontario Universities (COU). "We need demonstrate to the public what Ontario research is accomplishing."
In an attempt to foster dialogue between universities and the wider community, COU has launched
Research Matters. The new outreach campaign, supported by all 21 of Ontario's publicly funded iniversities, will use a variety of platforms to share university-based innovations with the wider Ontario public.
The two central motivations for the initiative, Patterson explains, are knowledge-sharing and accountability.
"Universities play a major role in not only economic development but also social and cultural development in their communities," she says, "but the more broadly based general public sometimes aren't aware [of the kinds of work taking place]."
The COU will share research stories through the new
Research Matters website, as well as coordinating public events throughout Ontario communities.
While the details of these public events are still forthcoming, Patterson anticipates they will take on several different formats, including public lectures, public panels, debates and discussions.
"What's important is that [the events] will be at a local level in a broad range of communities where universities exist. We don't want to be narrow in what we profile, we want to be open and want to showcase the breadth of what is taking place in university research."
Writer: Katia Snukal
Source: Bonnie Patterson, President, Council of Ontario Universities