Research Impact Canada (RIC) has already welcomed six new members this year: The Royal Ottawa Hospital, Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care, Saint Paul’s University, Université Laval, University of Bristol (UK) and the Centre for International Governance Innovation. To bring out the total new members to eight this year, we are delighted to welcome two new members: Institut national de la recherche Scientifique (INRS) and MacEwan University. These two new members are joining as a pilot between RIC and the Association of Canadian Comprehensive Universities (ACCRU). Quoting from their applications for RIC membership:
- “INRS’s specific mission is to contribute to the cultural, social and economic development of Quebec society through research and training. To respond to major societal challenges, INRS must occupy a special place in the innovation ecosystem that allows it to carry out high-quality directed research. The quality of research at INRS must include both the (co)production and use of knowledge. This dual challenge is the essence of the specific mission that invites the research community to generate knowledge whose scope and relevance are recognized in the scientific field and that makes it possible to meet, in whole or in part, current societal needs, in addition to anticipating future needs.”
- “MacEwan University has recently made significant investments in advancing Knowledge Mobilization efforts. Our 2023 tactical plan for scholarship has a significant focus on developing knowledge mobilization activities and the development of metrics to measure the impact of our scholarly work. With Dr. Hugh McKenzie appointed to the newly created position of Associate Dean Scholarly Outreach and Engagement, and ongoing efforts of the University Library to support innovations in open scholarship practices, MacEwan is committed to transitioning our research communications away from promotion and marketing and towards authentic Knowledge Mobilization/Research Impact strategies. By engaging in this initiative, we aim to advance our dedication to impactful research and serve as a model institution in developing a new comprehensive program aligned with best practices from RIC and insights gained from other participating institutions.”
Each of these new members bring unique commitments to knowledge mobilization and the societal impacts of research.
Moving forward, RIC will announce a single deadline for new member applications. This deadline will be announced in the second half of the year for a December intake. This will allow for review and onboarding as well as signing the RIC Inter-Institutional Agreement in time for invoicing for annual membership fees on July 1 of each year. We already have four institutions interested in applying to a December 2024 deadline.
The continued interest in RIC membership underscores the value of the Network for RIC members. Check out previous annual reports 2023 and 2022 for what members are saying about RIC and the benefit for members.
For more information about RIC membership, please consult the members section of our website or contact researchimpact@gmail.com.