In this episode, we discuss research funding organizations that are challenging the traditional status-quo to fill gaps in the system and support work that is uncertain, but if true, will lead to significant shifts and tackle big societal problems.

Research Nova Scotia and Speculative Technologies lead two different initiatives that fit under this umbrella of “coordinated research programs.” We explore the similarities and differences between their programs, the structures of them and the key players, the risks and challenges, as well as the strengths and possibilities.

Find the transcript here: https://researchns.ca/beyondresearch-coordinated-research-programs-tackling-complex-problems/

In Coordinated Research Programs: Tackling Complex Problems, we cover:

01:11 – Introducing our guests and their organizations: Speculative Technologies and Research Nova Scotia

02:32 – The “middle” space both these organizations are working in

08:10 – Some of the common challenges that comes with working in a less occupied space

11:52 – Different funding models

13:15 – Convergent Research’s Focused Research Organizations inspired Focused Research Investments (FRI)

16:22 – Research Nova Scotia’s FRI pitch

18:52 – Defining the value of FRIs

22:19 – The need for ideas that need investment to know if it’s even worth pursing

23:47 – Organizational and incentive structures

32:57 – Documenting lessons learned

Thank you to our guests:

Ben Reinhardt is the Founder and CEO of Speculative Technologies.

Stefan Leslie is the CEO of Research Nova Scotia.

Ben also has a podcast! Check out Idea Machines where he has conversations with experts in different innovation systems.

The Beyond Research Podcast is produced by Podstarter. It is available wherever you get your podcasts.

If you liked this episode, check out our episodes Gaps & Opportunities in the Current Research System and Addressing the Gaps: Focused Research Investments.

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In this episode, we discuss a successful, but often overlooked, model for research: The College Model. Listen as we discuss the types of research projects colleges undertake, and how it differs from traditional university-based research. We also explore student involvement and
workforce preparation; the principles of partner- and challenge-driven research, serving the problem-solving needs of communities; as well as the stereotypes and barriers facing college research.

Find the transcript here: https://researchns.ca/beyondresearch-partner-amp-challenge-driven-research-the-college-model/

In Season 3, Episode 9 – Partner & Challenge-Driven Research: The College Model, we cover:

01:55 – Introducing our guests and their backgrounds with university and college research models
05:36 – The College Model of research and how it differs from the traditional university-based research model
10:17 – Structure of colleges that lends itself to challenge-driven, partner-driven, and applied research
13:54 – Business led R&D
15:54 – Challenges and barriers facing college research and accessibility of research funding
20:10 – Government, industry, and community interest in the college model of research
23:43 – College enrollment increases and the value of colleges
25:17 – Collaborative research relationships between colleges and universities
31:23 – Aspirations for the future

Thank you to our guests:

Dr. Jeff Taylor is the Associate Vice President of Applied Research and Innovation at Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC).
Pari Johnston is the President and CEO of Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan).
Stefan Leslie is the CEO of Research Nova Scotia.

The Beyond Research Podcast is produced by Podstarter. It is available wherever you get your podcasts.

If you like this episode, be sure to hit the subscribe button and leave us five stars. You can also follow us on social:

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In this episode, we consider how our environments can help or hinder the health of our population and discuss research aimed to understand the environmental factors influencing population health. We also explore the broader implications of creating supportive environments for chronic disease prevention, contributing to the well-being of communities and society at large.

Find our transcript here: https://researchns.ca/beyondresearch-informing-supportive-environments-for-a-healthier-population

In Season 3, Episode 8 – Informing Supportive Environments for a Healthier Population, we cover:

02:56 – High rates of chronic disease and the influence of our environments
04:16 – Dr. Kirk’s background and the research that led to the UpLift Partnership
12:39 – What is the UpLift Partnership
16:01 – An example of how the UpLift Partnership works and how community gets involved
21:47 – Broader impact on healthcare
22:42 – Broader teachings for youth
24:11 – Aspirations for the future

Thank you to our guests:

Dr. Sara Kirk is a Professor of Health Promotion at Dalhousie University, Scientific Director of the Healthy Populations Institute, and co-lead on the UpLift Partnership.

Shali Manuel is a Youth Engagement Coordinator for the UpLift Partnership. The UpLift Partnership is co-led by Dr. Sara Kirk and Dr. Camille Hancock Friesen. It focuses on promoting youth-engaged leadership for a healthier Nova Scotia. They deliberately target rural schools, contributing to health equity in traditionally underserved communities and engage government departments and community partners to embed a health culture in schools and surrounding communities.

The Beyond Research Podcast is produced by Podstarter. It is available wherever you get your podcasts.

If you like this episode, be sure to hit the subscribe button and leave us five stars. You can also follow us on social:

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X: @beyondrpodcast
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