Social Innovation Lab
The Conestoga Social Innovation Lab (CSIL) fosters partnerships between Conestoga College applied researchers and cooperatives, nonprofits, social enterprises, and change-makers. These partnerships focus on solving our partners' problems to create a societal impact.
Explore a partnership
Want to explore collaborating with CSIL? Fill out the Partnership Form and/or book a meeting with our director.
Who we partner with
Partnership principles
- Social change: Our partnerships focus on supporting social change with a long-term positive societal impact.
- Community-based research: Our collaborative research approach is undertaken on behalf of and in support of organizations and change-makers.
- Applied research: Our research addresses real-world problems supporting the implementation of practical solutions.
- Knowledge mobilization: Our results are shared widely to allow others to learn from the findings.
- Student learning: Our work provides Conestoga College students with opportunities to gain hands-on experience in applied social innovation research.
CSIL impact
CNERG: Examining sustainability communication in the global cosmetic industry
This study analyzed how cosmetic brands in Canada and India communicate sustainability through product descriptions, comparing industry-leading, fast beauty, and sustainable brands.
Strengthening sustainability communication in Brantford
This research, conducted in partnership with the City of Brantford’s Sustainability Committee, examined the effectiveness of current sustainability messaging and explored new ways to enhance outreach to underserved communities.
Life writing & change: A story-exchange community-building experience
Initially starting as a Conestoga New & Emerging Researcher Grant (CNERG) project during winter 2023 to explore best practices for developing community-engaged writing projects and a speaker series, this project expanded on the success of the first phase.
Our team
Meet our subject matter experts
By the numbers (2024)
9
Partners
11
Active projects
22
Students hired
Contact
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