The Conestoga Food Research and Innovation Lab has published a guide to innovations in food packaging to help small bakeries find accessible suppliers, low-minimum-order-quantity options, labels, cartons and basic automation to move their operations toward sustainability.

Canadian colleges play an increasingly vital role in applied research, supporting regional innovation through partnerships with industry, community, and government. Backed by programs like the Tri-Agency College and Community Innovation (CCI) fund, colleges have expanded beyond their teaching mandates to tackle real-world challenges through practical, solution-focused research. However, many institutions still face barriers due to limited internal resources, inconsistent faculty engagement, and administrative structures designed primarily for education.

Internationally educated nurses (IENs) are a growing and important part of health care teams across the country. They also play a vital role in addressing our national health human resource (HHR) crisis. IENs at work, however, may experience stress, feelings of isolation and confusion, and discrimination at the hands of their patients, peers, and employers. This project brought together a team of researchers and IENs to co-design a research study that seeks to understand and actively support IENs’ health and well-being as they transition to practice in Canada.

The aim of this partner-driven, applied research project was to improve the palatability of texture modified foods for residents in long term care, while being cognizant of the realities and needs of the sector.

A credit union board is discussing whether to close three rural branches. The business case is carefully prepared and straightforward to interpret: declining foot traffic, rising operating costs, and accelerating digital adoption all point toward consolidation. The community case is also clear, but in a different way: reduced access to in-person services, weakened local presence, and the loss of long-standing relationships that are not easily captured in financial models.