Loyalist College’s Centre for Natural Products Receives $1.75M NSERC Grant to Renew TAC Designation

Posted on June 14, 2024 by Jessica BeckingLeave a comment

Loyalist College's Centre for Natural Products Receives $1.75M NSERC Grant to Renew TAC Designation

Belleville, ON, June 14, 2024 – Loyalist College is proud to announce that its Centre for Natural Products (CNP), formerly known as the Centre for Natural Products and Medical Cannabis (CNPMC), has been awarded a $1.75M grant from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) to renew its national status as a Technology Access Centre (TAC). This funding, distributed over five years, will support an exciting new chapter for the CNP as it expands research capacity to drive innovation, sustainability, and economic growth in the natural products sector.

TACs are specialized research centres at Canadian colleges that provide startups and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with essential research and development support. As a TAC, the CNP helps businesses to refine their products, solve pressing challenges, and access state-of-the art equipment as they scale up and compete in a global market.

Previously recognized for its groundbreaking work in cannabis research, the announcement comes at an exciting time for the CNP, as it broadens its expertise to support sustainable development and address emerging needs in the bioeconomy and natural products sector. Last month, to celebrate its growing portfolio of natural products research, Loyalist’s TAC announced its name change from the Centre for Natural Products and Medical Cannabis to the Centre for Natural Products. This evolution underscores the CNP’s diverse research partnerships across industries such as cosmetics, personal care, food and beverage, synthetic biology and psilocybin.

“Cannabis research helped position Loyalist College as a trailblazer in the natural products sector and enabled us to build expertise in maintaining plant-based product consistency, stability and safety,” notes Carly Kelly, Senior Manager of Loyalist’s Applied Research and Innovation Office. “As the regional economy changes, the CNP is adapting to meet new industry demands. Thanks to the financial support and recognition provided by NSERC, Loyalist is growing its capacity to support research in cutting-edge fields such as psilocybin and synthetic biology.”

Along with supporting its industry partners, the CNP offers unparalleled hands-on learning experiences for Loyalist College students, allowing them to build confidence and apply their knowledge to solve real-world industry challenges.

“The CNP provides essential research and development for businesses, and in turn, our industry partners offer practical insights and opportunities for our students,” remarks Loyalist College President and CEO Mark Kirkpatrick. “By prioritizing projects that support sustainability and community well-being, the CNP has become a catalyst for regional growth and innovation, while also delivering an exceptional educational experience. Loyalist is grateful to NSERC for continuing to support the CNP and recognize the power of research to transform education, industry and community.”

Learn more about Loyalist’s Centre for Natural Products.

About Loyalist College

Loyalist College is built upon the lands governed by the Dish with One Spoon wampum agreement. We affirm and thank the Haudenosaunee, Anishinaabeg and Huron-Wendat nations for their continued caretaking of the land. At Loyalist, we empower our students with wraparound support services and hands-on training to succeed on any path they choose. Our academic programs are responsive and innovative, designed to solve pressing social and economic challenges and meet the evolving needs of our regional industry and community partners. Our graduates enter the workforce equipped with the knowledge they need to be better global citizens, and with future-focused skills to lead change in their fields. With a presence in Belleville, Bancroft, Port Hope, Tyendinaga and Toronto, we believe our institutional responsibility extends beyond the classroom to seeing the big picture for the communities we serve. Our expertise in applied research and deep connections to local industry support economic development, to the benefit of businesses, entrepreneurs, changemakers and innovators. Our commitment to decolonization, and the pursuit of a more inclusive, equitable world, means we hold ourselves accountable to the diverse perspectives, cultures and experiences that shape our communities.

Contact: 

Hannah Brown

Director of Marketing and Communications

613-921-0784

hbrown@loyalistcollege.com

NSERC Awards $2M Mobilize Grant to Launch Loyalist College’s Centre for Healthy Communities

Posted on December 8, 2023 by Emily KulmsLeave a comment

NSERC Awards $2M Mobilize Grant to Launch Loyalist College's Centre for Healthy Communities

Belleville, ON, Dec. 8, 2023 – This week, the federal government announced that Loyalist College has been awarded a $2,108,000 Mobilize grant from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) to lead transformational research in health equity. The funding will be distributed over five years to establish Loyalist’s Centre for Healthy Communities (CFHC), a new applied research centre focused on tackling urgent problems in health care, social services and community wellbeing.

“The CFHC is much more than a conventional research centre – it’s a dynamic, interdisciplinary entity that will adapt and evolve with the communities it serves,” says Loyalist College President and CEO Mark Kirkpatrick. “In alignment with our institutional values and commitment to integrate the UN Sustainable Development Goals in everything we do, the CFHC will build on Loyalist’s leadership in social innovation, sustainability and applied research. The new centre will help to mitigate poverty, support our collective health and well-being, foster quality education, and address socioeconomic and health disparities that have long-standing implications for the prosperity and cohesion of our region.”

As a “centre without walls,” the Centre for Healthy Communities will connect not-for-profits, community services and government agencies with the knowledge and skills of Loyalist College researchers, faculty and students to support community-based research projects. The CFHC’s research and partnership activities will be embedded within the community, enabling responsiveness to local needs which are marked by the complex interconnections of health and social factors. The CFHC seamlessly integrates with Loyalist’s long-term vision to champion sustainability – encompassing ecological, human, and economic health and vitality – through applied research.

The new centre will provide Loyalist College students with unique opportunities to gain real-world experiences, working alongside potential employers and making a difference while they learn.

“Every day, our local community organizations and services grapple with inequities, labour shortages and gaps in our health care system,” says Jeremy Laurin, Senior Vice President, Strategy and Transformation. “Unlike private enterprises, most community-based organizations lack the financial resources to invest in cutting-edge research to address these problems – that’s where Loyalist’s CFHC can step in to provide expertise, advanced equipment, funding and talent to create meaningful change.”

Learn more about applied research at Loyalist College.

About Loyalist College
Loyalist College is built upon the lands governed by the Dish with One Spoon wampum agreement. We affirm and thank the Haudenosaunee, Anishinaabeg and Huron-Wendat nations for their continued caretaking of the land. At Loyalist, we empower our students with wraparound support services and hands-on training to succeed on any path they choose. Our academic programs are responsive and innovative, designed to solve pressing social and economic challenges and meet the evolving needs of our regional industry and community partners. Our graduates enter the workforce equipped with the knowledge they need to be better global citizens, and with future-focused skills to lead change in their fields. With a presence in Belleville, Bancroft, Port Hope, Tyendinaga and Toronto, we believe our institutional responsibility extends beyond the classroom to seeing the big picture for the communities we serve. Our expertise in applied research and deep connections to local industry support economic development, to the benefit of businesses, entrepreneurs, changemakers and innovators. Our commitment to decolonization, and the pursuit of a more inclusive, equitable world, means we hold ourselves accountable to the diverse perspectives, cultures and experiences that shape our communities.

Contact: 
Hannah Brown
Director of Marketing and Communications
613-921-0784
hbrown@loyalistcollege.com  

Loyalist College Rises in Canada’s Top 50 Research Colleges Rankings

Posted on December 7, 2023 by Emily KulmsLeave a comment

Loyalist College Rises in Canada's Top 50 Research Colleges Rankings

Belleville, ON, Dec. 7, 2023 – For the fourth consecutive year, Loyalist College has been named one of Canada’s Top 50 Research Colleges, according to the annual report released today by Research Infosource Inc. Climbing eight spots to the 36th position in the national rankings, Loyalist has demonstrated significant post-pandemic growth as it continues to leverage applied research as a tool for driving positive social, economic, and environmental impact in the Eastern Ontario region.

Loyalist’s leap in ranking is complemented by 57.8 percent growth in Loyalist’s research income, a substantial increase that reflects government and industry investment in the college’s expanding research capabilities.

“Loyalist College takes great pride in being consistently recognized among Canada’s top research colleges,” says Loyalist College President and CEO Mark Kirkpatrick. “Over the past six years, our dedicated team of staff, faculty, researchers and students have cultivated a thriving research environment that not only fosters innovation but also champions applied research as a catalyst for positive change. Together, we will continue to build our research capacity in service of a shared vision to advance sustainability, foster economic growth and meet community needs.”

The Applied Research and Innovation Office (ARIO) is the home of applied research at Loyalist, connecting industry and community partners with the college’s expertise, talent and facilities. ARIO’s support for startups, community services, and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) has solidified Loyalist’s position as a regional destination for innovation. Most recently, Loyalist announced that its Centre for Natural Products and Medical Cannabis (CNPMC) secured a Controlled Drugs and Substances Licence from Health Canada for psilocybin research, placing the college among a select group in Canada with federal endorsement for psilocybin-related studies.

President and CEO Mark Kirkpatrick also highlights the importance of applied research in providing students with opportunities to solve real-world industry and community challenges. “For Loyalist students, applied research serves as a springboard into the workforce,” he explains. “By engaging with real-world challenges across diverse sectors – from health care and justice studies to business, culinary arts and biosciences – we’re equipping learners with the skills and experiences necessary for tomorrow’s world. Our vision is to embed this innovative, problem-solving mindset into every aspect of a Loyalist College education, setting our students on a path to make meaningful contributions in their fields.”

Explore applied research at Loyalist College.

About Loyalist College 

Loyalist College is built upon the lands governed by the Dish with One Spoon wampum agreement. We affirm and thank the Haudenosaunee, Anishinaabeg and Huron-Wendat nations for their continued caretaking of the land. At Loyalist, we empower our students with wraparound support services and hands-on training to succeed on any path they choose. Our academic programs are responsive and innovative, designed to solve pressing social and economic challenges and meet the evolving needs of our regional industry and community partners. Our graduates enter the workforce equipped with the knowledge they need to be better global citizens, and with future-focused skills to lead change in their fields. With a presence in Belleville, Bancroft, Port Hope, Tyendinaga and Toronto, we believe our institutional responsibility extends beyond the classroom to seeing the big picture for the communities we serve. Our expertise in applied research and deep connections to local industry support economic development, to the benefit of businesses, entrepreneurs, changemakers and innovators. Our commitment to decolonization, and the pursuit of a more inclusive, equitable world, means we hold ourselves accountable to the diverse perspectives, cultures and experiences that shape our communities.

– 30 –

Contact:
Hannah Brown
Director of Marketing and Communications
613-921-0784
hbrown@loyalistcollege.com

Loyalist College Receives Health Canada Licence For Psilocybin Research

Posted on November 23, 2023 by Emily KulmsLeave a comment

Loyalist College Receives Health Canada Licence For Psilocybin Research

Belleville, ON, Oct. 26, 2023 – This week, Loyalist College is proud to announce its distinction as the first college in Canada to receive a Controlled Drugs and Substances License from Health Canada for psilocybin research. This historic achievement places Loyalist among a select group of facilities in Canada with a federal endorsement for psilocybin-related studies.

In Canada, mental health concerns are a significant public health issue, with 1 in 5 Canadians experiencing mental illness annually. The Government of Canada is making substantial investments to explore the potential benefits of psilocybin, the active compound found in “magic mushrooms,” in therapeutic contexts.

“Loyalist College is thrilled to receive this certification from Health Canada, a significant milestone that highlights our commitment to excellence in the research and development of natural products,” says Loyalist College President and CEO Mark Kirkpatrick. “The potential of psilocybin research to aid those struggling with mental illness aligns seamlessly with our long-term vision. Specifically, we aim to leverage this expertise in applied research to become national leader in advancing UN Sustainable Development Goals such as Good Health and Well-being and Quality Education.”

In 2017, Loyalist became the first college in Canada to have a laboratory approved to conduct research activities with cannabis. Since then, Loyalist College’s Centre for Natural Products and Medical Cannabis (CNPMC) has built a reputation working with industry to support consistency, stability and safety in plant products and medicines. Psilocybin is a notoriously unstable compound, creating challenges for industry and health care partners seeking a consistent potency for “prescriptions” in clinical trials or therapeutic settings. The CNPMC will leverage its expertise to help determine the safety and quality of psilocybin for various applications.

“As the legal options for incorporating psilocybin into therapeutic programs expand, so too does the need to maintain the safety, consistency and dosage of psilocybin solutions,” says Jeremy Laurin, Senior Vice President of Strategy and Transformation. “The CNPMC’s specialized technology, equipment and expertise will help transform psilocybin research results into high-quality, innovative solutions. As the only college in Canada with this licence, our facilities provide Loyalist students with truly unique hands-on learning opportunities in cutting-edge research.”

Learn more about Loyalist’s Centre for Natural Products and Medical Cannabis.

– 30 –

About Loyalist College

Loyalist College is built upon the lands governed by the Dish with One Spoon wampum agreement. We affirm and thank the Haudenosaunee, Anishinaabeg and Huron-Wendat nations for their continued caretaking of the land. At Loyalist, we empower our students with wraparound support services and hands-on training to succeed on any path they choose. Our academic programs are responsive and innovative, designed to solve pressing social and economic challenges and meet the evolving needs of our regional industry and community partners. Our graduates enter the workforce equipped with the knowledge they need to be better global citizens, and with future-focused skills to lead change in their fields. With a presence in Belleville, Bancroft, Port Hope, Tyendinaga and Toronto, we believe our institutional responsibility extends beyond the classroom to seeing the big picture for the communities we serve. Our expertise in applied research and deep connections to local industry support economic development, to the benefit of businesses, entrepreneurs, changemakers and innovators. Our commitment to decolonization, and the pursuit of a more inclusive, equitable world, means we hold ourselves accountable to the diverse perspectives, cultures and experiences that shape our communities.

Contact:
Hannah Brown
Director of Marketing and Communications
613-921-0784
hbrown@loyalistcollege.com

WEBINAR | Wahkohtowin Guardian Program: Traditional Knowledge Practices in Action

Posted on April 24, 2023 by Jessica BeckingLeave a comment

WEBINAR | Wahkohtowin Guardian Program: Traditional Knowledge Practices in Action

Through the Sharing Indigenous Knowledge webinar series, Loyalist College in partnership with Bioenterprise, provides a platform to help raise awareness and understanding related to the valuable role of Indigenous knowledge and entrepreneurship within the current economy.

The second webinar in the series was moderated by Jennifer Tewathahá:kwa Maracle, Loyalist College Director of Indigenous Services, and featured Amberly Quakegesic sharing her journey as the manager of the Guardian program at Wahkohtowin.

The Guardian program is designed to strengthen Indigenous youth’s connections to their land, language, culture and community through land-based learning.

“We recognize the challenges and opportunities facing our Communities in environmental and resource management. We want to be leaders and changemakers for our Communities. And this starts with our youth. We want to learn our old ways and share knowledge to create innovative environmental solutions. With guidance from our Elders and Cultural Advisors we developed a set of principles to guide our Guardians,” says Quakegesic.

Loyalist College’s Applied Research & Innovation Office Supports 76 Students in Research Projects

Posted on April 14, 2023 by Livea Maria CarreiraLeave a comment

Loyalist College's Applied Research & Innovation Office Supports 76 Students in Research Projects

Belleville, Ontario, April 2023 – Loyalist College’s Applied Research & Innovation Office (ARIO) team of staff, researchers, faculty, and students have been thriving with impressive achievements in the 2022-2023 academic year.

ARIO has provided 76 students with valuable hands-on learning opportunities through applied research projects. By leveraging cutting-edge technology, talent, and innovation, ARIO has enabled these students to gain practical experience that will be crucial to their future career success.

Check more of ARIO’s Top Achievements below:

Stay up-to-date with the latest news and events from Loyalist College’s Applied Research & Innovation Office by following us on social media! Join our community of innovators and researchers on Twitter at @LoyalistR and on LinkedIn by searching for Loyalist College Research.