Key Areas of Focus

NBCC offers over 90 programs, in 16 different economic sectors, across its six campuses throughout the province. Although we may engage in research activities in many of these areas, six strategic research themes have been identified based on staff expertise, infrastructure and resources, access to funding opportunities, as well as industry need and support.

Mobile & Ubiquitous Computing

Research in mobile technology can address how to receive, with limited bandwidth, large amounts of constantly changing data and how to process it rapidly, securely and more effectively by using platforms designed specifically for mobile devices. This research focus area is of natural interest to NBCC as we offer over 15 programs in the Information Communications Technology (ICT) field, many of which include internships and co-op placements where students can potentially work on applied research and innovation projects.

Healthcare

NBCC offers healthcare programs at all six campuses. We are interested in inter-professional and inter-disciplinary opportunities for applied research projects with medical, allied health, nursing and other health professionals throughout the province, particularly in pulmonary rehabilitation, inter-professionals practice, long-term care, pharmacy practice and patient education.

Value Added Food

Many small to medium sized enterprises don’t have the luxury of a culinary expert on staff. NBCC’s applied research in value added food provides opportunities for industry to collaborate with faculty and students on innovative product and recipe development. Also, programs like chemical technology, process control, industrial control and mechanical engineering technology provide opportunities for projects related to food processing and production improvements.

Energy Efficiency & Clean Technology

NBCC’s nationally accredited Energy Systems Technology, Electrical Engineering Technology, and Building Engineering Technology programs can help industry address issues of energy efficiency. Faculty and students in these programs are interested in research and development collaborations with industry that can provide meaningful applied learning experiences.

Advanced Manufacturing

Advanced manufacturing involves using innovative technologies to improve manufacturing processes, methods and products. Composite material and additive manufacturing (e.g., 3-D printing) represent growing sectors and present significant opportunities for New Brunswick companies. NBCC can provide small businesses with access to engineering research and technical services to help achieve growth in the sector and help propel New Brunswick into a leadership role in the sector.

Social Innovation

We’re interested in creating innovative solutions to pressing social problems and assisting our community and industry partners in developing responsible and sustainable business opportunities. Our goal is to increase our capacity to work with communities and develop partnerships that foster social innovation in education, integration of vulnerable populations, and community development. Research in social innovation may involve faculty, staff and students in any program, but is of particular interest to our social science program areas, such as criminal justice, early childhood education, human services, human resources management and community partners.