About Applied Research
Where ideas meet action
NSCC Applied Research connects industry, communities, students and faculty to solve real-world challenges across Nova Scotia. Our work is practical, collaborative and focused on delivering solutions.
We partner with businesses, organizations and communities to improve products, enhance processes and support sustainable growth. At the same time, we provide students with hands-on, real-world learning experiences that prepare them for the workforce.
What we do
Our research is driven by a simple question: How can this help right now? Through applied research projects, we:
- Build and test new technologies
- Collect and analyze data to support decision-making
- Design, prototype and improve products and processes
- Work with communities to understand and address social challenges
- Develop solutions that respond to climate change and sustainability
Facilities and expertise
Our expert teams work in well-equipped labs and facilities located at:
While our facilities are based at these campuses, our research impact is felt across the province.
A growing research program
Established in 2000, Applied Research has grown in capacity and scope and is now a multi-million-dollar research operation that responds to the needs of industry and the community. NSCC has been ranked on Canada's top 50 Research Colleges since 2013. Read our five-year plan (PDF 308 KB) to see where we're headed.
Partner with us
We make it easy to connect your organization with the right expertise. Our Industry Liaison Officer (ILO) connects businesses and organizations with NSCC researchers to develop practical solutions, helping:
- Identify project opportunities
- Develop collaborative research agreements
- Define deliverables, timelines, costs and intellectual property terms
Through NSCC’s membership in Springboard Atlantic, partners can also access research expertise across universities and colleges in the region. If you have questions or an idea for a research project that you'd like to discuss, contact our ILO .
Research Ethics Board
The Research Ethics Board operates independently from the Applied Research Office and ensures that all NSCC research adheres to the Tri-Council Policy Statement, Ethical Conduct for Research Involving Humans.
Read more about the Research Ethics Board.
Research Support Fund
Every year, the Government of Canada allocates a portion of research grants from federal agencies to educational institutions called the Research Support Fund (RSF).
Read how the RSF helps NSCC with indirect costs related to managing research.