Guelph researchers are renowned for solving problems and mobilizing knowledge across the country and around the world. But for decades, they've also turned their attention to challenges and opportunities in their own backyards.
On March 1, researchers will highlight their most recent Guelph-area research efforts at a special showcase called What We Know: Research and Insight on Guelph-Wellington, at the Quebec Street Mall.
The team at the Community Engaged Scholarship Institute (CESI), led by Director Linda Hawkins, are among those who have been helping connect researchers – faculty members, community researchers and graduate students, among them – across the city and surrounding area.
The event will feature what Hawkins anticipates will be 50-60 posters presenting “what we know” about Guelph-Wellington – with the emphasis on bringing together information from different sectors in one place. Most presenters will be on hand to meet the public on the opening day.
“A lot of high quality research is conducted on our backyard that is not known or used by local and regional decision makers,” says Hawkins. “Including quality research from community organizations and others as well as the university will show that research can contribute to decision making in an evidence-informed way.”
Several research projects mediated by CESI have been driven by city hall. Individual research projects have been brokered and carried out with more than 25 city staff members in 11 different departments.
The institute has also co-sponsored workshops and round tables on various topics. These include the future of policy making and public engagement, strategies for building better neighbourhoods, integrating a sustainable food systems framework into Guelph’s official plan, and identifying innovative ways to empower community residents to access local government services.
A great deal of other research projects and programs are underway locally as well, such as:
- The Guelph Family Health Study
- Guelph outdoor cat study
- Wellington County groundwater research
- Dairy Bush gigpans
The team at the Institute is welcoming poster proposals now. Contact CESI@uoguelph. ca
