OMAFRA Investment Promotes Research, Knowledge Transfer
December 10, 2010 - News Release
University of Guelph researchers looking to put their knowledge and findings to practical use are getting some assistance - $1 million worth. The funding comes from the Knowledge Translation and Transfer (KTT) program, a new initiative under the University's partnership agreement with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA).
It sets aside funds for projects that improve the impact of research projects by transforming research knowledge into use for different research audiences across the agriculture, food and rural sectors.
This inaugural funding awarded supports 17 research projects, ranging from animal welfare programs to promoting environmental and economic sustainability.
“The Knowledge Translation and Transfer Program will help increase the profitability and competitiveness of Ontario’s agri-food sector and enhance the well-being of Ontario rural communities,” said Carol Mitchell, minister of agriculture, food and rural affairs.
“The McGuinty government is pleased to provide funding to the University of Guelph to help support this program and invest in our province’s future.”
The KTT program is not intended to support traditional research transfer such as scholarly papers and academic conferences, said Prof. Rich Moccia, associate vice-president (research). Rather, it's intended to broaden the dissemination of research knowledge to wider audiences.
“This goes beyond traditional ways of supporting research or extension activities,” Moccia said. “It connects creators and users at the very beginning of the knowledge development process, resulting in improved communications and synergy and increased research applications.”
The initiative also provides new and improved networking and collaboration opportunities among researchers, public- and private-sector partners, and the agri-food community.
Accelerating the transformation of research knowledge was an area of emphasis when the University and OMAFRA renewed their partnership in 2008, Moccia said. “KTT was created to help facilitate this. It will benefit the agriculture, food and rural sectors and their stakeholders, all of which are vital to the health and prosperity of Ontario."
U of G and OMAFRA first signed an enhanced partnership agreement in 1997, and it was renewed in 2008 for another 10 years. The partnership has garnered tremendous social, economic, environmental and health benefits for the industry and province, with an annual economic impact that exceeds $1.15 billion.
The first call for KTT proposals was issued in May, and a list of the successful 17 projects is posted online. A second call for proposals was issued in September, and those applications are currently under review. A third call will be issued in January 2011.
For media questions, contact Communications and Public Affairs: Lori Bona Hunt, 519-824-4120, Ext. 53338, or lhunt@uoguelph.ca, or Deirdre Healey, Ext. 56982 or dhealey@uoguelph.ca.
