Dean’s Message

WELCOME TO THE SECOND EDITION of SPARK—where we celebrate our researchers and innovators at Humber. In the previous issue, we began by giving you an idea and a sneak peek at what is happening in our growing Humber research community—proud to say that we grew and endeavoured even during the unprecedented pandemic.

In this issue, we share more stories about expanding a dialogue around the words research and innovation and how we are building a research culture one step at a time. We are talking about restructured funding opportunities and why social innovation matters.

Our approach to developing a research culture can be explained in three simple questions, and we encourage you to reflect on these:

1. What do you love to do?

2. What do you want to do more of?

3. What resources do you need to make this happen?

We are born researchers—born curious. That is where you start. Simple curiosity. We focus on our polytechnic approach—solving problems. The pandemic surfaced many interesting questions that allowed us to start thinking differently about our world of work. What did we learn? What questions are now being asked?

One of my favourite authors, Roberto Verganti, wrote “Design-Driven Innovation” in 2009 (see image below). At the time, he was a professor in the School of Management at the Politecnico di Milano (hmm—another polytechnic). He now spends his time between the Stockholm School of Economics and as a visiting professor at Harvard Business School, where he continues to teach Design Theory and Innovation Practice.

He caught my attention when I read about his belief that innovation is a change in meaning. At that point, I was hooked. When we combine the best of technology with the best of design, what happens? What could happen?

So, as we approach this holiday season and the upcoming New Year, let us reflect upon what changes in meaning have surfaced in our new world of work. That is also the focus of our next big grant application. Come play in our new sandbox of curiosity, research and innovation, and see what sparks fly.

Stay safe. Stay curious. We hope to see you in the New Year.