THE VOICES OF SPARK
EDITOR’S NOTE
Dear readers,
APRIL 2022—WE HAVE CROSSED THE two-year mark since COVID-19 restrictions and lockdowns took over our lives. As we release this issue of SPARK, we are mindful of the global challenges that people continue to face and persevere through. We are a part and parcel of history. Future generations will read stories of triumphs as much as those of loss and failure. The future has always seemed uncertain but we continue to be filled with hope. Recent world events have exposed how vulnerable we can be to the idea of change. My favourite author Brené Brown beautifully expresses, “Vulnerability is the birthplace of innovation, creativity and change.” Anju Kakkar. KMbS/Managing Editor, Humber Press, Research & Innovation
What must we do to thrive and safeguard our future? How will our economies scale? What role does innovation play? Lately, as I walk through the streets and brave up to enter the malls, I see the word innovation outside a gym, in stores, on wall decals and printed on marketing handouts. Is innovation the new buzzword? What we do know is that innovation is at the heart and DNA of Humber’s Centres of Innovation (COIs) and at Humber’s Office of Research & Innovation. We have dedicated this issue of SPARK to our COIs, shedding light on their innovative take on education, applied research and studentcentred learning. Humber’s COIs are a key differentiator and support all six faculties across the college, which makes Humber stand apart as a leading polytechnic institution. Humber’s rising research ranking—#2 in Canada and #1 in Ontario—is a testament to Humber’s commitment to delivering excellence through applied research and innovation. I am in awe of the great work our growing family of researchers, faculty, innovators and students continue to deliver. Our special guest Dr. Sharon McIntyre has contributed a thoroughly interesting article to this issue. Dr. Sharon distinguishes between creativity, invention and innovation—a must-read! The article brilliantly comes to an end that, in fact, propels further enquiry, in the form of “The Top-10 Questions” designed to share lessons learned and potentially pique your interest in pursuing further exploration.
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MARCH 2022
THE INNOVATION ISSUE
