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.”

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.

So, here is a challenge I present to the directors of our Centres of Innovation. Humber Press will approach the directors to address any two questions of their choice from “The Top-10” list. Dear readers, you will have to be patient and watch out for our year-end issue where we will share their responses.

Also, my profound thanks to Tyler Charlebois, Director, Centres of Innovation Network and Partnership Development, for his support and collaboration in bringing this issue to light.

On the topic of innovation, don’t miss out on reading the latest issue of the Journal of Innovation in Polytechnic Education (JIPE). We have recently released JIPE Volume 4 Issue 1 March 2022—Special Issue “Practical Innovation—Beyond COVID.” The 111-page issue comprises ideas, insights and observations from researchers and scholars across the global polytechnic community. The special issue includes a foreword by Humber’s President & CEO Chris Whitaker, innovation highlights by Polytechnic Canada’s CEO Sarah Watts-Rynard and a Q&A with Humber’s Senior Vice-President, Academic, Gina Antonacci.

It is a great joy to be a part of Humber’s thriving community of researchers and innovators. There is indeed much joy in what we do but also in how we feel. We feel the season of spring approaching us soon. Here’s wishing that you soon enjoy the warmth of the sun and the gentle breeze in the coming weeks. Let nature inspire and regenerate you.

Take care and continue to *SPARK*.

Until next time, Anju Kakkar