Engage with Atkinson researchers at upcoming celebration

On Monday, April 28, the Atkinson Faculty of Liberal & Professional Studies will showcase some of the innovative and collaborative research faculty are involved in at the inaugural Engaging Research Celebration.

Focusing on the value of knowledge mobilization and exchange, the Engaging Research Celebration will take place from 10am to 2pm in the Recital Hall and the CIBC Lobby in the Accolade East Building, Keele campus.

York President & Vice-Chancellor Mamdouh Shoukri will deliver opening remarks on the benefits of engaging multiple stakeholders in university research. Atkinson Dean Rhonda Lenton will highlight some of the unique community partnerships that the Faculty is involved in as well as present this year’s Dean’s Award for Excellence in Research and Dean’s Award for Excellence in Teaching.

Right: Kelly Thomson

"This event is a great way to celebrate research excellence and to demonstrate how academic research is being used to respond globally to community and professional challenges," said Professor Kelly Thomson, Atkinson’s associate dean of research & faculty development, who is the key organizer of the celebration. "We want to challenge typical assumptions about research and really encourage people to consider the benefits research can provide them, their organizations and their community."

Attendees will discover the latest in innovative research in their field, participate in round-table discussions with researchers and partners, as well as network with top-tier industry and community professionals. Atkinson researchers will discuss some of the successful partnerships they’ve developed with local businesses and organizations including: IBM; the Walpole Island Heritage Centre, Bkejwanong First Nations; the International Association of Refugee Law Judges; and UNICEF.

The first presentation, beginning at 11am will be given by York Professor Jimmy Huang, in Atkinson’s School of Information Technology, with York Adjunct Professor Leo Marland, who is the public sector chief technology officer at IBM Canada.

David McNab, a professor of native studies at York, will present next with Dean Jacobs, executive director of Nin.Da.Waab.Jig., (Walpole Island Heritage Centre), Bkejwanong First Nations.

The third talk will include discussions by James Simeon of York’s School of Public Policy & Administration and Justice Tony North of the Federal Court of Australia and the current president of the International Association of Refugee Law Judges.

Atkinson School of Administrative Studies Professors Marie-Hélène Budworth and Andreas Strebinger will be joined by UNICEF’s manager of school and youth events Melissa Judd for the day’s final presentation.

Lunch and networking opportunities for researchers, professionals, policy makers, agencies and foundations will follow the presentations along with mini-roundtables with researchers and stakeholders.

Visit the Atkinson Web site for more information and to register for the event