People often ask me if things are slowing down here at the University of Lethbridge as we approach the summer months, and I’m always pleased to tell them that, no, there is always something going on at the U of L.
This spring is as busy as ever with a number of major initiatives in the works, including one at the provincial level that relates very well to the work already being done here at the University and to the strategic initiatives within Destination 2020, our newly approved strategic plan.
The Government of Alberta’s Social Innovation Endowment (SIE) is a $1 billion fund that is just now starting to unfold. Targeted toward the social sciences, humanities and fine arts, the SIE is a seemingly perfect fit for our institution because it is unique in supporting research that is very much connected to strengthening community.
The University of Lethbridge has a history of engaging with the community across multiple disciplines and Faculties. Whether it’s our work with young children or older adults, our connections with the Blackfoot and other First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities, engagement with community arts and culture or our focus on social entrepreneurship, the U of L has a lot to offer and a lot to connect to as it relates to this new provincial emphasis on social innovation.
As a researcher myself, who has engaged in social innovation research for the last 25 years, I can fundamentally see the great value of this fund and the programs it will spawn. As the president of the University of Lethbridge, I’m excited to have been asked by the province to participate in a think tank exercise this week to help further conceptualize the plan and implementation of the SIE.
Destination 2020 very much speaks to the concept of social innovation, of doing new things in new ways to address complex socio-cultural issues, and it’s exciting to see that the province has recognized social responsibility and innovation as a similarly key directive.
One of the initiatives unfolding at the U of L that fits nicely with the SIE is the establishment of THINC, or The Home for Innovative New Companies. In the conceptual stage now, THINC is focused on the development of new technologies and ideas from the sciences, social sciences, humanities and fine arts that will support students interested in developing concepts into commercial ventures.
THINC is also about social innovation, with a commitment to finding ways to harness ideas with potential socio-cultural impact and transitioning those ideas from the classroom and lab to the community in an active and engaged manner.
To that end, I have asked Dr. Dan Weeks, the University’s vice-president (research) to take a short, special leave to help us bring THINC fully to life over the next few months. I’m pleased that Dan has accepted this task and urge you to reference this message for further information on THINC and Dan’s pending short term reassignment of duties.
As we approach our Spring Convocation, I’m eager to watch our newest crop of graduates cross the stage, knowing that they are emboldened with the ability to make a difference in their local communities, in the province of Alberta and beyond. Social innovation comes to life through these great young minds, who have not only learned from their professors, but who have also had the opportunity to participate in such things as co-op programs, applied studies and volunteer experiences. The connections they have already established with their communities, while still students, provides them with the confidence and experience to be ready and able to make a difference in the world.