Beyond Research

In this episode, we discuss research funding organizations that are challenging the traditional status-quo to fill gaps in the system and support work that is uncertain, but if true, will lead to significant shifts and tackle big societal problems. Research Nova Scotia and Speculative Technologies lead two different initiatives that fit under this umbrella of “coordinated research programs.” We explore the similarities and differences between their programs, the structures of them and the key players, the risks and challenges, as well as the strengths and possibilities. Find the transcript here: https://researchns.ca/beyondresearch-coordinated-research-programs-tackling-complex-problems/  In Coordinated Research Programs: Tackling Complex Problems, we cover:  01:11 – Introducing our guests and their organizations: Speculative Technologies and Research Nova Scotia 02:32 – The “middle” space both these organizations are working in  08:10 – Some of the common challenges that comes with working in a less occupied space 11:52 – Different funding models 13:15 – Convergent Research’s Focused Research Organizations inspired Focused Research Investments (FRI) 16:22 – Research Nova Scotia’s FRI pitch 18:52 – Defining the value of FRIs 22:19 – The need for ideas that need investment to know if it’s even worth pursing 23:47 – Organizational and incentive structures 32:57 – Documenting lessons learned Thank you to our guests: Ben Reinhardt is the Founder and CEO of Speculative Technologies. Stefan Leslie is the CEO of Research Nova Scotia. Ben also has a podcast! Check out Idea Machines where he has conversations with experts in different innovation systems.  The Beyond Research Podcast is produced by Podstarter. It is available wherever you get your podcasts. If you liked this episode, check out our episodes Gaps & Opportunities in the Current Research System and Addressing the Gaps: Focused Research Investments.  Instagram: @beyondresearchpodcast X: @beyondrpodcast Facebook: Beyond Research Podcast

In this episode, we discuss a successful, but often overlooked, model for research: The College Model. Listen as we discuss the types of research projects colleges undertake, and how it differs from traditional university-based research. We also explore student involvement and workforce preparation; the principles of partner- and challenge-driven research, serving the problem-solving needs of communities; as well as the stereotypes and barriers facing college research. Find the transcript here: https://researchns.ca/beyondresearch-partner-amp-challenge-driven-research-the-college-model/ In Season 3, Episode 9 – Partner & Challenge-Driven Research: The College Model, we cover: 01:55 – Introducing our guests and their backgrounds with university and college research models 05:36 – The College Model of research and how it differs from the traditional university-based research model 10:17 – Structure of colleges that lends itself to challenge-driven, partner-driven, and applied research 13:54 – Business led R&D 15:54 – Challenges and barriers facing college research and accessibility of research funding 20:10 – Government, industry, and community interest in the college model of research 23:43 – College enrollment increases and the value of colleges 25:17 – Collaborative research relationships between colleges and universities 31:23 – Aspirations for the future Thank you to our guests: Dr. Jeff Taylor is the Associate Vice President of Applied Research and Innovation at Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC). Pari Johnston is the President and CEO of Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan). Stefan Leslie is the CEO of Research Nova Scotia. The Beyond Research Podcast is produced by Podstarter. It is available wherever you get your podcasts. If you like this episode, be sure to hit the subscribe button and leave us five stars. You can also follow us on social: Instagram: @beyondresearchpodcast X: @beyondrpodcast Facebook: Beyond Research Podcast

In this episode, we consider how our environments can help or hinder the health of our population and discuss research aimed to understand the environmental factors influencing population health. We also explore the broader implications of creating supportive environments for chronic disease prevention, contributing to the well-being of communities and society at large. Find our transcript here: https://researchns.ca/beyondresearch-informing-supportive-environments-for-a-healthier-population In Season 3, Episode 8 – Informing Supportive Environments for a Healthier Population, we cover: 02:56 – High rates of chronic disease and the influence of our environments 04:16 – Dr. Kirk’s background and the research that led to the UpLift Partnership 12:39 – What is the UpLift Partnership 16:01 – An example of how the UpLift Partnership works and how community gets involved 21:47 – Broader impact on healthcare 22:42 – Broader teachings for youth 24:11 – Aspirations for the future Thank you to our guests: Dr. Sara Kirk is a Professor of Health Promotion at Dalhousie University, Scientific Director of the Healthy Populations Institute, and co-lead on the UpLift Partnership. Shali Manuel is a Youth Engagement Coordinator for the UpLift Partnership. The UpLift Partnership is co-led by Dr. Sara Kirk and Dr. Camille Hancock Friesen. It focuses on promoting youth-engaged leadership for a healthier Nova Scotia. They deliberately target rural schools, contributing to health equity in traditionally underserved communities and engage government departments and community partners to embed a health culture in schools and surrounding communities. The Beyond Research Podcast is produced by Podstarter. It is available wherever you get your podcasts. If you like this episode, be sure to hit the subscribe button and leave us five stars. You can also follow us on social: Instagram: @beyondresearchpodcast X: @beyondrpodcast Facebook: Beyond Research Podcast

In this episode, we continue our thought-provoking conversation with Stefan Leslie and Dr. Melissa Flagg. If you missed the last episode, Gaps; Opportunities in the Current Research System, you might want to listen to it first. It set the context for this discussion on a new initiative in Nova Scotia, Focused Research Investments (FRI). Listen as we discuss the challenges and opportunities inherent in reshaping the research landscape, with a particular emphasis on salient, collaborative research, community engagement, and the pursuit of impactful solutions for society – solutions that address immediate problems but also have applicability in other ways and areas. We hope you enjoy the conclusion of this insightful discussion. Find our transcript here: https://researchns.ca/beyondresearch-addressing-the-gaps-focused-research-investments In Season 3, Episode 7 – Addressing the Gaps: Focused Research Investments, we discuss: 01:10 – What are Focused Research Investments? 03:59 – Selecting and defining problems and outcomes 18:31 – The importance of collaborative and community-engaged research 23:06 – Key ingredients of Focused Research Investments and how they’re unique from other funding opportunities 29:30 – Challenges and opportunities inherent in reshaping the research landscape Learn more about Focused Research Investments: https://researchns.ca/fri/  Thank you to our guests: Dr. Melissa Flagg is the founder and president of Flagg Consulting LLC, a fellow at the Acquisition Innovation Research Center (AIRC), a visiting fellow at the Perry World House, and a senior advisor to the Center for Security and Emerging Technology (CSET) at Georgetown University. Prior to this, she served as the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Research, responsible for policy and oversight of Defense Department science and technology programs. Dr. Flagg has served on numerous boards including the National Academy of Sciences Air Force Studies Board and the Department of Commerce Emerging Technology Research Advisory Committee. She is currently on the Advisory Board for the Andrew W. Marshall Foundation. She holds a Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Chemistry. Stefan Leslie is the CEO of Research Nova Scotia. Prior to this, he served as Executive Director of the Marine Environmental Observation Prediction and Response Network, or MEOPAR, a national oceans research network. He has also worked for Fisheries and Oceans Canada and the New Zealand Ministry of Fisheries.  The Beyond Research Podcast is produced by Podstarter. It is available wherever you get your podcasts. If you like this episode, be sure to hit the subscribe button and leave us five stars. You can also follow us on social: Instagram: @beyondresearchpodcast X: @beyondrpodcast Facebook: Beyond Research Podcast

This episode is a conversation between Dr. Melissa Flagg and Stefan Leslie that explores the challenges of tackling wicked and super wicked problems at both global and local scales, and the importance of understanding problems and the environments in which they exist. They talk about gaps in the current research system, and how to experiment with different ways to support research. Melissa will talk about how important it is to understand the constraints that conditions what research should be done – and how that makes the research better.  Stefan will explore the value of supporting research that solves problems but creates knowledge that is valuable in other circumstances or situations. If you enjoyed this episode, we invite you to listen to part two of the discussion coming soon. In the next episode, we will explore a new proactive and accountable investment in research funding created to better serve our communities and address the challenges faced by society. Find our transcript here: https://www.researchns.ca/beyondresearch-gaps-and-opportunities-in- the-current-research-system In Season 3, Episode 6 – Gaps & Opportunities in the Current Research System, we discuss: 09:15 – The research systems deviation toward the big, flashy, and novel 14:21 – Profit vs Production vs Prestige 21:12 – Research that solves problems and defining specific societal outcomes 39:42 – Discussing and envisioning a possible system to address some of the gaps Thank you to our guests: Dr. Melissa Flagg is the founder and president of Flagg Consulting LLC, a fellow at the Acquisition Innovation Research Center (AIRC), a visiting fellow at the Perry World House, and a senior advisor to the Center for Security and Emerging Technology (CSET) at Georgetown University. Prior to this, she served as the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Research, responsible for policy and oversight of Defense Department science and technology programs. Dr. Flagg has served on numerous boards including the National Academy of Sciences Air Force Studies Board and the Department of Commerce Emerging Technology Research Advisory Committee. She is currently on the Advisory Board for the Andrew W. Marshall Foundation. She holds a Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Chemistry. Stefan Leslie is the CEO of Research Nova Scotia. Prior to this, he served as Executive Director of the Marine Environmental Observation Prediction and Response Network, or MEOPAR, a national oceans research network. He has also worked for Fisheries and Oceans Canada and the New Zealand Ministry of Fisheries.  The Beyond Research Podcast is produced by Podstarter. It is available wherever you get your podcasts. If you like this episode, be sure to hit the subscribe button and leave us five stars. You can also follow us on social: Instagram: @beyondresearchpodcast X: @beyondrpodcast Facebook: Beyond Research Podcast

In this episode, we explore a deep relationship where a utility and researchers work in partnership to identify and work on a range of water research challenges in water quality, water treatment, and stormwater management. Our guests, Dr. Graham Gagnon at Dalhousie University and Dr. Wendy Krosek at Halifax Water discuss how they work together, where future water supply and treatment may lie, and the key ingredients to a successful collaboration, with Stefan Leslie, CEO of Research Nova Scotia. Find our transcript here: https://www.researchns.ca/beyondresearch-teaming-up-to-manage-water In Season 3, Episode 5 – Teaming Up to Manage Water, we cover: 03:30 – Understanding the research partnership 05:51 – Importance of water 06:46 – Challenges impacting water and the research need 12:15 – Key ingredients to a successful research partnership model 19:58 – The social dimension and how this work is useful outside of the utility system 24:15 – Future work 27:47 – The next generation Thank you to our guests: Dr. Graham Gagnon is a Professor in the Department of Civil and Resource Engineering, Director of the Centre for Water Resource Studies, and Dean of the Faculty of Architecture and Planning at Dalhousie University. Dr. Wendy Krkosek is the Water Quality Manager with Halifax Water. Stefan Leslie is the CEO of Research Nova Scotia. The Beyond Research Podcast is produced by Podstarter. It is available wherever you get your podcasts. If you like this episode, be sure to hit the subscribe button and leave us five stars. You can also follow us on social: Instagram: @beyondresearchpodcast X: @beyondrpodcast Facebook: Beyond Research Podcast

In this episode we explore a critical issue - the alarming rates of chronic diseases, presenting challenges for both individuals and our broader healthcare system. Join us as we discuss how research becomes the catalyst for the evolution of healthcare practices, transforming our perspective on preventative medicine and chronic disease management. Find our transcript here: https://www.researchns.ca/beyondresearch-prescribing-wellness-the-evolution-of-chronic-disease-management In Season 3, Episode 4 – Prescribing Wellness: The Evolution of Chronic Disease Management, we cover: 02:44 – Chronic disease rates and the challenges 03:42 - The research that started it all 08:30 – What is Exercise is Medicine 10:02 – Research impact for healthcare providers and patients 11:10 – People, places, and programs for individuals living with chronic disease 12:40 – Impact of physical activity and exercise on the healthcare system 14:43 – Research impact for individuals living with chronic diseases 17:47 – Next steps 19:48 – Impact on healthcare costs Thank you to our guests: Dr. Jonathon Fowles is a Professor in the School of Kinesiology and Director of the Centre of Lifestyle Studies at Acadia University. Joy Chiekwe is the General Manager of Health Management at the John W. Lindsay YMCA in Halifax, Nova Scotia and the Provincial Lead for the LiveWell YMCA program. Verna MacKinnon is an Operations Consultant with a focus on physical activity for Nova Scotia Health’s primary health care and chronic disease management provincial network.  The Beyond Research Podcast is produced by Podstarter. It is available wherever you get your podcasts.  If you like this episode, be sure to hit the subscribe button and leave us five stars. You can also follow us on social: Instagram: @beyondresearchpodcast X: @beyondrpodcast Facebook: Beyond Research Podcast

On the surface, this episode may seem like a story about boosting blueberry production, but it’s a tale of how local research can shape not only an industry, but an entire sector. This work is addressing challenges facing all agriculture crops, like disease, pests, and climate change. Find our transcript here: https://www.researchns.ca/beyondresearch-agricultural-resilience-the-blueberry-effect In Season 3, Episode 3 – Agricultural Resilience: The Blueberry Effect, we cover: (02:37) Challenges faced by the wild blueberry industry before hiring a specialized researcher (4:59) How research has helped the industry understand and develop solutions to challenges, like pests and diseases (11:52) Current challenges faced by growers (17:09) Impacts of climate events on the crops (20:25) How the blueberry research is relevant to other agricultural crops (22:18) Impact beyond Nova Scotia’s borders (24:19) Future of the industry Thank you to our guests: Dr. David Percival is a Professor at Dalhousie Agricultural Campus in the Department of Plant, Food, and Environmental Sciences. Gary Brown has worked in the blueberry sector for more than 40 years. He currently does work with Millen Farms, a family-owned sustainable berry farm. The Beyond Research Podcast is produced by Podstarter. It is available wherever you get your podcasts. If you like this episode, be sure to hit the subscribe button and leave us five stars. You can also follow us on social: Instagram: @beyondresearchpodcast X: @beyondrpodcast Facebook: Beyond Research Podcast

Nova Scotians face a variety of harms and challenges at interpersonal, institutional, systemic, and societal level. Systemic racism, sexual harassment, institutional abuse, and accessibility are just some examples. Nova Scotians deserve and demand justice when they experience harm or when things go wrong in their communities. In this episode, we hear from a researcher of restorative justice and two community members who have established restorative justice practices to build safe, healthy, and inclusive communities. Guests: Richard Derible is a former Principal at Ecole St. Catherine’s Elementary School in Halifax and is currently the Executive Director of Restorative Initiatives at the Executive Council Office in Nova Scotia.   Jennifer Llewellyn is a Professor at Dalhousie University’s Schulich School of Law, Chair in Restorative Justice, and Director of the Restorative Research, Innovation, and Education Lab.   Jake MacIsaac is the Assistant Director of Security Services at Dalhousie University and was previously a casework leader at Nova Scotia’s largest restorative justice community-based agency.

There are many challenges impacting a healthier population in Nova Scotia. Some of these include physician recruitment; access to primary care; an aging population; infrastructure, equipment, and facilities renewal; and increased costs for health care research and delivery. In this episode, Dr. Steven Beyea and Dr. Adela Cora discuss their research in local emergency departments to help address some of these challenges while improving patient care.  

In a time when athletes are trying anything to find their competitive edge, research in sport is more important than ever. However, female athletes may come to find they are at a disadvantage compared to their male counterparts as the current body of sports literature is largely skewed to male athletes. In this episode we explore this gap in sports research and discuss the role student research can play in the broader research ecosystem. We will hear from a Registered Dietician and personal trainer, a member of Canada's women's national under-20 soccer team, an established sports nutrition researcher, as well as a local student researcher who is striving to help level the playing field. 

Virtual Reality continues to be embraced by researchers, health care providers, and patients alike. Although the field is still relatively new, there seem to be more and more examples of virtual reality having a positive impact on health care delivery, treatment, and training both here at home and around the globe. In this episode we will explore examples of how research in the area of virtual reality could help address current gaps and in our healthcare system and improve patient care today and in the future. In this episode we speak with Dr. Jordan Sheriko, Medical Director of Rehabilitation Services at IWK Health and Megan Brydon, PACS Application Specialist at IWK Health. Jordan and his team are looking at leveraging VR to health provide power wheelchair training to young patients. Megan is researching how VR can be used to improve, develop, or elicit empathy in medical professionals. Listen as they explain how VR technologies could help strengthen healthcare delivery, expand training opportunities, increase access, advance treatment, and help practitioners better care for our most vulnerable populations.

In this episode, we explore how resilient our land-based farms and farm-related businesses are to the impacts of global climate change, as well as solutions researchers and farmers are exploring to help improve our ability to adapt long-term. We hear from industry experts on how climate change is currently impacting our agri-food industry, what solutions are being implemented successfully, and discuss how we can best prepare for future climate-related challenges. Featured Guests: Dr. Alana Pindar is the Weston Family Visiting Professor in Ecosystem Health and Food Security, appointed at Cape Breton University. Dr. Pindar is an entomologist with an expertise in pollinators. Rosalie Gillis-Madden is the On-Farm Climate Action Fund Technical Project Manager at Perennia Food and Agriculture. Rosalie is a resource to producers on all aspects of vegetable production.

Research plays a vital role in creating economic growth, talent attraction, and youth retention. When properly executed, research investments also directly support provincial priorities. In this episode we explore the different ways research can create economic growth for both new and established companies. Listen as we discuss opportunities to further support research and innovation in local industries and institutions. Featured Guests: Dr. Daniel Boyd is an Associate Professor in Dalhousie University’s School of Biomedical Engineering, Co Founder & Scientific Advisor at IR Scientific, and Co Founder of ABK Biomedical. Matt Cooper is the Chief Innovation Officer at Volta, based in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Matt has been developing and marketing products for over 20 years, including being a Co-Founder and Chief Product Officer at Swept, an innovative software for commercial cleaning companies. 

Currently 4.4 million Canadians are living in food-insecure households and 1 in 6 households in Nova Scotia are food insecure. In this episode we hear from experts leading the way in research and response to food insecurity in Nova Scotia. Listen as we explore the concept of food security, the benefits of developing a food autonomy strategy, and research underway that can help us better understand and improve food security for all. Featured Guests: Dr. Sylvain Charlebois is a Professor and Director of the Agri-food Analytics Lab at Dalhousie University. He conducts research in the broad area of food distribution, security and safety. Karen Theriault is the Director of Development and Communications at Feed Nova Scotia, based in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia.

Nova Scotia and its 13,300 km of coastline is home to many coastal communities. Of these communities, some are already facing the impacts of changing sea levels, storm surges and climate change firsthand. In this episode you'll hear from leading researchers who are helping us better understand, plan, and prepare for rising sea levels in Nova Scotia. First, we explore coastal flood risk mapping and how it can help us gain a deeper understanding of how future scenarios will likely play out on our shorelines. Then, we look at the ways we can use this information to better plan and adapt to the world as it will be in the coming decades. Listen as we explore how sea level rise has affected our province and propose collaborative approaches to mitigate the impacts on our communities, our industries, and our way of life. Featured Guests: Dr. Timothy Webster is the lead research scientist with Nova Scotia Community College’s Applied Geomatics Research Group, and a faculty member in remote sensing and GIS at NSCC’s Centre of Geographic Sciences. Dr. Patricia Manuel is a professor in the School of Planning at Dalhousie University, and conducts research in a range of areas including environmental planning with a focus on climate change adaptation planning and wetlands interpretation and management.

In health research, the voices of people outside of the research team – the patients, caregivers, families – may be lost. In this episode, you’ll hear from leading researchers who are expanding the traditional definition of a research team and designing research programs focused on making an immediate impact. Although COVID-19 continues to be a major health care disrupter, it has also given researchers the space and permission needed to think outside of the box, expedite research projects, and arrive at new ideas and solutions that will serve us well beyond the pandemic. Listen to learn how conducting health research in real-time can health improve care and outcomes for patients, caregivers, and families. Featured Guests: Dr. Kenneth Rockwood is a Professor of Medicine at Dalhousie University, and a Senior Medical Director at the Nova Scotia Health Authority. Dr. Marsha Campbell-Yeo is a certified neonatal nurse practitioner, an associate professor of Pediatrics, Psychology & Neuroscience at Dalhousie University, and a clinician scientist at the IWK Health Centre. Stefan Leslie is the CEO of Research Nova Scotia, located in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Lisa Carr is an Infection Control Specialist at Northwood based in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

As Canada continues to deal with effects of Covid-19, concerns over the critical importance of the early years and the impacts on kids are growing. In this episode you’ll hear from researchers specializing in children’s mental health and development, each who will share unique insights on the status of children and family’s mental health throughout the pandemic. Specifically, you’ll learn about a growing area of research that is proving to be a critical support for children and youth during this difficult time: the power of play. Featured Guests: Dr. Alexa Bagnell is the Chief of Psychiatry at the IWK Health Centre, a pediatric hospital in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and a Professor of Psychiatry at Dalhousie University. Dr. Michelle Stone is an Assistant Professor of Kinesiology in the School of Health and Human Performance at Dalhousie University, and lead researcher for Play Outside Nova Scotia.

Did you know that in Canada, roughly 50% of the food produced is lost or wasted? In the latest episode of the Beyond Research Podcast, we’re exploring the ways scientific advancements in nutrition and food science are helping the agri-food industry better manage this growing problem. Listen to learn how local researchers Dr. Daren Burke of Outcast Foods and Dr. Marcia English of St.FX are working directly with the people who produce our food to create new products and generate new markets using food waste and by-products. Featured Guests: Dr. Marcia English is an Assistant Professor in Human Nutrition at St. Francis Xavier University where she leads the X Food Research Lab. She’s using her background in food chemistry to address challenges and add value to Nova Scotia’s farming and food production community. Dr. Darren Burke is the founder and CEO of Outcast Foods, the first patent-pending zero waste upcycling technology company that is actively reducing food waste. Outcast works with local farmers, processors and retailers to create a supply chain where the less than perfect supply of fruits and veggies can re-enter the food chain, lighter and better than ever.

We begin the new season by learning about the connection between world-leading technology development and an urgent - and often hidden - social crisis: energy poverty. In this episode, you'll hear from the Mayor of Bridgewater, a small, rural town that is leading the charge on energy poverty, and two Nova Scotia researchers who are at the forefront of a global revolution in energy storage. You'll learn how their works is intersecting to help meet our climate goals and help some of the more vulnerable members of our community. Featured Guests: David Mitchell is the Mayor of Bridgewater, Nova Scotia, a small town with a bold idea: move the entire community toward efficient, clean energy through its Energize Bridgewater initiative. Dr. Jeff Dahn is a professor of physics and atmospheric science at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and the Tesla Canada Industrial Research Chair. Dr. Michael Freund is a Professor of Chemistry, the Harry Shirreff Chair of Chemical Research, and the Director of the Clean Technologies Institute at Dalhousie University.