UOIT officially launches CLU

Oshawa, ON -Representatives from local community agencies, government and the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) joined together to celebrate the official launch of the University-Community Link Unit (CLU). During the event, invited guests learned how the new research unit will work with community stakeholders to examine societal problems such as poverty, unemployment, drug addiction, child abuse and violence.

"Successful social science research requires collaborative efforts between a university and the individuals who live and work in communities," said Dr. Shanti Fernando, co-director, CLU and assistant professor, Faculty of Social Science and Humanities. "This research unit was designed to develop and deliver relevant research allowing us to work together and build a better Durham Region, Northumberland County and beyond."

Co-directed by Dr. Fernando and Dr. Clemon George, assistant professor, Faculty of Health Sciences and Canadian Institutes of Health Research new investigator, CLU is a campuswide organized research unit that conducts collaborative, interdisciplinary applied research with various stakeholders in Durham Region and Northumberland County to support the needs of those working to build sustainable communities and cities. Its goal is to help scholars, students and stakeholders to understand the dynamics of communities, cities, and regions while informing public policy at local, regional, provincial, national and international levels.

CLU is currently working with a small number of organizations on projects focused on immigration, diversity, poverty and mental health. New partners can include community-based organizations and associations; non-profit social service providers; neighbourhood or labour networks; advocacy, ethnic and national groups; museums and cultural centres; the media; industry; advocacy coalitions; hospitals; schools; and all levels of government agencies.

"CLU will help to bridge the gap between research and practice to inform social and economic policy," said Dr. George. "By working with public agencies and groups in community-based research we will have access to more valid and accurate information, resulting in improved programs for individuals who utilize the services of our partners."

Attendees of the celebration also heard from guest speaker Dr. Jean J, Schensul, senior scientist and founding director, Institute for Community Research, Hartford, Connecticut, who is a renowned medical anthropologist with decades of experience in conducting HIV prevention and other health-related research. Dr. Schensul spoke about the importance of community engagement and community-based research and voiced her support for CLU.

If you or your organization would like to explore a partnership with CLU, please contact clu@uoit.ca or 905.721.8668 ext. 5871.

About Ontario Tech University
A modern, forwarding-thinking university, Ontario Tech advances the discovery and application of knowledge to accelerate economic growth, regional development and social innovation. We inspire and equip our students and our graduates to make a positive impact in a tech-focused world. For us, it’s not only about developing the next tech breakthrough. Understanding and integrating the social and ethical implications of technology differentiates us as university. Learn more at ontariotechu.ca.

Media contact
Melissa Levy
Communications and Marketing
Ontario Tech University
905.721.8668 ext. 2513
289.928.0268
melissa.levy@uoit.ca