Seneca Polytechnic receives $1.2 million for research on food insecurity and violence
- Seneca Polytechnic has received nearly $1.2 million in funding for three research projects focused on food insecurity, gender-based violence, and textile waste.
- The projects involve partnerships with various organizations to interview survivors of violence, develop a digital platform for textile recycling, and monitor hydroponic gardens.
- This funding demonstrates a commitment to addressing critical social issues and enhancing community well-being through applied research.
On September 16, 2024, Seneca Polytechnic announced the receipt of nearly $1.2 million in funding from the College and Community Social Innovation Fund (CCSIF), which is administered by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC). This funding will support three significant research projects aimed at addressing pressing issues such as food insecurity, gender-based violence, and textile waste. The projects are part of the Seneca Centre for Health and Social Innovation, which connects academic researchers with community partners to foster innovative solutions. One of the projects involves collaboration with Counterpoint Counselling and Education Co-operative and York Region Centre for Community Safety. Researchers will interview survivors of gender-based violence to gain insights into high-risk behaviors that may lead to abuse. Another initiative, in partnership with Fashion Takes Action, aims to enhance existing research on textile waste by developing a digital platform that links clothing manufacturers with recycling companies, promoting circular economies. Additionally, the third project, in collaboration with Just Vertical, will monitor hydroponic vertical gardens across various sites in the Greater Toronto Area and northern British Columbia. This research seeks to explore the potential of these gardens in communal living settings as a strategy to combat food insecurity. The funding reflects a broader commitment to advancing research that addresses social, economic, and environmental challenges in Canada. It underscores the importance of applied research in creating tangible benefits for communities and highlights the role of educational institutions in fostering innovation and collaboration.