Prince George, B.C. - British Columbia’s three Interior universities continue collaborating to boost their research and innovation ecosystems after renewing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the three organizations. 

The renewed MOU extends the Interior Universities Research Coalition (IURC) – a partnership between the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC), Thompson Rivers University (TRU), and the University of British Columbia’s Okanagan campus (UBC Okanagan) – for a further five years. 

Since its creation in 2017, the IURC has attracted nearly $8 million for cross-institutional research projects and other collaborations at the three universities and has developed a multitude of new research opportunities in the B.C. Interior.

The funded research projects have addressed regional questions on topics such as disaster prevention, aging in rural communities, COVID-19, education and wildlife stewardship. 

Over the next five years, the IURC will continue to support community-based research, develop greater research capacity and joint educational opportunities, and build on what has been learned and gained over the past five years.

The partnership has developed a foundation that fosters talent in the B.C. Interior and enhances student and faculty mobility while at the same time increasing academic opportunities and strengthening community connections. 

This renewed MOU reflects a shared commitment to effective and mutually beneficial co-operation that enhances research and educational opportunities with positive benefits for communities served by the three partners.

QUOTES:

“The Interior Universities Research Coalition facilitates partnerships among scholars at all three institutions as they work with community partners to identify solutions to pressing issues in our region and beyond. The knowledge generated through these projects builds capacity for healthy, productive and thriving Interior communities.” 

— UNBC Vice-President of Research and Innovation Dr. Paula Wood-Adams

“The IURC has set the groundwork to advance important research in our regions — the collaboration between our institutions is critical in building capacity for new research opportunities in our communities. The renewal marks the beginning of what we envision as a blueprint towards inter-institutional partnerships across Canada, inspiring a future where collaboration paves the way for discovery and growth.” 

— TRU Vice-President Research Dr. Shannon Wagner

“We’re pleased to continue collaborating with our research colleagues in the BC Interior to further drive discovery and innovation. Each of the IURC institutions bring research specialties and strengths to this agreement that create synergies and maximize the impact of the partnership to the benefit of the Interior’s communities and industries.” 

— UBCO Vice-Principal and Associate Vice-President Research and Innovation Dr. Philip Barker

“We support this initiative and share the IURC’s commitment to making post-secondary education more accessible, responsive, and relevant for people across British Columbia. The IURC is a leading example of institutions finding collaborative solutions to enhance educational opportunities and solve regional challenges so we can build stronger and more resilient communities in B.C.”

— Minister Lisa Beare, Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills

“B.C.’s post-secondary institutions and research centres are world-class, and this continuing collaboration ensures our province draws and retains the talent needed to drive innovation to make life better for people, and to create good jobs. Through the B.C. Knowledge Development Fund and other provincial programs, our province is supporting our post-secondary research infrastructure and we’re looking forward to hearing more from the partnership.”

— Minister Brenda Bailey, Ministry of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation