Trinity Western University is dedicated to promoting research and innovation in a diverse range of fields, but promotes global partnerships to prepare students for an evolving world influenced by technology and social challenges.
Trinity Western University (TWU) in British Columbia, Canada is a renowned liberal arts institution dedicated to promoting academic excellence through a wide range of programs in the humanities, social sciences and natural sciences. With an emphasis on research and innovation, TWU prepares students to be thoughtfully and critically engaged with the world around them.
To learn more, the Innovation Platform spoke with Phil Laird, Vice President of Innovation, Global & Academic Partnerships and Deputy Director of Global at Trinity Western University.
What are the main areas of research and innovation pursued at Trinity Western?
Our research fields are diverse, covering topics ranging from humanities such as philosophy and literature to scientific research, including exercise physiology. Our aim is to promote a deeper understanding of human culture and society.
We are committed to advancing scientific knowledge through a variety of research initiatives. One of the key areas of focus is our work on infectious diseases carried out within the cutting-edge Tier 2 laboratory facilities.
In addition to this research, our chemistry department is actively engaged in groundbreaking work centered on sustainability and environmental management. Specifically, we are investigating innovative ways to recycle used clothing. This study includes sophisticated chemical processes that effectively decompose a variety of fabrics and materials and convert textile waste into new, reusable resources.
Furthermore, we are pioneering research into salmon migration patterns and egg-laying behavior. Collect important data on salmon populations by utilizing advanced tagging systems combined with chemical analysis. This is essential for understanding the life cycle and addressing the challenges facing ecosystem change. By integrating technology and chemistry into our research, we aim to strengthen conservation efforts and support the sustainability of our salmon fisheries.
Can you explain TW Global, its purpose and how it aligns with the university’s mission?
As Vice President of TW Global, I oversee university initiatives in international and non-traditional education. This includes adult education and training, microcresincials, corporate short courses, and degree programs. Every year, we welcome approximately 3,000 students from 95 countries to TW Global, including students taking part in online education. Our programs are offered through the Promoted Academic Resource Centre (FHAR Centre) strategically located around the world and work with over 40 institutions around the world.
Why is global partnership important for Trinity Western? Can you provide examples of recent research initiatives that have successfully used partnerships for innovation?
For Western University and all institutions today, it is extremely important to recognize the student pathway, student flow, and the global implications of our work in research. As an academic community, we have realized that localized research alone is not enough to address the challenges facing the world. These challenges include climate change, food security, ongoing international conflict, poverty alleviation, and the secondary and tertiary implications of these important issues.
Furthermore, the rapid development of AI shows that it experiences major changes in the labor market. The jobs and careers people have trained may not exist in the next decade. Universities need to focus on increasing, reskilling and transitioning the current workforce in preparation for an economy infused with globalized AI.
An example of this need arises during a recent workshop, teaching AI tools to groups of retirees aged 60-90. One of the participants asked whether AI would replace people’s work. It’s not AI that replaces jobs. Rather, people skilled in using AI will take on those tasks. Therefore, we need to adapt education platforms and systems to teach the next generation how to use AI ethically and responsibly. Additionally, AI is positioned to change the nature of education worldwide, so it must work with institutional partners around the world.
What global partnerships do Trinity Western use to assess potential collaborations?
There are two levels to consider when discussing partnerships, especially in the context of inductive and deductive logic. At a high level, partnerships can be seen as a way to strengthen branding. For example, Trinity Western University aims to align with institutions that embody high attributes and values through the fields of global rankings, specific research initiatives, or collaboration that complement the university.
However, the economic benefits of partnering with industry leaders in higher education are limited. Working with an honorable body often requires serious compromises. They may generally have high expectations, such as providing scholarships to students, or request discounts that affect our financial capabilities. From experience, partnerships with only global leaders tend to burn out after a year or two, as they ultimately lack the financial resources and the personnel needed to maintain their relationship.
Meanwhile, the institution will come to us and express its desire to work with Trinity Western University. In these cases, the ability to ensure long-term economic viability is increased. For example, they may work with institutions enrolled in a degree program that allows students to advance to Trinity Western University to create a “progressive relationship.” Here we add value by helping students move into their degree path.
By working together to build these partnerships, we will build a strong financial foundation. Effectively managing partnerships from both ends, working with both high-ranking institutions and institutions seeking to increase brands through us will gain brand awareness and financial sustainability, ensuring a stable flow of students. This approach also reduces reliance on government subsidies subject to cyclical availability and uncertainty.
Can we discuss the role of student researchers in these partnerships and how they are integrated into collaboration?
Trinity Western University is well known for its focus on integrating students into research, particularly at the undergraduate level. Over 57% of Trinity Western University student organizations participate in international education or global services projects. A significant number of Trinity students will undertake honorary papers or research projects as part of the Honorary Program. Many also engage in research during the summer and grades and often collaborate with the faculties of nature and applied sciences, and the faculties of human kinetics in sports physiology, business and psychology. This provides students with a great opportunity for their research to travel abroad as well as opportunities for students to engage in their research.
One of the innovative initiatives we have implemented is called Goodwill Tours, and we bring students from all over the world in areas that match our expertise. Before the pandemic, they organized tours of sports teams and choirs. We are excited to resume these tours, which began with a choir trip to China at the end of April. In September, our men’s basketball team embarks on the Goodwill Tour, competes with professional Chinese basketball teams, participates in games with several universities in China, and visits four different cities.
These initiatives aim to restore normalcy and promote goodwill by attracting a diverse culture to students. They provide a valuable opportunity for our students to gain a wider perspective on the world.
What are the university’s strategic goals for expanding its research and innovation partnership over the next few years?
Recently, we have published a new strategic plan that outlines some key pillars that are essential to the future of Trinity West University. One of the main focuses is expanding online learning at Trinity West University. This is recognized as a key component of future development. Additionally, it employs AI-driven advisors and customized, personalized learning strategies to integrate artificial intelligence into technology.
Additionally, it conducts comprehensive research in the field of student services to create diverse and accessible learning opportunities for students around the world. Our research initiatives primarily focus on funding opportunities provided by the Social Science and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC), the Natural Science and Engineering Research Council (NSERC), and various innovation platforms supporting research efforts.
This article will also be featured in the 22nd edition of Quarterly Publication.
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