The Connector - July 2023
Western Research Parks
Western University's Research & Development Park: A Leading Science & Tech Park in Canada
Welcome back to the Western Research Parks newsletter, The Connector! In this volume, we are featuring new arrivals, celebrating milestones, and announcing a few events. As usual, you will also find the latest news, innovations, programming, and updates from our community as well as links that may be useful to you or your organization.
Before getting started, we would like to give a quick reminder that we are always looking to engage in collaborations, partnerships, and increase the connectivity between research and industry. If you are interested in working with Western Research Parks and our knowledge-based community of tenants, please contact us to see how we can be of help.
And now, we have some celebratory news to share as we recognize Dr. Gailene Tobin Vandenheuvel's first anniversary as our Executive Director! Please see the following message from Gailene reflecting on the accomplishments of the Western Research Parks community in the last year.
MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
"Throughout the past year, it has been an absolute privilege to be a part of the Western Research Parks community. I am immensely grateful for the opportunity to contribute to such an exceptional environment.
As Executive Director, some of my priorities have revolved around strengthening regional ties, creating collaborative spaces, enhancing communication channels, and promoting seamless connectivity between research and industry. These efforts are all geared towards ensuring the sustained success of our valued tenants at Western Research Parks.
I am delighted to acknowledge the outstanding efforts of the Western Research Parks team.?I am grateful to lead such a talented and driven team who diligently execute on our strategic plans, ensuring that our tenants' experiences are continually enhanced. Together, we are steadfast in our mission to amplify the impact of research and accelerate the growth of our tenants.?
I would like to extend my sincerest appreciation to our visionary tenants whose passion, creativity, and unwavering commitment continue to be the driving force behind our progress.
Together with the dedicated staff at Western Research Parks, I anticipate continued success in enhancing the experiences of everyone who works within or visits the Western Research Parks community.
With warmest regards,
Gailene"?
PARKS & TENANT NEWS
ANVO Laboratories to Receive $4-Million Investment from the Government of Canada
ANVO Laboratories?(ANVO Labs), our newest tenant at Western Advanced Manufacturing Park, will receive?a $4-million investment from the Government of Canada. This investment will create 45 skilled jobs and accelerate the production of high-quality affordable, domestic medications for gastrointestinal, diabetes, cardiovascular, and neurological diseases. It will also support ANVO Labs as they equip a new production facility at Western Advanced Manufacturing Park.
Origin Materials Announces Startup of Origin 1, World's First Commercial CMF Plant
Western Sarnia-Lambton Research Park tenant Origin Materials announced the startup of Origin 1, the world's first commercial CMF (chloromethyl furfural) plant, located in Sarnia, Ontario. This is a tremendous milestone in their journey to decarbonize the world's materials through the production of intermediate chemicals and materials in various markets such as clothing, textiles, plastics, packaging, and many more.
PharmaChem Academy Seeking Eight Applicants
Partnar Animal Health Inc , a tenant of Western Discovery Park, is pleased to announce the formation of PharmaChem Academy, a micro-credential program to train those who have completed an undergraduate degree in Science or Chemical Engineering as Analytical Chemists.
PharmaChem Academy is seeking eight applicants from London and surrounding area biotech companies who would like to enroll in a six?to eight?week program at no charge. The laboratory is Health Canada GMP / GLP?inspected and compliant for analytical tests of all dose forms. The program is staffed by industry experienced chemists who can share their experience with students. The critical end point for the instructors is to ensure students become competent analytical chemists.
PharmaChem Academy will be hosting an info-session in August to provide more information. To receive an invitation to this session, please email: [email protected].
Ontario Centre for Talent Development (OCFTD) Summer Activities
The OCFTD is?a non-profit organization committed to advancing the education of young Canadian students focusing on the areas of?STEM, robotics, leadership, and entrepreneurship.
In addition to their regular activities, OCFTD organized a?summer STEM Camp?from July 24?- 28 and are planning two weeks of FIRST Robotics Day Camp from August 8?- 18 at Western Discovery Park.
FIRST Robotics Day Camp, run by FIRST Robotics Canada , teaches students about LEGO robotics and coding in a fun atmosphere. In preparation for this camp, FIRST Robotics Canada held a two-day training session for high-school volunteers to?teach?participants how to design, build, and program?robots to solve challenges.
Western Continuing Studies Plans to Launch Web Development Foundations in the Fall
Are you interested in learning about web development? Western Continuing Studies can help with their upcoming?Web Development Foundations! This?micro-credential teaches basic web development tools?including HTML, CSS, Bootstrap, JavaScript, and Responsive design. No prior coding experience or prerequisites are necessary.?Perfect for anyone who?works with websites, wants to learn to code, or wants to understand how to communicate with web developers on their team. The course runs from Sep 18 – Oct 27 online with real-time learning.
Western Continuing Studies, located in the NRC Centre at Western Discovery Park, also has several summer courses that start in August in various learning areas. Check out their website and keep learning!
WORLDiscoveries - Now Accepting Program Applicants
Western Innovation and Strategic Partnerships , located in the Mogenson Centre at Western Discovery Park, is now accepting applicants for their diverse programs. Catering to students, staff, faculty, entrepreneurs, and inventors,?these programs are designed to provide valuable insights, support, and connections to help?accelerate the commercialization journey. Join a vibrant community of innovators and entrepreneurs and make a lasting impact on innovation by choosing WORLDiscoveries.
领英推荐
Black Walnut Bakery Café Celebrates Successful Six Months at Western Discovery Park
Through the support of our tenants and the public, Black Walnut Bakery Café is finding success in?the Convergence Centre. Having opened its doors in January 2023, Black Walnut?continues to serve new and regular customers their from-scratch menu on weekdays from 8:00 am - 3:00 pm.
Owners Ed and Mandy Etheridge commented on this important achievement.
"We are thrilled with the remarkable early success of our Black Walnut location at Western Discovery Park.?Right off the bat, our unique?product was embraced wholeheartedly by the Park and surrounding neighbours. Through the efforts of our talented bakers, expert baristas, and dedication to genuine customer care, this new venture has quickly become a growing hub of connection. As we reflect on this milestone, we thank everyone in the community for their patronage and enthusiasm."
BOS Innovations Focusing?Efforts on?Career Growth with New Video
Western Advanced Manufacturing Park tenant BOS Innovations Inc. , a turnkey, automation integrator, has released a careers video showcasing their excellent and innovative workplace. BOS'?highly skilled and innovative team, partnered with the most technologically progressive companies, delivers?advanced automation solutions that will help power the future of manufacturing.
With a constant focus on innovation, BOS is the ideal environment for students, recent graduates, and employees to continuously grow and learn, offering rewarding careers that are never static. Western students and alumni have been a large part of BOS’ many innovations throughout the years.
Learn more about building an innovative career with BOS here!
UPCOMING EVENTS
Outdoor Yoga at Western Discovery Park
Come out and enjoy the beautiful green space at Western Discovery Park with outdoor yoga on Tuesday, August 15th from 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm. This event is free.?Participants can enter into our draw for a $25 gift card to Black Walnut Bakery Café at the Convergence Centre. Western University employees also earn Internal Wellness Reward Points. Please note that this event is weather dependent.
PEOPLE OF THE PARKS
This volume's People of the Parks features 19?new and current talent employed at Western Research Parks! They are (from left to right, top to bottom):
These students have all made important contributions to both their workplace and their field of study, and are key members of our Western Research Parks community. We had the opportunity to highlight each one in our Incoming Talent Series on LinkedIn and Instagram.
FEATURED SPACE
Immediate Space?Available At Western Research Parks
We have immediate office space and lab space available at Western Discovery Park and Western Advanced Manufacturing Park.
If you would like to grow your business in one of our Parks, contact us to see how we can find the best space for your organization.
FOR TENANTS
Social Events
Improvements to Western Discovery Park
We have completed a number of improvements to Western Discovery Park this summer and appreciate our tenants' continued cooperation and support throughout this process.
We are pleased to inform you that the restructuring of the Western Research Parks' staff?offices?at the Convergence Centre are proceeding ahead of schedule and are anticipated to be completed at the end of August.
In addition to offices, we have created a new?Conference space across from the Black Walnut Bakery Café. We will be involving the community to name the new Conference area. Stay tuned!
We appreciate you taking the time to read this volume of our community newsletter. We look forward to our fourth edition scheduled for October 2023.