Algonquin College opens health centre

Algonquin College officially opened its fourth research centre on Wednesday — devoted entirely to health and wellness research — thanks to $2.3 million in funding from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council. Mark Hoddenbagh, director of applied research and innovation at the college, said the centre will province a major boost to health and wellness research in Ottawa by giving students hands-on training to prepare for the workplace. “The mission of this centre is to leverage the College’s existing educational and research strengths to contribute to the health and wellness sectors, resulting in highly trained personnel, economic development and job creation,” Hoddenbagh said. The centre currently has six projects underway and staff hope to start at least 10 more projects this year alone. Numerous faculty members, external contractors and 30 students are involved in the centre’s six cur-