Research
and Innovation

Where research makes a difference

We work closely with industry and community partners to shape innovation, strengthen our communities, and create positive social impact in Edmonton and beyond.

Partnering with NorQuest means partnering with an organization that bolsters Alberta’s economy and builds partnerships of trust. We are also:


But most importantly, we collaborate with internal and external partners to create solutions that address their needs. Together with our partners, we are committed to making a true, lasting difference for our students, communities, and province.

NorQuest soars to #15 among Canada's Top 50 Research Colleges in 2024!

Read the full story

Research specializations

Backed by experts and industry leaders, we specialize in a variety of research areas and methods.


To be connected with researchers in these areas, reach out to our Applied Research team at AppliedResearch@norquest.ca or fill out the form below.

No matter what your challenge, we can help you solve a problem, build a better process, evaluate your effectiveness, or develop a new tool in order to create a positive impact in your organization and community.

Recognizing Indigenous research sovereignty

NorQuest College is committed to truth, reconciliation, and redressing the harms that research has caused to Indigenous people. We acknowledge and respect Indigenous people’s right to Control, Own, Access, and Possess (OCAP®) research for and about them. To that end, all research by, for, with, and about Indigenous peoples conducted by or at the college must be endorsed and supported by our Indigenous communities.

To help researchers understand these requirements, we have created the NorQuest Guidelines for Research with Indigenous Peoples. We also strongly encourage researchers to connect directly with and seek guidance from the Indigenous communities with which you work.

For any questions, please contact the Designated Research Administrator at research@norquest.ca.

Research centres at NorQuest College 

Research and innovation occur across NorQuest College. They are cross-college initiatives undertaken by both faculty and staff. Our broad-based approach enables us to connect you with our experts, no matter your research needs.

In addition, several of our centers offer specific research services.

Learn more about each center’s research activities:

Leaning into innovation 

NorQuest College prides itself on innovating the future. In addition to the research we do, we also support innovation. Furthermore, we specialize in supporting innovators from equity-deserving communities.  

Whether it is starting a new business, prototype development, or commercializing something you’ve already created, we have experts who can help you navigate the path towards entrepreneurship, commercialization, and business development.  

To start your innovation journey, please fill out the form below or contact innovationstudio@norquest.ca. 

Current research projects 

We always have research and innovation underway. Interested in learning more about what is currently happening? Want to join an ongoing initiative?  

View a selection of our current research and innovation projects 

Completed research projects

Over the years, we’ve worked with a range of partners on a variety of research and innovation projects.  

View our past research and innovation projects 

Frequently asked questions

Is there a cost for an organization to do research with NorQuest College? Research is resource intensive but at NorQuest we don’t believe that the capacity to pay should limit someone’s ability to work with us. This is why we have developed a wide range of collaboration models. These range from you contracting us under a fee-for-service agreement to us partnering on grant applications to us undertaking a course-based project on your behalf. Whatever your financial situation, we can make it work.
I’m an external researcher and want to do research at NorQuest College. What steps do I need to take before starting a research project at the college?

Researchers external to NorQuest College who wish to undertake research at NorQuest College must receive ethics approval from their home institution, as well as administrative approval from NorQuest College, before proceeding. 

Here are the steps needed in making an application for approval at NorQuest College: 

  1. Ensure you have received ethics approval from your home institution. If external researchers are unable to get ethical approval from their home institution, contact NorQuest’s Designated Research Administrator at research@norquest.ca or 780.644.6006. 

  2. Once you have your ethics approval, contact NorQuest’s Designated Research Administrator at research@norquest.ca or 780.644.6006 and provide them with a copy of your ethics certificate and details of what you’d like to do. The administrator will then start the process of securing administrative approval. Depending on how your request impacts existing courses, projects, or resources, the college reserves the right to limit when and where you can conduct your research. If any such limitations are imposed, they will be explained to you by the administrator. You cannot begin your research at NorQuest College without administrative approval.

As a NorQuest staff member, how do I get involved in doing research?

NorQuest employees can get involved in research either through in-class or stand-alone projects. You can choose to do applied research, strategic research, institutional research, or a scholarship of teaching & learning project. 

The NorQuest Applied Research team is available to assist you through the planning and implementation of your project. If you would like to discuss an idea, set up a meeting with a team member by filling out the form below or contacting AppliedResearch@norquest.ca. 

The college’s designated Research Ethics Board reviews all NorQuest projects involving human participants. 

At this time, no research involving animals or medical research is permitted.

I’m a current NorQuest student. Is there an opportunity for me to become involved in research?

There are various opportunities for NorQuest students to take part in research. Students may take part in research that happens in class-based research projects. They may also have the opportunity to act as research assistants on stand-alone projects, work as research clerks in the Applied Research department, and even conduct a small research project themselves. 

If you are a NorQuest student and want to learn more about opportunities for you to take part in research, contact AppliedResearch@norquest.ca. 

Graduate students who wish to conduct research at NorQuest College are considered external researchers and should proceed with the external researcher process. 

Is NorQuest eligible to apply for grant funding, and who can I contact for more information? Yes! NorQuest is eligible to apply for all major research funding. For more information, please contact our Applied Research team at AppliedResearch@norquest.ca.
I have concerns about some research NorQuest College is doing. Who do I contact? At NorQuest College, we are committed to ensuring all of our research follows the Tri-Agency’s ethical standards and appreciate when concerns are brought forward. If you have concerns about any research affiliated with NorQuest College, please contact our Designated Research Administrator at 780.644.6006 or research@norquest.ca.
Where can I access your research policies?

You can access supporting documents by clicking on the links below:

What is NorQuest’s research data management strategy?

Research data management comprises the practices that guide the collection, documentation, storage, sharing, and preservation of research data throughout the lifecycle of a project.

At NorQuest, we are committed to meeting the requirements of the Tri-Agency policy and to supporting research of the highest standard. To learn more about our practices and goals, view our Research Data Management Strategy.

Research Support Fund 

Find out how the Government of Canada supports with the administrative costs of post-secondary research through its Research Support Fund.

Start your research project

Are you interested in starting a research project and partnership with NorQuest College? Fill in the form below, and a member of our research team will contact you as soon as possible.

You can also reach out directly to AppliedResearch@norquest.ca.

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Privacy notice statement

The personal information collected on this web form will be used to contact you about applied research projects, partnerships, and updates . Collection is authorized under section 33(c) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy (FOIP) Act and is managed in accordance with the Act. Questions about the collection and use of the personal information can be directed to the Designated Research Administrator, Research & Academic Innovation, 10230 108 Street NW, Edmonton, AB T5J 1L4. Email: research@norquest.ca. Telephone: 780.644.6006.