Office of Applied Research and Innovation

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Office of Applied Research and Innovation

Fleming College's Office of Applied Research and Innovation is your gateway to college applied research and development expertise. The department offers guidance and support to Fleming faculty who are interested in doing research. It also provides applied research and business development services to business, industry, and community organizations in fields related to our academic programs.

The Office of Applied Research and Innovation supports all applied research at Fleming, including at our three dedicated research centres:

Applied Research Strategic Plan 2024-2029

We have developed an evidence-based Applied Research Strategic Plan to chart the path forward for Fleming’s applied research enterprise. The Strategic Plan will inspire faculty, staff and students, mobilize community support and set the stage for our growth as a recognized leader in Canadian applied research. To view Fleming’s Applied Research Strategic Plan, please click here: Applied Research Strategic Plan.

Major Objectives

  • Support local business, industry and institutions in their efforts to innovate, and improve their products and processes through applied research activities.
  • Enhance student education and research skills through applied research opportunities.
  • Utilize faculty expertise and promote the professional development of college faculty and employees through research opportunities.

Industry Partners

Connect with our research staff and facilities. We will assess your needs and collaborate with you to determine the best research route for you.

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Faculty

If you are a Fleming faculty member interested in conducting research, the Office of Applied Research and Innovation is the single point of contact to help you get started.

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Students


As a student enrolled at Fleming College, you have the opportunity to work with industry partners and expert staff as you gain real-world experience in your field of study.

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In the News

Protecting Birds on Fleming's Frost Campus

Protecting Birds on Fleming's Frost Campus

Bird-window collisions pose a serious conservation challenge, but applied research at Fleming College’s Frost Campus is proving that small, science-backed interventions can have a big impact.

In 2022, Professor Thom Luloff received funding through Fleming College’s internal research grant program, iGRO, to assess the effectiveness of window markers in reducing bird strikes on campus. Partnering with Feather Friendly®, North America’s leading manufacturer of bird-safe window markers, the project installed their product at Auk’s Lodge, making it the first certified bird-friendly building in the Kawartha Lakes region.

Students played a key role in the research, monitoring window strikes during peak migration seasons. In 449 person-hours of research involving 93 students, not a single bird strike was recorded on treated windows. However, collisions continued on untreated surfaces, reinforcing the need for broader implementation.

This work didn’t go unnoticed—it contributed to the City of Kawartha Lakes earning Bird Friendly City certification in 2024, and student researchers were named Environmental Heroes for their efforts.

What’s next? A new funding proposal has been submitted to a federal granting agency to expand monitoring efforts beyond the campus, with a decision expected in spring 2025.

Have a challenge that needs solving? Let’s tackle it together. Applied research at Fleming helps businesses and organizations access faculty expertise, research funding, and industry partnerships to drive innovation and impact.

Contact us at appliedresearch@flemingcollege.ca to explore what’s possible.

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