Campus Locations
Surrey
12666 72 Avenue
Surrey, BC
V3W 2M8
604-599-2000
Richmond
8771 Lansdowne Road
Richmond, BC
V6X 3X7
604-599-2000
Tech
5500, 180 Street
Cloverdale, BC
V3S 6R1
604-599-2000
Langley
20901 Langley Bypass
Langley, BC
V3A 8G9
604-599-2000
Civic Plaza
13495 Central Avenue
Surrey, BC
V3T 0K2
604-599-2000
Applied Research at KPU
Applied research is integral to KPU’s polytechnic culture—where thought meets action—and is key to productive community engagement and social innovation. Applied research allows students and faculty to apply practical knowledge and skills in real-world contexts, establishing mutually beneficial, collaborative partnerships with local communities, industry and government. KPU’s industry-aligned research strengths are centred on design, sustainability, clean technology and health.
For example, the Design Research Network coordinates researchers from the Wilson School of Design and connects them with collaborators and partners from other academic institutions, research institutes, industry, government and civil society. KPU creates collaboration space to explore and innovate design-related problems utilizing the faculty’s expertise and students’ enthusiasm.
Kwantlen Polytechnic’s Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems research focuses on the potential of regions to sustain themselves in terms of agriculture and food, as well as the impact on economics, community health, food policy and environmental integrity. Community collaboration is central to KPU’s approach. Related labs and applied research facilities include:
A Polytechnic Faculty of Graduate Studies
Polytechnics have a strong track record of delivering applied education to first-time post-secondary learners and those who return to develop pragmatic new skills. Kwantlen Polytechnic University is establishing a Faculty of Graduate Studies, marking a significant milestone for advanced applied learning credentials. Developed with guidance from local Indigenous partners, KPU wanted to ensure governance, operations and teaching was true to the institution’s efforts to prioritize decolonization and reconciliation. The first graduate degree on offer is a Master’s in Operations, Supply Chain and Logistics Management.
Better Testing to Detect Disease in Dairy Cattle
Kwantlen Polytechnic University partnered with WestGen, a group of companies in the agriculture sector, to develop a rapid, low-cost and user-friendly test for bacterial disease in dairy cattle. Genome analysis and test developments were conducted with support of KPU students, both in the field and at the institution’s Applied Genomics Centre. This project provided direct training and mentorship, enabling learners to apply scientific research techniques in the field. The qPCR (quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction) pathogen tests are now in the initial stages of commercialization.
To learn more about the value derived from applied research collaborations, read our Economic Impact of Applied Research at Canada’s Polytechnics report.