New Mitacs partnership boosts rural data and leadership skills
The Rural Ontario Institute (ROI) has launched a new two-year postgraduate training program aimed at improving data access and leadership skills in rural communities. The program is developed in partnership with Mitacs and the University of Guelph’s School of Environmental Design and Rural Development (SEDRD), led by Professor Ryan Gibson.
This initiative focuses on connecting academic research with real-world rural needs. “Delivering high-quality, relevant data to community stakeholders is central to ROI’s work. Through our long-standing partnership with the University of Guelph, the Mitacs supported placement of master's and PhD students at ROI was a natural extension of our shared focus on applied research and supporting rural Ontario through evidence-based solutions,” said Dan Borowec, ROI Chair.
“This initiative reflects the importance of connecting academic research with the practical needs of rural communities. By improving access to data and leadership development opportunities, we can help communities make stronger, evidence-based decisions,” said Professor Ryan Gibson, Director of the School of Environmental Design and Rural Development.
“Graduate students involved in this partnership will gain valuable applied experience while contributing to research that can strengthen planning, housing, and community wellbeing outcomes across rural Ontario,” said Gibson.
Mitacs also plays a key role in the initiative by connecting organizations with research talent. “Mitacs helps connect organizations with the research talent and expertise needed to address real-world challenges,” said Emily Gordon, Senior Advisor, Business Development, Mitacs.
“This partnership with the Rural Ontario Institute and the University of Guelph will give graduate students hands-on experience while supporting data-driven decision-making and innovation in rural Ontario communities,” said Gordon.
The research will focus on understanding how better access to data and leadership development can improve decision-making in rural communities with populations under 10,000. It will explore how data availability affects municipal planning and how leadership programs contribute to social and economic outcomes.
“This research collaboration will examine how increased access to relevant data and leadership development affect evidence-based decision making in rural Ontario communities under 10,000 residents. Investigating two linked questions: how improved data availability influences municipal planning, and how leadership development contributes to social and economic outcomes,” said Kezia Cowtan, ROI Data Manager.
The program will offer six paid internships each year to master's and PhD students in Ontario. These students will work with ROI’s Data Team and support key projects such as the Rural Housing Information System, which helps organize housing data, and the Rural Community Wellbeing Data Dashboard, which tracks key indicators across communities.
The initiative also supports the Advanced Agricultural Leadership Program (AALP), which has trained leaders in the agriculture sector for over 40 years.
“100% of AALP participants surveyed said that they gained the skills and knowledge needed to lead in the agriculture and food sector. We are excited to better understand the social and economic value of this program, going strong for more than 40 years,” said Peggy Brekveld, ROI Leadership Programs Director and AALP Class 12 Alumni.
Photo Credit: Advanced Agricultural Leadership Program logo