About Research at Northwestern Polytechnic

Northwestern Polytechnic is an applied research hub in northwestern Alberta. With staff and student researchers active in a range of specialty areas - including business innovation, advanced microbiology, sustainable systems in agriculture, community enhancement, and human health and wellness - we have the expertise to support community initiatives and address industry problems.

Advanced Microbiology and Genetics Laboratory

Our institution's flagship research facility and home of the National Bee Diagnostic Centre (NBDC), our advanced microbiology and genetics laboratory has the tools and resources to support research and diagnostics for a variety of industries across the agriculture and forestry sector (e.g.: animal nutrition and forage quality, crop and animal residues, pest entomology, and bioremediation).

Energy and Environment

Our clean technology innovation laboratory aims to develop clean power options in collaboration with industry partners, with a special focus on northern and remote worksite application. The laboratory is equipped with a 500W EFOY-Pro® methanol fuel cell and full photovoltaic generation array.

Northern Agriculture Innovation

In-house researchers specializing in pollinator health, smart agriculture, animal science, forage, agri-business and other areas collaborate with producers and other academic institutions, contributing to an accessible, province-wide network of ag expertise.

Leveraging both its research plots and animal handling facilities at Fairview Campus and state-of-the-art microbiology laboratory in Beaverlodge, our institution also continues to nurture longstanding relationships with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Peace Country Beef and Forage Association, the Alberta Beekeepers' Association, and private sector producers across the province as it expands its applied research capacity in agriculture.

Health and Community Enhancement

Our researchers work with non-profit and community-based organizations to find solutions to complex social innovation problems. The newly established Evaskevich Centre for Health Research and Innovation will facilitate a range of northern health research initiatives that are connected to the community and responsive to regional needs. Other Community Enhancement research projects we're focusing on include the following:

• Civic Belonging in a Northern Resource Economy
• GP-PACT Evaluation
• From Belize to Bezanson: The Archaeologies of Frontiers and Boomtowns