Investing in cutting-edge learning tools

Today, Queen’s hosted a provincial government announcement highlighting a to support new equipment and state-of-the-art learning spaces at universities and colleges. Nolan Quinn, Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security made the announcement while visiting Queen’s campus, meeting with students and researchers who will directly benefit from the investment. Queen’s is receiving $1 million in funding from the Training Equipment and Renewal Fund, which help universities buy state-of-the-art equipment for learning that meets industry needs and enrolment growth.

“In the face of economic uncertainty, Ontario’s world-class colleges and universities are integral to building and protecting Ontario’s future workforce," says Minister Quinn. "Through this investment, our government is ensuring that students have the modern tools and facilities they need to stay on the cutting edge of our critical industries in their future careers."

Minister Quinn delivers a speech at a podium

Minister Nolan Quinn announces $242 million in support of upgraded learning facilities and equipment at Ontario’s colleges and universities.

At Queen’s, the funding will be used to support the purchase of immersive simulation equipment for the , a first-in-Canada medical education model specifically designed to address the shortage of family doctors in Ontario. This will include lifelike adult and child manikins that can mimic real patient responses, birthing simulators to practice prenatal care, models for sensitive exams like pelvic and prostate checks, and manikins for emergency scenarios like managing airways. The new simulation manikins will also be representative of a diversity of shapes, sizes, and skin tones to ensure students are best trained for real-like scenarios that reflect the future communities they’ll serve.

“Simulation is a huge part of medical education," says Richard van Wylick, Vice-Dean Health Sciences Education. "It gives students the chance to learn with realistic, hands-on tools that act just like real patients. From adult and child manikins that respond like people do, to birthing simulators, to models for sensitive exams and emergency situations—these tools help our students practice skills they’ll use every day in their careers.”

Total funding announced today included $209.3 million for the Facilities Renewal Program to help colleges and universities renew and modernize their campuses through repair and renovations of existing facilities. As well as $21.6 million for the College Equipment and Renewal Fund and $10.8 million for the Training Equipment and Renewal Fund to help colleges and universities buy and renew specialized, state-of-the-art instructional equipment and tools for labs, shops, and classrooms.

Researchers discuss the use of a robotic arm

Student researchers at Ingenuity Labs demonstrate their research project to Minister Quinn.

“We are grateful to the government for its increased investment in medical research and training, as this allows universities to drive innovation and respond to changing health care demands," says Patrick Deane, Principal and Vice-Chancellor. "At Queen’s, this funding will further strengthen our leadership in experiential learning, medical simulation, and AI-enabled education, equipping students and researchers with the skills, technologies, and insight needed to collaborate effectively and ultimately deliver better patient care.”

While at Queen’s, Minister Quinn met with researchers and students at Queen’s . The research institute is home to several interdisciplinary initiatives focused on combining AI, robotics, and human-machine interaction to help address some of the world’s most pressing issues. Some of the research programs featured included robotics, mechatronics, and autonomous systems designed for mining and security and leading advancements in energy efficient green supercomputing.