Research Manitoba has renewed an agreement with Mitacs, a firm that connects local companies with interns and training programs, for nearly $2 million more than the previous agreement. The announcement was made at RTDS Technologies Inc., where Mitacs will receive $4.8 million over three years. John Hepburn, the CEO of Mitacs, stated that up to 15% of the funding will be used for the Indigenous Pathways program, 20% for social institutions, and the rest for industry. The funding aims to support bringing 400 interns into the field to gain real-world experience.
The students involved in the program are primarily graduate students, masters, PhD, and postdoctoral fellows. Hepburn noted that a typical PhD student spends all their time at the university doing interesting research, but the internship program allows them to gain practical experience. The average research contract costs about $15,000 over four months for graduates and $20,000 for postdoctoral students, with most of the funding going towards paying the students. Intern Dorsa Jeddi expressed her gratitude for the funding increase, as it has positively impacted her career and allowed her to gain exposure to industry expectations and useful research.
The funding increase will benefit students like Jeddi who have found the internship program to be valuable in enhancing their career prospects. By connecting students with industry partners, Mitacs aims to bridge the gap between academic research and industry needs. This hands-on experience allows students to apply their knowledge in real-world settings and gain valuable skills that can help kickstart their careers. The program also provides an opportunity for students to network with potential employers and gain insights into the industry they wish to pursue.
The announcement of the increased funding for Mitacs was met with support from business leaders, students, and government officials who see the value in investing in programs that help bridge the gap between academia and industry. By providing funding for internships and training programs, Research Manitoba aims to support the development of a skilled workforce that meets the needs of local companies. The focus on Indigenous Pathways and social institutions shows a commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion within the program, ensuring that underrepresented groups have access to these valuable opportunities.
The collaboration between Research Manitoba and Mitacs demonstrates a commitment to fostering innovation and growth in local companies by supporting the development of a highly skilled workforce. By investing in internship programs that connect students with industry partners, the program aims to contribute to the economic development of the region. The increased funding will allow more students to benefit from the program and gain the practical experience needed to succeed in their chosen fields. Overall, the partnership between Research Manitoba and Mitacs highlights the importance of investing in experiential learning opportunities for students to prepare them for successful careers in the future.
