D-Pace Donation Launches Selkirk College’s Ion-source Research Centre

A significant donation from D-Pace has led to the establishment of the Selkirk Ion-source Research Centre (SIRC) at Selkirk College in British Columbia. This initiative aims to equip students with hands-on experience in the rapidly growing field of particle acceleration. The donation, valued at nearly $1 million, was announced earlier this week and includes state-of-the-art technology that fosters advanced research and educational opportunities.

The creation of SIRC is a direct result of Selkirk College’s partnership with TRIUMF, Canada’s leading particle accelerator centre. This collaboration will not only enhance educational programs but also support local innovation in the West Kootenay region. Students will have the chance to work with cutting-edge technology, preparing them for careers in science, engineering, and innovation.

Enhancing Education and Research Opportunities

Dr. Terri MacDonald, Director of Applied Research and Innovation at Selkirk College, expressed gratitude for the long-standing partnership with D-Pace. “This donation has enabled the college to apply for several complementary grants,” she stated, adding that the funding will support research initiatives and the hiring of vocational, undergraduate, and graduate interns. “This partnership empowers students to engage in cutting-edge scientific research right here in rural B.C.”

The SIRC is designed to drive innovation through three key avenues: new technologies, student involvement, and the dissemination of research in rural areas. The centre will tackle complex issues, such as enhancing the efficiency of semiconductors used in electric vehicle batteries and improving cancer treatments through medical radioisotopes.

Bridging Education and Research in Rural Areas

Students from various academic backgrounds, ranging from trades apprenticeships to post-doctoral researchers, will collaborate within SIRC. They will manufacture and conduct experiments, maintain equipment, and identify research opportunities. This collaborative environment aims to break down historic barriers between different post-secondary programs, allowing students to learn from one another’s expertise.

Historically, ion-source research has been concentrated in urban centres with large universities. However, modern communication technologies have made it possible for high-tech research to thrive in rural locations. The success of similar initiatives in places like Chalk River, Ontario, and Oak Ridge, Tennessee, demonstrates that geography is no longer a constraint for innovative research.

As students engage with this groundbreaking technology, they will not only contribute to national research mandates, including Canada’s Quantum Strategy and the Nuclear Science and Medical Isotope Strategy, but also play a role in the broader landscape of discovery science and commercial research.

The establishment of the Selkirk Ion-source Research Centre is a transformative step for both Selkirk College and the local community, enhancing educational pathways and fostering innovation in the field of particle acceleration.