Lead your team to applied research success!

Consider this your blueprint for managing faculty researchers. 

LEARN MORE ENROLL NOW

  • “What exactly is applied research?”
  • “As an academic manager, what exactly is my role in facilitating applied research?”
  • “How do I navigate the logistics of managing applied research projects happening in my team?”
  • “How do I schedule research time for my faculty on top of their teaching obligations?”
  • “I’ve had challenges in the past when faculty have taken on applied research projects. How do I ensure those problems don’t happen again?”

Imagine being able to know exactly what questions to ask your college’s Applied Research Office and having a custom roadmap that guides you through the process every time.


Welcome to
Applied Research 101 for Academic Managers

Your step-by-step guide to empowering your team’s applied research success.

Empower Your Faculty

As an academic manager (Dean, Associate Dean, Chair), your role is complex and busy enough. You don’t need more on your plate. 

Through a combination of online lessons and one in-person session,  Applied Research 101 for Academic Managers will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the field and give you concrete tools and strategies to help support your faculty when they embark on their applied research career. 

Designed by the team at IDEAWORKS at Mohawk College, one of Ontario’s top research colleges, Applied Research 101 for Academic Managers is the only training program of its kind designed to give you practical knowledge, templates, and tools to help you efficiently manage the applied researchers in your department. 

No more guessing or aimless searching online to figure out “what is applied research!” Say goodbye to that frustrating feeling that you and your college research office are speaking different languages. 


By the end of this training you’ll understand:


What exactly is applied research and how it differs from other types of research.

How to encourage your faculty to get involved in applied research, along with a clear understanding of all the pros and cons of collaborative projects.

How to navigate institutional policies and resources, including step-by-step guidance on the questions you need to be asking your research office.

How to manage a faculty member working on a research project, including how to handle difficult coaching conversations.

Is Applied Research 101 for Academic Managers right for YOU?

  • You are an Associate Dean, Dean, Chair, or Manager at a Canadian post-secondary institution.
  • You WANT your team to get involved in applied research but don’t know how to get started.
  • You are UNSURE if you want your team to get involved in applied research and want a clearer understanding of what applied research is before you commit.
  • You DON’T have access to an applied research office that can guide you through this process.
  • You DO have access to an applied research office but want to strengthen your knowledge of applied research as you work with them.
Jeff McIsaac
Dean, School of Engineering, Mohawk College

I highly recommend this course...

This course is an excellent resource for ADs seeking to support their faculty in Applied Research. The Collective Agreement rules around faculty roles in Applied Research can be complicated. It is critical that ADs understand how best to provide their faculty with Standard Workload Formula (SWF) time to explore Applied Research projects, to ensure that our expert faculty have the opportunity to lead in new fields. It is also important for ADs to see how the projects and partnerships driven by Applied Research can inform curriculum and shape experiential learning opportunities in the classroom. Any AD who is new to Applied Research will definitely benefit from taking this course!

Maximize Your Faculty's Research Impact

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Dive right in!

$125

We want you to be 100% confident that when you enroll in this course, and that you’ll find what you need to empower your faculty and optimize applied research management. If you would like to request a refund after completing Module 1 within your the first seven days after enrollment, reach out and we will be happy to refund you.

Enhance Your Ability to Support Faculty Research Initiatives

  • 27 individual lessons over 4 modules that will build your knowledge of applied research quickly and efficiently.
  • One year access to all program content and materials.
  • IDEAWORKS Applied Research Toolkit for Academic Managers, a reusable PDF resource that will guide you to ask the right questions at the right time.

Hi, I’m Andrea Johnson and I’ll be your guide to applied research success!

I’ve been working in the Canadian post-secondary sector since 2007 in a wide range of roles- including student recruitment, admissions, student life, and communications. Nine years ago I joined the team at IDEAWORKS at Mohawk College, which is recognized as one of the top research colleges in Canada. 

Like you, I found that getting involved in applied research had quite a steep learning curve! It felt like I was in a whole different world, with a new language, and new customs. But it didn’t take long for me to fall in love with applied research and the amazing work and learning opportunities it offered to our students. 

After nine years of different roles at the college, I’m now the General Manager for the Centre for Emerging Research Initiatives where I specialize in helping new researchers navigate the ins and outs of applied research. I work daily with Academic Managers just like you who want to support their faculty but don’t know where to begin. 

I was motivated to create Applied Research for Academic Manager so Deans, Associate Deans, Chairs, and Managers from across Canada could have access to clear, straightforward information about applied research.

Connect with Andrea on Linkedin


Frequently Asked Questions


Yes! This program can help you understand the foundations of applied research and some of the common challenges of applied research, regardless of your role and responsibilities. If you interact with faculty researchers- this program can help.

The program is designed for flexibility, allowing you to learn at your own pace. The online lessons and the reflection pieces will take around 2-3 hours to complete. Additional recommended content and resources may add additional time. In the future you may want to come back to this program and redo it with a particular example in mind.

You’ll have access to this course for one year. Return to the material anytime to refresh your knowledge or stay updated on the latest trends in applied research. 

We certainly hope so but if you are looking for a long and detailed overview of everything Applied Research, then this course may not be for you. The lessons in this program provide an easy-to-understand overview of Applied Research. They are designed so that you can get through the content efficiently and get started fast. It’s not meant to be an exhaustive look at applied research. 

While we don't offer a customized version of Applied Research 101 for Academic Managers,  onsite or virtual workshops at your organization are available. Email Andrea Johnson to request a custom quote. 

Absolutely! Discounts for multiple registrations start at 25%. Please reach out to Andrea Johnson to request a custom quote.

We’re happy to help. Contact Andrea Johnson with your questions.

Start Your Applied Research Leadership Journey

Applied Research for Academic Managers was created to provide you with foundational information about applied research in one convenient location.

  • Applied research is in high demand, with project numbers increasing by 25% nationally. This means more faculty at your institution will be involved.
  • Applied research can be a valuable source of revenue for your institution.
  • As an academic manager, prepare yourself to face more complex administrative tasks and unique requests.
  • Enroll in Applied Research for Academic Managers to gain the knowledge and confidence to manage these challenges effectively.

Get Started Today