SARNIA, May 14, 2026 – Lambton College has been awarded a $100,000 grant through the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) Dimensions program to strengthen equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) in applied research training and mentorship.
Lambton College is the only college in Ontario, and one of only two colleges in Canada, to lead one of the 11 Dimensions Grants awarded nationally through this funding competition.
The one-year project unites three postsecondary institutions, Lambton College, Fanshawe College and Mohawk College, to strengthen EDI-related training practices that support researcher and student development to contribute to enhanced Canadian innovation.
The project will assess current training practices, co-develop an enhanced EDI training framework, and demonstrate mentorship strategies that support inclusive research environments. A strategic outcome will be a centralized digital repository of evidence-based EDI resources and tools, accessible to the Canadian post-secondary community.
“This investment reflects our shared commitment to building inclusive environments where all individuals can thrive,” said Dr. Dave Machacek, Sr. Vice President, Academic & Student Success. “Being selected as one of only two colleges in Canada to lead a Dimensions Grant project is a significant achievement that recognizes the strength of our applied research leadership and our commitment to embedding EDI into research practices in meaningful and measurable ways.”
Lambton College has established a strong foundation in EDI through initiatives such as its campus-wide Inclusivity Assessment and multi-year EDI Strategy. Through its Research & Innovation department, the College continues to advance inclusive approaches within applied research while creating meaningful opportunities for students to participate in innovative, community-focused projects.
Lambton, Mohawk, and Fanshawe have also demonstrated sector leadership through their EDI action plans and endorsement of the Dimensions Charter, reflecting a shared commitment to fostering inclusive and equitable research environments. This funding will support the colleges in expanding collaborative efforts that advance equity, diversity, and inclusion across applied research activities and institutional practices.
The Dimensions Canada program supports postsecondary institutions in advancing EDI by addressing systemic barriers and fostering more inclusive research cultures. Dimensions Grants fund collaborative projects that develop tools, training and resources to support lasting change across the research ecosystem.
This project will help equip researchers and institutions with the knowledge and tools needed to foster inclusive environments, support diverse talent and development, and drive more innovative and impactful research outcomes.