Research

RDI’s rural research is highly relevant to rural policy-makers and to the people who live and work in rural and northern areas. Ideas for the research activities undertaken by RDI research and project teams are developed through contact with rural and northern groups, towns, rural municipalities, villages, governments, international researchers and observers of rural situations.

Faculty members from Brandon University’s Department of Rural Development join with colleagues from other Brandon University academic departments and from universities across Canada to undertake rural research and policy development. RDI has linkages with a number of major research institutions and research networks.

RDI is the first contact for many community organizations interested in rural issues. The Institute works closely with rural communities, policy makers and practitioners to build strong links with researchers across Canada. RDI strongly supports collaborative research projects and is involved in joint projects with a number of organizations and individuals, both inside and outside of the university. RDI is particularly interested in mentoring new researchers beginning their careers.

Topics of Interest

The Institute constructively responds to rural challenges and opportunities by focusing on a comprehensive range of research topics:

• Community economic development (CED)
• Community leadership
• Environmental and agro-economic issues
• Information management and technology utilization
• Policy and program research and development
• Rural adaptation and change
• Rural/northern health & well-being
• Rural immigration
• Rural tourism

Resource to Researchers

RDI assists researchers internal to Brandon University as well as external researchers from other organizations with proposal development, establishment of project teams, information management, as well as publication and dissemination of research findings.

Student Opportunities

RDI’s close affiliation with Brandon University’s Department of Rural Development and other university departments provides a unique inter-disciplinary learning and working environment for students across a number of disciplines. RDI’s Student Internship Program provides opportunities for graduate and undergraduate students to “learn by doing” applied research, as well as being an employment opportunity while working on various RDI projects.