Big questions and answers, shots in the dark, eureka moments, and unexpected results are all part of the research journey for faculty and students at Queen’s. These enlightening stories form the premise of Blind Date with Knowledge and Grad Chat, two research-focused radio programs and podcasts featured as part of CFRC 101.9 FM’s fall lineup.

Blind Date with Knowledge

Returning for a second season, Blind Date with Knowledge is one way the university is increasing its efforts to promote the importance and impact of research happening at Queen’s. The quirky name Blind Date with Knowledge is based on the premise that research isn’t predictable. Like a blind date, research is about taking risks and being prepared for failure and success.

A collaboration between the Office of the Vice-Principal (University Relations), CFRC, and host and Kingston community member, Barry Kaplan, the show’s 30-minute episodes provide an accessible and digestible glimpse into research happening across campus and the positive impact that research – in areas from cancer research to surveillance studies – has on our everyday lives.   

“Knowledge mobilization and translation is an increasingly important aspect of the research process,” says Melinda Knox, Associate Director, Research Profile and Initiative. “It’s not always easy to explain one’s research to non-specialists, but the show provides an interactive, fun and engaging platform to do this successfully.”

Blind Date with Knowledge airs on CFRC 101.9 FM bi-weekly on Wednesdays at 5:30 pm, and all episodes are available for download via Apple iTunes. The first episode, airing Wednesday, Sept. 19, features Shamel Addas (Smith School of Business) and Janet Dancey (Canadian Cancer Trials Group).

Grad Chat

Grad Chat highlights graduate student and post-doctoral research at Queen’s. Airing since January 2016, the show has featured over 130 guests and is a collaboration between the School of Graduate Studies and CFRC.

The interviews not only provide insight into the wide variety of research conducted by students at Queen’s, it highlights other academic and non-academic engagements – from knowledge mobilization programs to academic events. Grad Chat checks in with many aspects of the graduate student experience, including special episodes on the Lake Shift writing retreat and the New Graduate Student Welcome and Resource Fair.

“The show is one of the ways in which our graduate students and post-docs can hone their research communication skills in a fun and engaging way,” says Colette Steer, Manager, Recruitment and Events at the School of Graduate Studies, who plans and conducts all Grad Chat interviews. “Interviewees are encouraged to develop some of the interview questions, which helps them get a new perspective on their work. I am always amazed at the diversity of new knowledge created by our researchers.”

The new season kicked off with a series of three nursing students looking at issues of childbirth in remote and rural areas, virtual simulation in resuscitation science, and quality assurance in organ donation programs. Grad Chat airs Tuesdays at 4 pm.

“These research-focused radio shows and podcasts are a creative and accessible way for non-specialists to learn about the breadth and depth of the research being conducted by both faculty and grad students at Queen’s,” says Kimberly Woodhouse, Interim Vice-Principal (Research). “I encourage you to tune in and subscribe.”

For more information on both shows, visit the CFRC website.