Support for the THRILL Lab has been provided by:
- Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council Discovery Grant 2002-2006, 2008-2013, 2014-2021
- Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council Undergraduate Student Research Award
- Ryerson University Ontario Work-Study Program
- Ryerson University, Faculty of Community Services
- Saferparks
- Canada Foundation for Innovation and Ontario Innovation Trust (SAMMIE lab)
- Ryerson University, Office of the Vice President Research and Innovation grant to Theme Studio partnership between THRILL, Fol!e Lab, and [R]ed[U]ux lab
Industry partners have provided extensive and valued in-kind support including facilitating our access to observations and learning opportunities.
- Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA)
- National Association of Amusement Ride Safety Officials
- Amusement Industry Manufacturers and Suppliers (AIMS)
- International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA)
- Canadian National Exhibition
- Universal Creative
- Private contracts
Individual research students have also received support from scholarships and fellowships including Ryerson University and TSSA.
A field trip to the Canadian National Exhibition has become a highlight for students of human factors and other engineering branches and Ryerson’s bachelor’s degree in occupational health and safety. During the construction of the fair, students shadow certified amusement device inspectors from the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA), a not-for-profit organization that regulates technology relevant to public safety, including amusement devices, throughout Ontario.
At the CNE field trip, students learn how current amusement ride technology works and meet the regulators, owner-operators, and consultants who make this industry safe and enjoyable. During the 18-day show, Canada’s largest fair and one of the top 10 fairs in North America attended by over 1.2 million guests, students observe how children and adults interact with amusement devices to gain an understanding of the importance of designing for real people.
Universal Creative, Universal Parks & Resorts, have supported Ryerson student access for extracurricular and course tours, and are the presenting sponsor of the Ryerson Invitational Thrill Design Competition since 2016.
