Message from the Vice-President (Research)
Aminah Robinson Fayek
Vice-President (Research)
Two years after launching our first research and innovation strategic plan, Forward with Purpose, we are already seeing our commitment to people, support, impact and leadership translate into significant growth and real-world projects.
To foster transformative collaboration, we launched several new initiatives this year, including hubs, centers and institutes dedicated to AI, health, hydrogen and transformative health research. These knowledge and innovation centers will accelerate research, ensuring discoveries reach those who can benefit from them sooner. We also established the Centre for Applied Research in Defence and Dual-Use Technologies (CARDD-Tech), a multidisciplinary research centre that advances defence and dual-use technologies. The centre's expertise and facilities will support a test centre for the NATO Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA).
Our researchers were recognized with some of the most prestigious awards including the Turing Award for outstanding contributions to computer science and the Breakthrough Prize for outstanding contributions to fundamental physics.
The Office of the Vice-President Research is now offering expanded support for research initiatives of all sizes, championing both individual-investigator and large, multi-investigator funding opportunities. This approach creates space for researchers to come together across disciplines to build collaborative communities of research. One example is the Strategic Research Initiatives Fund (SRIF), launched last fall, which helped support a successful $24-million New Frontiers in Research Fund - Transformation (NFRF-T) grant for assistive technology for muscle weakness.
The $100-million investment from the Government of Alberta for the new Life Sciences Innovation and Future Technologies (LIFT) facility will create a new connective space that promises to deliver significant impacts and outcomes.
We fostered an environment that supports entrepreneurship by participating in the two-year MIT Regional Entrepreneurship Acceleration Program (REAP). And in a major collaborative effort, we partnered with multiple post-secondary institutions and the provincial government to launch three new Intellectual Property (IP) microcredentials, addressing a critical need for specialized skills in Alberta.
To accelerate technology transfer and boost startup formation, the Innovation, Knowledge Mobilization and Partnerships portfolio moved to the Vice-President International and Enterprise portfolio. This strategic alignment allows the Vice-President Research portfolio to sharpen its focus on supporting researchers in making a global impact through applied research and foundational discovery, ensuring both portfolios excel in their distinct, yet complementary, roles.
This year's report shares the considerable progress we have made in solidifying our leadership in global research areas of excellence, energy and environment, artificial intelligence, health and well-being and growth in emerging fields of agriculture and food, Indigenous research and social transformations. This report complements our inaugural Impact Report on Forward with Purpose – launched last year – which highlights the significant progress toward our key indicators and four strategic research and innovation goals.
Collaboration is the common theme across all of these accomplishments. Solving global challenges requires an interconnected and shared vision, and the 雅伎著 engages well beyond its campuses, partnering with industry, community, government and universities around the globe to deliver solutions. In this way, we aren't just leaders—we are leading with purpose.
As we look ahead to building on this momentum, I invite you to explore our second annual report on Research and Innovation at the 雅伎著.
Our deep energy expertise addresses climate challenges, developing innovative low-carbon solutions and supporting the decarbonization and maximization of traditional energy sources. U of A researchers lead in renewable energy technologies — production, storage, transport, delivery — across the continuum. This includes vital social science and humanities research, ensuring equitable energy transition with diverse communities, including Indigenous peoples.
1
Energy + Environment Highlights 2024-2025
Image: Amit Kumar (Photo: Alex Pugliese)
Energy + Environment Highlights 2024-2025
The 雅伎著, a Top-10 global energy research leader, significantly advanced sustainable energy this year.
In a major step towards low-carbon energy, the U of A launched a new Centre for Hydrogen Innovation, Workforce Development and Outreach (CHIWDO), firmly positioning Alberta as a leader in hydrogen. Building on decades of innovation, this initiative unites more than 60 雅伎著 researchers and establishes partnerships with industry, government and communities across the hydrogen value chain. The result will be a collaborative space where government and partners engage with our experts to co-create practical solutions and, together, drive innovation, shape policy and foster workforce development.
Our researchers are also actively exploring small modular reactors (SMRs) for low-emission power and carbon dioxide removal technologies, developing advanced wildfire risk management strategies using satellite imagery, and innovating sunlight-driven hydrogen production from water.
These efforts collectively demonstrate a strong commitment to resilient renewable energy solutions and to enhancing conventional energy efficiency.
Read more:
Innovation Spotlight
New LIFT Centre to Propel Alberta Innovation
Image: LIFT Centre (Photo: Richard Siemens)
New LIFT Centre to Propel Alberta Innovation
The Life Sciences Innovation and Future Technologies (LIFT) Centre announced this past spring will transform the 雅伎著's Biological Sciences Building into a cutting-edge hub for interdisciplinary collaboration.
With a $100 million capital investment from the Government of Alberta, this dynamic complex will double laboratory spaces, foster "creative collisions" between researchers, students and industry partners, and enhance high-demand programs. The LIFT Centre will address urgent global challenges, train Alberta's future scientific workforce and contribute an estimated $154 million to the provincial economy within five years. This investment positions Alberta at the forefront of STEM and life sciences research and education.
For decades, our institution has expanded global AI and machine learning. Our innovations drive advancements in health, robotics, resource recovery, artistic practice and smart agriculture. We lead discourse on AI’s social, ethical and privacy implications, ensuring responsible interaction with diverse peoples and incorporating Indigenous worldviews.
Artificial Intelligence Highlights 2024-2025
Image: Richard Sutton (Photo: Amii)
Artificial Intelligence Highlights 2024-2025
The 雅伎著 continues to lead in the field of Artificial Intelligence, marking significant achievements this past year.
Richard Sutton, a U of A computing science professor and a foundational figure in modern computational reinforcement learning, was awarded the prestigious 2024 ACM A.M. Turing Award—often called the "Nobel Prize in computing." This recognition underscores his transformative contributions that have solidified Alberta's position as a global AI hub.
U of A researchers also developed the "Bento Arm," an AI-powered prosthetic utilizing machine learning to interpret user intent with remarkable precision. Concurrently, another project developed an AI-driven application designed to identify mobility barriers for individuals with disabilities.
These groundbreaking achievements collectively propelled the 雅伎著 to be ranked first in Canada and 53rd globally for AI by the U.S. News 2025-2026 Best Global Universities Rankings, showcasing the university's unwavering commitment to AI innovation.
Read more:
Innovation Spotlight
Smartwear Revolutionizing Assistive Technology
Image: Researcher illustration (Illustration: Supplied)
Smartwear Revolutionizing Assistive Technology
This spring, a 雅伎著-led interdisciplinary team received a $24 million New Frontiers in Research Fund - Transformation federal grant to initiate a “smartwear revolution.” This ambitious project aims to create light, washable and affordable clothing that can change shape and stiffness to assist with movement, reduce fall risks and aid injury recovery. Notably, only five other institutions across Canada received this highly competitive award, making the U of A one of just six institutions nationwide to lead an NFRF-T grant.
Led by Vivian Mushahwar, director of iSMART and ST Innovations, this project unites 64 researchers and collaborators from across Canada, United States and Europe. This diverse assembly of expertise spans fields from engineering to fashion design. This interdisciplinary research is poised to revolutionize assistive technology and improve quality of life.
Our health research integrates planetary health, linking environment, energy and food. We lead in addressing health inequities via social determinants and life-course approaches across all ages. Our strong clinical trials and translational research expertise prepares us for public health threats, advancing disease management, biomedicine and next-generation therapies.
Health + Well-being Highlights 2024-2025
Image: James Shapiro (Photo: John Ulan)
Health + Well-being Highlights 2024-2025
This year capped off with the announcement of a $25 million donor-funded institute that will bridge the gap between scientific discoveries and health outcomes. The Dianne and Irving Kipnes Health Research Institute – which includes a Health Translation Unit, the Lymphedema Research and Training Program, and the new AI + Health Hub – will improve the health and lives of countless Albertans. The interdisciplinary AI + Health Hub brings together over 120 researchers from ten faculties to turn AI-driven research into tangible solutions for everything from disease diagnosis to personalized treatments.
This landmark initiative builds upon our institution's deep-rooted expertise, including the Alberta Diabetes Institute's 25-year legacy of success with the Edmonton Protocol for islet cell transplants. Our established proficiency in clinical and translational research continues to amplify our influence in disease management, prevention and next-generation therapies.
Beyond these foundational advancements, U of A experts led a world-first guideline for postpartum health, offering vital evidence-based recommendations. We are transforming innovative research into tangible solutions that will directly improve the health of people in Alberta and around the world.
Read more:
Innovation Spotlight
U of A Program Helps Innovators Bring Ideas to Life
Image: Somayeh Raiesdana (Photo: Supplied)
U of A Program Helps Innovators Bring Ideas to Life
雅伎著 master's student Somayeh Raiesdana has developed a portable, AI-powered device for early breast cancer detection, offering a vital tool, especially in regions with limited mammography access. To help bring this innovation to market, Raiesdana is participating in the Lab2Market Validate program.
This 16-week program, funded by PrairiesCan, Alberta Innovates, and Mitacs, provides graduate students and postdoctoral fellows with essential entrepreneurial skills, mentorship, and market research experience. The goal is to bridge the gap between groundbreaking research and successful commercialization, fostering new businesses and economic growth in Alberta.
Lab2Market Validate program bridges gap from tech innovations to commercially viable products »
We aim to build meaningful relationships with Indigenous Peoples, guided by Braiding Past, Present and Future, the University’s Indigenous Strategic Plan and the TRC Calls to Action. Through partnerships, our university aims to be a decolonial research leader, gaining international recognition for excellence, Indigenous-led initiatives, and theoretical innovation.
Indigenous Research Highlights 2024-2025
Image: Grant Bruno (Photo: Supplied)
Indigenous Research Highlights 2024-2025
U of A researchers are significantly advancing Indigenous research through several key initiatives.
Efforts are amplifying Indigenous womxn's voices in crucial climate change discussions, particularly concerning water and food security within global Indigenous communities. Complementing this, a new Data Sovereignty Declaration is transforming research data management by ensuring community ownership of culturally sensitive information, especially for ancestral languages.
A dedicated project working with Indigenous caregivers of children with autism, is fostering vital support networks and advocating for improved access to services. This directly addresses the critical gap in research regarding autism prevalence within First Nations populations.
Read more:
Innovation Spotlight
U of A Innovation Fund Boosts Space Data Pioneer Wyvern
Image: Wyvern founders Callie Lissinna, Kurtis Broda, Kristen Cote and Chris Robson (Photo: Buffy Goodman)
U of A Innovation Fund Boosts Space Data Pioneer Wyvern
The U of A Innovation Fund, launched last October, has invested in Wyvern, a world-leading space data company founded by 雅伎著 graduates. Wyvern specializes in hyperspectral imaging, offering the highest-resolution satellite data on the market. This technology provides invaluable insights—from identifying tree species to detecting crop diseases and methane gas—surpassing standard satellite imagery.
This marked the fund's fifth investment in a year, leveraging the U of A's top-ranked AI expertise to propel research-driven startups with global potential. Wyvern, already selling data globally, plans to expand into the U.S. market, further solidifying Alberta's position in technological innovation.
Investing in the next generation of entrepreneurs and innovators »
We lead in innovative agriculture, resilient food systems, and animal science. Our environmentally sustainable research underpins climate-friendly practices, optimizing resource use and developing smart agriculture technologies. We drive innovation in beef and canola, and our expertise shapes public policy and clinical practice, ensuring safe, nutritious food and defining dietary needs with an intersectional lens.
Agriculture + Food Highlights 2024-2025
(Photo: Getty Images)
Agriculture + Food Highlights 2024-2025
The 雅伎著 leads in innovative, sustainable agriculture and food, with multidisciplinary research optimizing resource use, developing smart systems, and shaping policy, leading to significant advancements this past year.
Researchers are actively developing innovative solutions to combat climate change, from farm to field. A new project focuses on genetically reducing methane emissions in beef cattle, creating farm-friendly technology that could also offer valuable carbon offset credits. This work is complemented by our soil scientists' crucial research on plant biodiversity, which demonstrates how preserving plant diversity can enhance soil health, increase carbon sequestration, and inform effective environmental policy.
Beyond these scientific breakthroughs, the U of A is addressing the human element of agriculture by assisting farmers with succession planning. This research helps address the critical absence of formal plans among many Canadian producers, securing the future of family farms. By integrating scientific innovation with a focus on sustainable human systems, the 雅伎著 is shaping the future of farming.
Read more:
Innovation Spotlight
U of A Physicists Share Breakthrough Prize
Image: Calorimeters (Photo: CERN)
U of A Physicists Share Breakthrough Prize
Moore, and James Pinfold were awarded the 2025 Breakthrough Prize in Fundamental Physics as part of the ATLAS detector team at CERN in Switzerland. They are recognized for their crucial contributions to the ATLAS detector, a massive instrument instrumental in the 2012 Higgs boson discovery.
The U of A team significantly impacted ATLAS's design, construction and data analysis. Their work contributes to the information it collects that will help us understand the universe better, including black holes and dark matter.
From Edmonton to CERN and back: U of A physicists land Breakthrough Prize »
Social Transformations Highlights 2024-2025
Image: Facilitators and participants in the U of A’s new Black Youth for Social Innovation program (Photo: Laura Sou)
Social Transformations Highlights 2024-2025
Social transformations research at the 雅伎著 spans diverse areas.
Our researchers are exploring innovative ways to raise awareness and gain new insights into the human condition. One unique project uses sonification of genetic data to compose music, helping to raise awareness for a rare immunodeficiency known as "bubble boy disease." Further work in this area includes a study on perceptions of discrimination, which revealed how improved social conditions can subtly influence individual memories of past unfairness.
Beyond generating new knowledge, our institution is dedicated to creating a more inclusive and equitable society. Contributions to national efforts are enhancing youth mental health services across Canada, with U of A expertise directly improving service delivery. The Black Youth for Social Innovation (BYSI) program, further supports equity by offering paid, work-integrated learning opportunities specifically for Black students. Through this vital work, we are transforming our campus and beyond, proving that impactful research is a powerful force for social good.
Read more:
VPR-Supported Awards 2024-2025
- 3 Royal Society of Canada College of New Scholars
- 2 Royal Society of Canada Fellows
- 1 Royal Society of Canada Bancroft Award
- 1 Royal Society of Canada Justice Rosalie Silberman Abella Award
- 1 Royal Society of Canada Rutherford Memorial Medal in Chemistry
- 1 NSERC Brockhouse Canada Prize for Interdisciplinary Research in Science and Engineering
- 1 Order of Canada Member
- 1 Governor General's Innovation Award
- 1 Frontiers Planet Prize National Champion
- 1 Community-Based Research Canada Excellence in Community-Campus Research Partnership