News Releases

After years of planning and construction, University of Lethbridge crews are putting finishing touches on the new science building and preparing to open the doors to the public. In advance of the Big Bang Grand Opening Weekend, scheduled for Friday and Saturday, Sept. 13 and 14, we are inviting local media to have a sneak peek at this $280-million facility that puts science on display and will inspire the next generation of researchers, entrepreneurs and leaders. What: Sneak peek media tour When: Thursday, August 15, 10:30 a.m.

Contrary to popular opinion that millennials are entitled and narcissistic, three Alberta sociologists have found that millennials are not only looking good, but may well be an upgrade on previous generations. In their newly released book, The Millennial Mosaic (Toronto: Dundurn), Drs. Reginald Bibby, from the University of Lethbridge, and Joel Thiessen and Monetta Bailey from Calgary’s Ambrose University, team up to provide an up-to-date reading on millennials, who are Canada’s youngest adults born since the mid-1980s and now reaching their 30s.

The University of Lethbridge’s Alberta RNA Research and Training Institute (ARRTI) has nine research groups and more than 100 trainees conducting research into ribonucleic acid (RNA), one of the three major biological molecules required for life. RNA is a close relative of the more commonly known molecule, deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). RNA, DNA and protein form the building blocks of life. RNA plays a key role in regulating processes in cells and researchers are working on RNA’s roles in cancer, antibiotics, viral infections and agriculture.

Jaisie Walker, a University of Lethbridge graduate student in the Department of Women & Gender Studies, has been awarded the 2019 Parkland Institute Graduate Research Award for their project, Unsettling Lateral Violence: Queer Genealogies of Non/Monogamy in Southern Alberta. Image

The new Science and Academic Building at the University of Lethbridge is built around the idea of science on display. For scientists, one of the most important tasks is to communicate the work they do to the public; highlighting the necessity of research without overwhelming non-specialists with cumbersome details. This aspect of science education is often neglected, however, it is critical for scientists to obtain these skills. WHAT: Dr. Kevin Folta will present two talks at the University of Lethbridge WHEN:

University of Lethbridge graduate students and faculty members will tackle a variety of research projects thanks to funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC). “The U of L’s success rate with Insight Development Grants was very positive, higher than the national average and continues our momentum,” says Dr. Erasmus Okine, vice-president (research). “Our social scientists and humanities researchers are conducting leading-edge research and I heartily commend them for their efforts.”

Eleven University of Lethbridge researchers have been awarded Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) Discovery Grants worth approximately $1.8 million, payable in instalments of anywhere from one to five years. “University of Lethbridge researchers were very successful this year, with 11 out of 14 applications being awarded funding,” says Dr. Erasmus Okine, U of L vice-president (Research). “This funding of almost $2 million demonstrates the calibre of research our scientists are engaged in and I congratulate each one of them.”

The University of Lethbridge, through Destination Exploration and Sport and Recreation Services, offers a variety of summer camp experiences for children of all ages. Campers will kick off their third week of activities at the U of L on Monday, July 15. WHAT: Camps taking place the week of July 15-19 include: Destination Exploration – Structures and Buildings (Grades 1-3); Extreme City (Grades 4-6); Codemakers: Codebreakers (Grades 6-8).

Three University of Lethbridge researchers have received $2.4 million in new and renewed funding through the Canada Research Chairs (CRC) program. Dr. Matthew Bogard, an assistant professor in the Department of Biology, has been named a Tier 2 Canada Research Chair in Aquatic Environments. Drs. Andrew Iwaniuk, Tier 2 Canada Research Chair in Comparative Neuroanatomy, and Louise Barrett, Tier 1 Canada Research Chair in Cognition, Evolution and Behaviour, have received renewed funding.

The University of Lethbridge Board of Governors recently approved an updated Sexual Violence Policy that reinforces its intolerance of sexual violence and promotes a safe and supportive community for all who work, live and study at the University.