Ideas are the lifeblood of research — provoking curiosity and inviting new perspectives. When enriched by a supportive, inclusive and dynamic culture, ideas transform into tangible impact, enhancing lives in our community, our country and around the world.
The University of Lethbridge’s Research and Creative Activities Plan, introduced today, provides the framework for sparking ideas and realizing impact through a focused and fearless approach.
“We are the people’s university, created nearly 60 years ago because southern Alberta demanded its own university and we relish that responsibility, because it inspires us in all of our research and creative activities,” says Dr. Dena McMartin, ULethbridge’s Vice-President (Research). “The research work that is done here is intentional and strategically focused, building on our strengths, nurturing collaboration, sharing expertise and breaking new ground. This plan represents those ideals.”
Developed through extensive consultations as part of the University’s strategic plan creation, the process included faculty members, students, community and corporate partners as well as further collaborative efforts of the Research Planning Committee. The new plan reflects the diversity of ULethbridge research activities as well as the breadth of the University’s many partner relationships.
“It was important to bring as many voices as we could to the table to offer perspective as well as gain insight into how we continue to grow our research programs and create even greater impact on our communities,” adds McMartin.
The plan is built off four fundamental focus areas, including Foundations, Ideas, Systems and Places.
Foundations — Valuing the ways the University serves, benefits and works with the Blackfoot Confederacy and other Indigenous Peoples, Indigenous culture informs all we do, and our work animates Canada’s commitments to the Calls to Action in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission report.
Ideas — Discovery and knowledge-production are fundamental principles in research and creative activity, with our work driving discovery and re-imagining technologies, our understandings of intelligence and what it means to be a contributing citizen of the world.
Systems — We recognize the complexity of human, ecological and societal systems and that the role of humans in the world is complex and dynamic and must be addressed through a variety of lenses in ways that reflect our liberal education foundations.
Places — Our connection to place is embedded into our nature, and where we live and where we come from shapes how we think, learn and behave. Likewise, knowledge production is the basis for all community and well-being research and advancements in knowledge must encompass the cultural and physical landscapes that inform our work.
“I’m very proud of the work that has gone into making this plan and I believe it reflects who we are and who we aspire to be,” says McMartin. “This will guide our efforts going forward and having been through this process, I know how excited our researchers and our communities are for where our curiosity will take us.”
The full Research and Creative Activities Plan can be viewed on the ULethbridge Research web page.