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Research + Innovation

Research + Innovation

UA

We Are phenomenal at discovering new knowledge in critical areas.

Energy + Environment.
Artificial Intelligence.
Health + Well-being.
Indigenous Research.
Agriculture + Food.
Social Transformations.

Ever-driven to push the boundaries with some of the most advanced research facilities and resources in the world, helmed by renowned researchers - this is the University of Alberta.

Ever-driven to push the boundaries with some of the most advanced research facilities and resources in the world, helmed by renowned researchers - this is the University of Alberta.

Energy + Environment

Energy + Environment

Can you set out to energize the world without compromising the earth? At the University of Alberta, we believe we can, and...we are.

Artificial Intelligence

Artificial Intelligence

We are one of the world’s leading AI research institutions. And to think it all started with a game of chess.

Precision Health

Health + Well-being

We are at the forefront of an emerging approach to health and wellness that expands on efforts to understand, diagnose and treat disease through advances in technology.

Indigenous Research

Indigenous Research

We are home to seven academic and affiliated institutes, centres and initiatives dedicated to Indigenous research.

Agriculture + Food Security

Agriculture + Food

From the land to the lab, we are working on incredible advancements to find ways to produce more food, use less energy, and strike a better balance between our economy and our environment.

Social Transformations

Social Transformations

We are exploring what it means to live, learn, work, express ourselves and advance social change through critical, creative and empirical research.

Forward with Purpose: A Strategic Plan for Research and Innovation

2023-2028

This first institutional strategic plan for research and innovation presents a bold new step in defining areas for maximum impact to address the grand challenges of our time.

Read the full plan

Top 4

Research University in Canada

106

Canada Research Chairs

$600M

Annual Research funding

130+

Active spinoffs

Innovation

Research and experimentation lead to new discoveries, knowledge and ideas that drive innovation. We are helping shape the future, improving quality of life, driving the economy and economic diversity and serving the public who help fund that research.

Learn More
image of a pendulum toy
image of a pendulum toy

Work with us

Supported by transformational partnerships with government, industry and academia, our teams excel at advancing world-leading research and innovation.

Connect with us today and discover the next stage of your innovation journey.

Collaborate with us Commercialize your research

Research News

Harnessing AI to improve access to quality health care
Health And Wellness, Research, Science and Technology
Harnessing AI to improve access to quality health care
U of A’s new interdisciplinary AI + Health Hub aims to turn research into solutions for everything from disease diagnosis to hospital management and drug discovery.
May 20, 2025
U of A launches new centre to fuel a hydrogen-powered future
Research, Society and Culture, Science and Technology
U of A launches new centre to fuel a hydrogen-powered future
Centre for Hydrogen Innovation, Workforce Development and Outreach will focus Alberta’s expertise to advance technologies, train future leaders and engage with communities.
May 05, 2025
U of A to award honorary degrees to leaders in science, philanthropy and community
Science and Technology, Health And Wellness, Society and Culture, Business
U of A to award honorary degrees to leaders in science, philanthropy and community
Five distinguished recipients will inspire grads during spring convocation ceremonies.
April 09, 2025
Ultrasound investigated as safer and cheaper way to diagnose juvenile arthritis
Research, Health And Wellness
Ultrasound investigated as safer and cheaper way to diagnose juvenile arthritis
U of A team uses AI to help with imaging of temporomandibular joints, often the first joints affected.
April 03, 2025
Bioengineered red yeast turns wood waste into a valuable fatty acid
Research, Science and Technology
Bioengineered red yeast turns wood waste into a valuable fatty acid
Discovery could offer economic wins for forestry and food industries.
March 31, 2025
Nursing program sees surge in rural placements and enrolment
Health And Wellness
Nursing program sees surge in rural placements and enrolment
Alberta government investment addresses critical shortage of rural nurses.
March 18, 2025
Alberta researchers aim to revolutionize animal feed
Science and Technology, Research
Alberta researchers aim to revolutionize animal feed
Gates Foundation backs U of A partnership with startup to turn coal-derived methanol into a more sustainable protein source.
March 10, 2025
U of A life sciences research gets a $100M lift
Science and Technology
U of A life sciences research gets a $100M lift
New funding from the Alberta government will transform a venerable building into a hub for solving the most urgent problems of our time.
March 04, 2025
Research could help focus efforts to restore habitat for threatened caribou
Research, Science and Technology
Research could help focus efforts to restore habitat for threatened caribou
Study guides industry and government in deciding where to step in to regrow forest along seismic lines in northern Alberta.
February 06, 2025
U of A, EPCOR team up to launch water research centre
Science and Technology, Research, Health And Wellness
U of A, EPCOR team up to launch water research centre
Engineering researchers head up interdisciplinary network aimed at tackling global challenges of supply, demand and infrastructure.
January 22, 2025
Researchers genetically engineer yeast to produce healthy fatty acid
Research, Health And Wellness, Science and Technology
Researchers genetically engineer yeast to produce healthy fatty acid
CRISPR-based technique could offer a way to produce more of the valuable fatty acid along with a protein supplement for food.
January 21, 2025
Video Spotlight: Smart prosthetic connects the digital and the physical
Science and Technology
Video Spotlight: Smart prosthetic connects the digital and the physical
AI-powered “Bento Arm” developed at U of A takes centre stage at international competition.
January 13, 2025
The year in review: 10 stories that inspired us in 2024
Business, Research, Society and Culture, Health And Wellness, Science and Technology
The year in review: 10 stories that inspired us in 2024
From rankings and recycling to health care and AI, the people of the U of A found many ways to shape a better world.
December 09, 2024
Students spin old clothes into synthetic spider silk — and gold
Science and Technology, Research
Students spin old clothes into synthetic spider silk — and gold
U of A undergrads from four faculties work together to win medal at the worldwide iGEM competition in Paris.
December 05, 2024
3D printability of pea protein shapes up with plasma treatment
Research, Science and Technology
3D printability of pea protein shapes up with plasma treatment
Innovation strengthens potential for using the low-cost, nutritious protein source in food products.
December 03, 2024
Can you really collaborate with a robot? This PhD grad is working on it
Science and Technology, Society and Culture, Health And Wellness, Research
Can you really collaborate with a robot? This PhD grad is working on it
Adam Parker uses AI to teach a prosthetic device to give real-time feedback to its user as human and machine learn tasks together.
November 22, 2024
Busting myths with the power of math
Science and Technology
Busting myths with the power of math
Engineering students solve problems based on common urban myths in a course called “Busting Myths with Analysis.”
November 06, 2024
North American boreal forest holds 31 per cent more trees than thought
Research, Science and Technology
North American boreal forest holds 31 per cent more trees than thought
New AI-enhanced estimate suggests the vast forests may have more potential to mitigate climate change.
May 13, 2025
From Edmonton to CERN and back: U of A physicists land Breakthrough Prize
Science and Technology, Research
From Edmonton to CERN and back: U of A physicists land Breakthrough Prize
U of A researchers recognized for decades of key contributions to the ATLAS detector at the Large Hadron Collider.
April 24, 2025
Overcoming obstacles: AI-powered app flags mobility barriers for people with disabilities
Science and Technology
Overcoming obstacles: AI-powered app flags mobility barriers for people with disabilities
Rehabilitation medicine, engineering researchers team up for pilot project to help navigate accessibility challenges on U of A campus.
April 08, 2025
Micro-ultrasound is easier, more affordable and just as reliable as MRI in diagnosing prostate cancer
Research, Health And Wellness
Micro-ultrasound is easier, more affordable and just as reliable as MRI in diagnosing prostate cancer
U of A-led international trial shows the new tool could make diagnosis quicker and more accessible for men around the world.
April 02, 2025
Hot streaks boost productivity, study shows
Research, Business, Society and Culture
Hot streaks boost productivity, study shows
“Streak incentives” with increasing rewards motivate employees better than set bonuses for performance.
March 24, 2025
Traditional diet shows promise for modern gut health
Health And Wellness, Research, Science and Technology
Traditional diet shows promise for modern gut health
Restoring the gut microbiome could help reduce risk of diabetes and heart disease, study shows.
March 13, 2025
New imaging test could improve how we diagnose and treat lung cancer
Science and Technology, Health And Wellness, Research
New imaging test could improve how we diagnose and treat lung cancer
Combination of antibody and radioactive isotope allows researchers and clinicians to identify and track tumours more precisely and better monitor how well treatment works.
March 06, 2025
Research shows path to easier diagnosis of mitochondrial disorders
Research, Health And Wellness
Research shows path to easier diagnosis of mitochondrial disorders
Urine testing may offer a quicker, cheaper and less invasive way to diagnose rare but potentially life-threatening diseases.
February 11, 2025
U of A professor turns genetic marker for ‘bubble boy disease’ into music
Health And Wellness, Society and Culture
U of A professor turns genetic marker for ‘bubble boy disease’ into music
Innovative mix of technology and music aims to raise awareness of the condition and a groundbreaking treatment.
February 04, 2025
Study uncovers disparity between how textbooks and self-advocates discuss autism
Research, Health And Wellness
Study uncovers disparity between how textbooks and self-advocates discuss autism
Educational materials could be perpetuating outdated perspectives, say researchers.
January 22, 2025
Smartphone swipes reveal clues to how we make decisions
Society and Culture, Health And Wellness, Science and Technology, Business, Research
Smartphone swipes reveal clues to how we make decisions
From corporate hiring to health care, analyzing touchscreen movements could reshape the science of human behaviour.
January 20, 2025
Video spotlight: Laser and soil scientists team up for a fast field test
Science and Technology
Video spotlight: Laser and soil scientists team up for a fast field test
Portable device breaks down soil’s essential elements and texture in seconds, offering a faster way to help farmers grow successful crops.
December 11, 2024
How a U of A spinoff company beat the odds to create a new kind of cancer treatment
Research, Health And Wellness
How a U of A spinoff company beat the odds to create a new kind of cancer treatment
Twelve years of teamwork brings Pacylex to the brink of Phase 2 human clinical trials — a rare feat in new drug development.
December 09, 2024
Researchers devise a quicker, more efficient way to make life-saving molecules
Researchers devise a quicker, more efficient way to make life-saving molecules
Improved method for creating nucleoside analogues opens the door to discovering countless treatments for everything from cancer to viral diseases.
December 04, 2024
U of A innovators recognized with ASTech Awards
Science and Technology
U of A innovators recognized with ASTech Awards
Winning research projects showcase excellence in engineering, health tech, energy and environmental sustainability.
November 29, 2024
Growing grains and legumes in the same fields could be a win-win for crop performance and sustainability
Science and Technology, Research
Growing grains and legumes in the same fields could be a win-win for crop performance and sustainability
An innovative experiment shows promising results in different growing regions across Alberta.
November 21, 2024
New research will help beef producers use genetics to reduce methane emissions in cattle
Science and Technology, Research, Business
New research will help beef producers use genetics to reduce methane emissions in cattle
Project aims to make technology easier to adopt on the farm.
November 05, 2024
Genomics could hold the key to stroke risk, U of A researchers say
Science and Technology, Research, Health And Wellness
Genomics could hold the key to stroke risk, U of A researchers say
Two leading experts will examine how genes interact with environmental factors like diet and exercise in the hunt for biomarkers to better predict, diagnose and treat the disease.
May 08, 2025
Splitting water molecules with sunlight
Science and Technology
Splitting water molecules with sunlight
The process to produce hydrogen fuel could become a cheaper and more efficient path to a clean energy future than existing solar technologies.
April 24, 2025
Video Spotlight: Research in record time
Science and Technology, Health And Wellness, Research, Society and Culture
Video Spotlight: Research in record time
In the Three Minute Thesis competition, grad students showcase the impact of their research in compelling elevator pitches anyone can understand.
April 07, 2025
New research helps Alberta communities take fuel away from wildfires
Science and Technology, Research
New research helps Alberta communities take fuel away from wildfires
Study reveals highest-priority areas for removing trees and brush that heighten the threat to buildings.
April 01, 2025
U of A ranked among world’s Top 50 ‘most international’ universities
Research, Science and Technology, Business, Health And Wellness, Society and Culture
U of A ranked among world’s Top 50 ‘most international’ universities
Times Higher Education puts the university at 46th worldwide and fourth in Canada, reflecting a commitment to sustainability and solving global challenges.
March 24, 2025
Gene therapy shows promise for treating rare muscle disease
Science and Technology, Health And Wellness, Research
Gene therapy shows promise for treating rare muscle disease
U of A researchers develop a molecule that bypasses genetic mutation to restore a crucial muscle-repairing protein.
March 11, 2025
Computing science professor wins ‘Nobel Prize in computing’
Science and Technology, Research
Computing science professor wins ‘Nobel Prize in computing’
Richard Sutton is co-recipient of the 2024 A.M. Turing Award for his work as one of the founders of reinforcement learning.
March 05, 2025
From skydiving to seedlings: GoPro finds new use in forestry
Research, Science and Technology, Business
From skydiving to seedlings: GoPro finds new use in forestry
Using action cameras to track tree growth could save time and money for low-tech nurseries.
February 10, 2025
Video Spotlight: Indigenous learners delve into archaeology
Society and Culture
Video Spotlight: Indigenous learners delve into archaeology
New micro-course teaches students to identify and investigate cultural artifacts, helping to keep them on First Nations land.
January 29, 2025
U of A ranked in the Top 100 worldwide in five subjects
Research, Business, Society and Culture, Science and Technology, Health And Wellness
U of A ranked in the Top 100 worldwide in five subjects
Excellence in a broad array of disciplines shows in Times Higher Education’s latest ranking.
January 22, 2025
Video Spotlight: The chemical engineering of coffee
Science and Technology
Video Spotlight: The chemical engineering of coffee
Course explores the science behind the perfect brew — and pits students against one of Canada’s best baristas.
January 15, 2025
The promise of the psychedelic revolution
Science and Technology, Health And Wellness, Research, Society and Culture, Business
The promise of the psychedelic revolution
U of A expert says psychoactive drugs could be “the most dramatic treatment breakthrough in mental health for decades.”
December 10, 2024
Defying gravity: Aspiring astronaut recognized as a role model for women in STEM
Science and Technology
Defying gravity: Aspiring astronaut recognized as a role model for women in STEM
Engineering grad Makenna Kuzyk receives the Order of the White Rose from Polytechnique Montréal in memory of 14 women who lost their lives 35 years ago.
December 06, 2024
U of A experts rank among world’s most influential researchers
Health And Wellness, Science and Technology, Research
U of A experts rank among world’s most influential researchers
A soil scientist whose work underscores the value of plant biodiversity in soil function is among 10 leading researchers cited most often in their fields.
December 03, 2024
Management grad is bullish about his business potential
Society and Culture, Science and Technology, Business
Management grad is bullish about his business potential
After fleeing Ukraine, Arsenii Litus found the friends and financial support he needed to thrive at the U of A’s Augustana Campus.
November 26, 2024
Leading nutrition expert aims to help women tip the scales in their favour against cancer
Science and Technology, Society and Culture, Research, Health And Wellness
Leading nutrition expert aims to help women tip the scales in their favour against cancer
Carla Prado is one of 11 new or renewed Canada Research Chairs at the U of A.
November 14, 2024