Introduction

As Newfoundland and Labrador’s university, Memorial contributes to the economic and cultural development of this province. The university is proud to support the innovators, visionaries and trailblazers who help grow the university’s profile as an internationally renowned research-intensive post-secondary institution.

Research is a core priority for Memorial and a vital component to the critical mission of the university. Every day, on all of its campuses – and in every discipline – Memorial’s faculty, staff, postdoctoral fellows and students undertake innovative research to make our world a better place.

Strengthening these research activities is central to the future growth of the university.

In late 2021, Memorial announced a review of its Research Strategy.  This review comes 10 years after the release of the Research Strategy Framework, which set the vision, mission and guiding principles of research at Memorial.

Over the past decade, Memorial has matured into a research-intensive institution to become one of Canada’s top 20 research universities. Building upon the priority of Dynamic Research and the key research metrics identified in Memorial’s new strategic plan, a renewed Research Strategy will help sustain this momentum into the future. It will also help strengthen Memorial’s growth and evolution as a research-focused institution.

Changing environment

Since the launch of the Research Strategy Framework in 2011, there have been many changes within the post-secondary environment.

Following the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action (2015), we are committed to an increased emphasis on Indigenization, equity, diversity and inclusion and anti-racism. 

Memorial released a five-year Strategic Framework for Indigenization to strengthen further the relationship between the university and the diverse Indigenous communities in the province, Canada and around the globe. In 2020, the Board of Regents approved the university’s Research Impacting Indigenous Groups Policy, which provides more effective, sensitive and appropriate approaches, including Indigenous informed consent, for research.

Memorial is actively participating in the economic recovery of the province and responding to issues such as moving to a carbon-neutral economy. We are also attentive to the United Nations Development Programme Sustainable Development Goals, adopted in 2015.

Consultative process

In developing a draft research strategy, Memorial has engaged and consulted with members of the university community and external stakeholders, hosted town hall-style sessions and received feedback.

Draft strategy

A draft of the Research Strategy is available here.

A final draft will be brought to the President’s Executive Council, Senate and the Board of Regents for approval.