Recherche | Faites une différence | Laurentian University

Future Driven

Laurentian University researchers will change the world. Your gifts will help them do it.

In 2017 and in 2018, Laurentian was named Canada’s number one undergraduate university in total sponsored research income*. With considerable growth in research activity, the University is strengthening external linkages, enhancing community relationships and expanding its global reach. Our research and innovation activities are catalyzed within Northeastern Ontario, reflecting our unique geographic, cultural and demographic circumstances.

*According to Research Infosource

High school students participate in the MineOpportunity Challenge, hosted at Laurentian University.

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Northern Ontario students compete in MineOpportunity Challenge

Over 350 students from English and French High Schools across Greater Sudbury and Espanola participa...

Oct. 23, 2025

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Laurentian University students succeed in Summer Company Program

The Foundry's grants and a legacy of giving help student entrepreneurs launch new businesses

Aug. 26, 2025

An aerial shot of Laurentian University’s campus, surrounding conservation land, and lakes.

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Laurentian University researchers awarded substantial SSHRC funding

Federal programs provide ~$420,000 for diverse research projects

Jul. 31, 2025

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Laurentian University researchers awarded significant NSERC funding

Federal programs provide ~$1.5M to support discovery research

Jul. 28, 2025

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Forensic Sciences students excel at national conference

Two Masters students awarded Best Poster Presentations at CSFS 2025

Jul. 02, 2025

Areas of Strength

Materials, Minerals, Matter and Energy

Fundamental Subatomic Physics: Sudbury is a global location of choice for deep underground research and Laurentian, through its partnership with SNOLAB, is pushing the boundaries of basic research to increase fundamental knowledge and to find solutions in the areas of neutrinos and dark matter, where some of the techniques developed can be applied successfully in other fields.
Mineral Exploration: cutting-edge fundamental and applied research, using multidisciplinary and multiscale approaches across the full spectrum of the geosciences to advance our understanding of the formation and space-time distribution of the mineral resources needed by an evolving society.
Mineral Extraction and Processing: research that advances and innovates in mineral extraction and processing through the applied sciences of mining technology, methods and design, and examines economic, labour, health, and safety issues, in partnership with industry, government and Indigenous communities.
New Materials: integrative research to develop new materials and cutting-edge technologies for advanced astroparticle physics experiments, biomedical and industrial applications and environmental remediation.

Young woman wearing a lab coat, working with a microscope.

Environment

Impacted Northern Landscapes: a globally recognized leader in research to develop innovative remediation and reclamation strategies and solutions in industrially-impacted landscapes, including finding new values in mining environments through innovative biomining, bioprospecting, and carbon capture technologies.
Biodiversity and Conservation: research that addresses stressed aquatic ecosystems, species-at-risk, and the effects of human stressors on wildlife, including the impacts of climate change and resource management on the terrestrial and aquatic communities and their environments.
Built Environments: design-build, materials research and research-creation methods to find built solutions for livable environments for northern climates and climate change adaptation.

A group of researchers standing knee-deep in a lake with a net.

Health, Health Services and Well-Being

Health and Safety: innovation and discovery to solve relevant and critical problems and eliminate occupational injury and disease in the workplace.
Rural and Northern Health: research to improve health determinants, services and access to care for rural and northern communities, with a particular focus on promoting health equity of northern and rural residents and enhancing our understanding of the healthcare system.
Healthy Life Trajectories: research, intervention, and programming that promotes and enhances mental, emotional, physical, social and community wellness at all stages of life and that recognizes intersectionality.
Biomedical and Genomic Research: basic and applied research into the molecular and genomic basis of biological complexity and disease, including ethical issues.

A Human Kinetics student using a respiratory device while her professor monitors the data collected on a computer.

Histories, Identities, Cultures and Languages

Indigenous and Ally-Led Community-Centred Research: research that respects Indigenous worldviews and Indigenous communities’ voices, that benefits Indigenous peoples and supports and promotes Indigenous peoples as researchers.
La Francophonie in Ontario and Canada: research, art and creative-based practices, education and outreach to understand the diverse realities, cultures and dynamics of Francophone communities in Ontario and across Canada.
Realities and Challenges of Northern Ontario: research that addresses the historical, political, economic, environmental, industrial and commercial specificities of this region.