Strategic Research Plan 2025-2030

Laurentian University has a proud history of research and scholarship that has had an impact locally, nationally, and internationally. Although our efforts over the last few years were set back by financial challenges and the COVID-19 pandemic, research activities are recovering thanks to the perseverance, passion, and resilience of faculty and staff members who continued to engage in scholarship, work with community and First Nations, Inuit, and Métis (FNIM – Indigenous) partners, and dedicate themselves to the training of students engaged in research, and innovation.

Research plays a vital role in developing talent, advancing knowledge, and addressing some of the most pressing challenges facing society. Sudbury and Laurentian University have led the way before with the restoration of land and water impacted by mining activities. Our faculty, staff, students, industry, government, community, and FNIM (Indigenous) partners – are well positioned to continue their leadership. Together, we are addressing climate change and adaptation through environmental solutions, while also developing innovative methods to mine and recover critical minerals needed for the global energy transition. We also have leaders among us who are at the forefront of addressing social well-being, mental health and addictions, and housing challenges through their scholarship. Laurentian University also has a unique opportunity to partner with FNIM (Indigenous) communities to advance research by, for, and with FNIM (Indigenous) communities in our region, specifically as a steward of documents from the Robinson Huron Treaty settlement.

At Laurentian University, impactful research is taking place in the natural environments that surround us, in wet labs where many are working to advance discoveries in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medicine, and in the archives where historians and data scientists are collaborating to highlight the past to advance our future. Our researchers are also leading interdisciplinary teams in collaboration with industry and community partners to find solutions to questions raised by northern front-line workers in health care, social work, health and safety, resource management, education, and business, to name a few. Faculty members at Laurentian University also have a unique opportunity to work side by side with Francophone communities to advance primary scholarship produced in French across all disciplines addressing important areas of language, culture, health, wellness and social justice.

This plan has come together through extensive consultation with faculty, staff, students, community, industry and FNIM (Indigenous) partners. This diversity of voices was instrumental in guiding the development of Research, Innovation and Impact, Laurentian University’s 5-year Strategic Research Plan. I would like to express my gratitude to all that participated and for the dedication, commitment, valuable insights, and time contributed by the members of the Strategic Research Plan Planning Committee.

This Strategic Research Plan ensures that every researcher, in every discipline, sees themselves reflected in our shared mission to create knowledge with purpose and impact. Together, we will continue to transform lives, strengthen communities, and lead with integrity.

Tammy Eger, PhD
Vice-President, Research

The journey to develop Research, Innovation, and Impact – Laurentian University’s SRP included an in-depth analysis of the institution’s internal and external environments. We engaged key interest holders within Laurentian University and throughout our broader community and sectors to shape
our plan.

Over a nine-month period, more than 300 individuals contributed their input and perspectives to the planning process through:

• a digital survey that attracted participation from current and past Laurentian University students,
• faculty, staff and partners
• two engagement forums with Laurentian University’s community
• two Senate meetings
• six SRP Planning Committee meetings and/or working sessions
• two joint-committee meetings with the Ad Hoc Committee for the 2025-2030 Academic Plan
• 42 one-on-one interviews
• consultation with the Laurentian University Native Education Committee (LUNEC)
• 26 focus groups

This plan reflects the collaborative efforts, innovative thinking, and strategic insights of those dedicated to advancing Laurentian University’s research excellence and positioning it as a leader in innovation.

Laurentian University’s Strategic Research Plan (SRP) sets an inspiring vision to elevate research excellence and innovation, reflecting our deep commitment to academic achievement, to transformative discovery, and to our unique role as a bilingual and tricultural leader in Northern Ontario. This plan establishes bold research priorities, encourages dynamic interdisciplinary collaboration, and champions initiatives with far-reaching impact on regional and global challenges.

Laurentian University aspires to shape a brighter future through research that drives innovation and enriches communities, as a leader in interdisciplinary and collaborative research.