Science and Technology Society and Culture Health And Wellness

Great ideas change the world, but ideas need a push forward.

At the University of Alberta, we know that push has never been more important as we do our part to rebuild Alberta and keep doors of opportunity open to all. We're making research discoveries. We’re cultivating entrepreneurs. And we’re giving our students the knowledge and skills they need to turn today's ideas into tomorrow's innovations.

Six U of A innovations that changed the world

Since the beginning, the U of A and Alberta have grown together. From laying the foundations that spawned a national energy industry to saving Canada’s canola, our researchers have been driving discovery and impact on a global stage for more than 100 years.

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Quantum Canola

When blackleg disease threatened to destroy Canada’s multibillion-dollar canola industry in the 1990s, U of A researchers rose to the challenge to create a blackleg-resistant strain called Quantum canola that helped save Canada's canola industry.
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The world's first hepatitis B antiviral

When U of A researchers Lorne Tyrrell and Morris Robins discovered hepatitis B antiviral agents in the 1990s, their findings sparked one of Canada’s largest university-industry research collaborations and produced the world's first oral hepatitis antiviral, lamivudine.
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The C-Leg

U of A researchers Kelly James and Richard Stein were among the first in the world to create a bionic leg—and the first to create a fully microprocessor-controlled knee.
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Synthesized sucrose

U of A chemist Ray Lemieux was the first to build the 3-D sucrose molecule, laying critical groundwork for the development of antibiotics, vaccines, early anti-rejection techniques for organ transplant, and even early treatments for hemophilia.
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The first oilsands separation process

Recruited by the U of A’s founding president, Henry Marshall Tory, engineering professor Karl Clark developed the first successful means of separating and refining heavy oil from the oilsands.
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World championship winning AI

In 1994, U of A computing scientist Jonathan Schaeffer’s computer program, Chinook, won the World Checkers Championship—the first program to win a human world championship in any game.

We solve society’s most pressing problems

The U of A’s Li Ka Shing Institute of Virology is Canada’s leader in virus research and vaccine development. And when COVID-19 emerged as the most urgent health challenge the world has seen in a century, our experts were ready to start finding solutions. As the province’s flagship post-secondary institution, the U of A is a key driver of Alberta-made innovation to improve the quality of life for the people of our province and planet.

Learn more about COVID-19 research at the U of A »

Stacey Hume
Health And Wellness, Science and Technology

U of A spinoff company partners with Alberta Health Services to produce reagents for COVID-19 tests

Applied Quantum Materials takes on production of critical components for testing, providing Alberta and Canada with a local supply.
John Lewis U of A Researcher
Research, Health And Wellness

Made-in-Alberta COVID-19 vaccine candidate headed for clinical trials

DNA-based vaccine offers advantages that could make it easier to get into the arms of Canadians if approved, says U of A researcher.
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Science and Technology, Research, Health And Wellness

U of A-led team tests wastewater from Edmonton long-term care homes as early warning system for COVID-19 outbreaks

Goal is to treat and contain illness quickly, then track immunity from both infections and vaccination.

Viral Impact

We’re home to Canada’s first Nobel laureate in medicine in nearly a century. Michael Houghton didn’t just discover the hepatitis C virus—he’s demonstrated how tenacity and collaboration make life-saving ideas a reality.

University of Alberta virologist awarded Nobel Prize

Michael Houghton wins Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine along with Harvey J. Alter and Charles M. Rice for the discovery of the hepatitis C virus (HCV).

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Open for Business

Our best work happens in partnership. By connecting passionate problem-solvers with talent-hungry industries, we're driving the economic engines of our province—all with a vision to make the world safer, healthier and more equitable.

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Science and Technology, Research

U of A-led space mission propelled by significant new funding

Mission to assess effects of space radiation on Earth’s climate will open up scientific and economic opportunities for Alberta and Canada, says astrophysicist.
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Science and Technology, Health And Wellness, Business, Research

U of A spinoff company merges with U.S. firm to commercialize breakthrough organ transplant technology

Devices to be made in Edmonton could double the number of successful lung transplants around the world.
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Society and Culture, Business, Science and Technology, Health And Wellness

University of Alberta and Brass Dome Ventures Ltd. launch imYEG accelerator to increase commercialization of research-driven innovations

New industry-led accelerator will address and overcome the earliest barriers faced by researchers just starting on the path to commercialization.

University of Alberta president Bill Flanagan talks about how the university has always been there in developing the research that drives economic development in Alberta.

More Innovation Stories from the U of A

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