Institutional Strategic Plan for Research and Innovation

The comprehensive institutional Strategic Plan for Research and Innovation (SPRI) – the first to span our entire university – sets out a bold path to steward the growth and evolution of research, innovation and creative activities at the U of A. The draft plan identifies research and innovation priorities for our university and highlights our proposed strategic vision and goals to:

  • Focus on people and build talent;
  • Support researchers with tools and infrastructure;
  • Strengthen our research and innovation culture and broaden our impact; and
  • Enhance our reputation as a global research and innovation leader.

The plan recognizes the need to focus on targeted areas of research and innovation that will highlight our existing strengths and expand our capacity over the next five years, help implement the One University vision and enable us to support the growth of the people and the diverse communities with whom we engage.

Strategic Plan for Research and Innovation (SPRI)

University of Alberta

Read the plan Register for Consulation Provide your Feedback

SPRI Consultation

The current draft of the SPRI was developed by a diverse multi-disciplinary Working Group that started their work in July 2021 and refined through preliminary consultation with our community.  Learn how we incorporated community feedback in the Towards a Strategic Plan for Research and Innovation companion document

Download Towards a SPRI

Diverse community feedback and engagement have already been essential in refining the plan and shaping the future of research and innovation at our institution – and we look forward to continuing to work together to build our collective vision for research, innovation and creative activities at the University of Alberta.

As we move towards finalizing the Strategic Plan for Research and Innovation, we are pleased to invite you to participate in the upcoming round of community consultations, taking place between April 28 and May 31, 2023. These Zoom-based virtual or in-person, facilitator-led consultation sessions will be conducted to ensure inclusion of our colleagues from across the university. Your feedback is important to us, please register for a consultation session or provide your input via the online form.

Register for consultation Provide your feedback

Contact vpresearch@ualberta.ca with any questions about the SPRI or to submit feedback directly.  

Consultation Dates 

  • Campus Saint-Jean | April 28, 2023 | 1:00 P.M. - 4:00 P.M. | Zoom Link (Passcode: 943722)
  • College of Natural & Applied Sciences | May 9, 2023 | 8:00 A.M. - 10:00 A.M. | Zoom Link
  • College of Social Sciences & Humanities | May 9, 2023 | 10:15 A.M. - 12:15 P.M. | Zoom Link
  • Augustana Campus | May 9, 2023 | 1:30 P.M. - 3:30 P.M. | Zoom Link
  • College of Health Sciences | May 10, 2023 | 1:00 P.M. - 3:00 P.M. | Zoom Link
  • Faculty of Native Studies | May 16, 2023 | 10:30 A.M. - 12:30 P.M. | Zoom Link
  • College of Health Sciences | May 17, 2023 | 8:00 A.M. - 10:00 A.M. | Zoom Link
  • College of Social Sciences & Humanities | May 17, 2023 | 10:30 A.M. - 12:30 P.M. | Zoom Link
  • College of Natural and Applied Sciences | May 18, 2023 | 2:00 P.M. - 4:00 P.M. | Zoom Link

University Strategic Plan Alignment

The SPRI is being created in alignment with the new University Strategic Plan (USP), which is also currently under development.

Setting out the University of Alberta’s ambitions, the USP will articulate the institution’s broad directions in several key areas, including research and innovation. The SPRI builds upon the direction being set through the USP process, identifying more detailed goals, objectives and tactics for translating our desired research and innovation ambitions into realities.


SPRI Development

The Office of the Vice-President (Research and Innovation) launched a cycle of strategic planning in July 2021 to create the Strategic Research and Innovation Plan. A Strategic Research and Innovation Plan Working Group was convened to map strategic goals and areas of interest across the institution and create a first draft.

Working Group Members:

  • Aminah Robinson Fayek – Chair
  • André McDonald - AVP (SPRI)
  • Jason Acker
  • Kerry Courneya
  • Walter Dixon 
  • Florence Glanfield
  • Joanna Harrington
  • Deborah James
  • Michael Lounsbury
  • Elan MacDonald
  • Laura Beard
  • David Bressler
  • Marie Carriere
  • Katharine Moore
  • Sandra Rein
  • Lawrence Richer
  • Carrie Smith
  • Kelly Spencer
  • Catherine Swindlehurst
  • Ying Tsui

Although the working group membership reflects different perspectives and areas of knowledge across the university, broad consultation is now needed to improve and refine the plan, and ensure that the university community sees itself in the goals and aspirations outlined in the SPRI.