Leading Experts

Home to leading experts, we have expertise in both established and emerging fields including health, artificial intelligence, energy, food safety & security, nanotechnology, the environment and earth's resources, our past, clean technology, climate change, smart technology and space to name but a few. By asking why, our researchers push the boundaries of knowledge and create discoveries and innovations that improve our lives and the world, and help shape our future.

Ranked

Top 5

Research Universities in Canada

83

Canada Research Chairs

Great Mentors

From land reclamation and dinosaur experts to speech physiology and artificial intelligence authorities, UAlberta professors offer the mentorship and guidance graduate students need for success.

Criminology graduate student William Schultz relates his experiences as a former corrections officer at an event announcing 10 U of A recipients of the national Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships, along with two winners of Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships. (Photo: Michael Brown)

Researching the prison opioid crisis

Former corrections officer wins prestigious scholarship for his work on a drug crisis that has changed almost every aspect of prison operations for both prisoners and staff.

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Advanced Facilities

We are home to some of Canada’s, and the world’s, best and most advanced research facilities, equipment and resources. These, along with our strategic networks and partner hospitals, facilitate research across the entire spectrum; from discovery to innovation, to technology development and evidence-based policy-making.

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Bookshelf in library

Libraries

We are home to Canada’s 2nd largest research library, with over 4.7 million titles, 8.7 million volumes, and access to over 1.3 million e-books, over 1,700 databases and over 40,000 items.

Lab in nanoFAB

nanoFAB

A micro/nano fabrication and characterization facility supporting academic and industry R&D. The largest such academic based nanotech centre by active user base and available tools in Canada.

Lab in Alberta Cell Therapy Manufacturing

Alberta Cell Therapy Manufacturing

A multi-use GMP cell therapy manufacturing and training facility. Only such facility in Western Canada & only 1 of 5 in Canada.

Key Research Strengths

Our research spans established and emerging areas and multiple fields including health and life sciences, social sciences, energy, business, computer science, agriculture, AI, humanities and engineering. Our expertise and strength attract over $500 million annually from various research funders and partners including federal and provincial government, industry, foundations and other organizations.

$500+

Million

Annual Research Funding 2016/2017

Kim Tallbear, co-producer of

Tipi Confessions

Frank, funny look at sex and aging through indigenous lens to help reclaim the pleasure in Indigenous sexuality.

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Oncologist Karen Chu led a U of A study of thyroid cancer patients that showed those with two key features of the cancer were much more likely to be disease-free after five years if they were treated with high-dose radioactive iodine. Chu says steps are already being taken to change clinical practice in Alberta based on the results. (Photo: Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry)

More aggressive treatment for thyroid cancer patients?

Research IDs two key features in patients that shed light on appropriate dosage.

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This illustration shows where two newly discovered dinosaur species fit in the lineage of alvarezsaurs (from left): Xiyunykus and Bannykus. The species show lengthening of the jaws, reduction of the teeth and changes in the hand and arm over time. (Illustration: Viktor Radermacher)

Newly discovered dinos may be missing links

Two fossils unearthed in northwest China are missing links in evolution of an unusual predatory dino.

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Innovation & Commercialization

One of the ways UAlberta serves the public is by transferring its research, knowledge and discoveries out of the institution and into the community. In so doing, we help ensure our research and innovations have the greatest reach and impact on both society and the economy. That transfer is conducted via commercialization.

TEC Edmonton

Our dedicated commercialization arm and business accelerator is TEC Edmonton—a non-profit joint venture between the university and the Edmonton Economic Development Corporation.

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11

Spinoff Companies Created

100

Active Spinoffs

55

US Patents Granted

32

License/Options Executed 

UAlberta tech transfer activities via TEC Edmonton April 2017- March 2018

Entrepreneurship @ UAlberta

Entrepreneurship @ UAlberta provides education, support and extensive mentorship for the University of Alberta students to help them become entrepreneurial thinkers.

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Spinoffs and Startups

A University spinoff is a business founded by researchers to enhance the results of their own research activity and scientific knowledge, in which the University of Alberta may be a partner.

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Services, Resources & Support

VP Research

Matthias Ruth

The Office of Vice-President (Research) supports UAlberta’s large and complex research and innovation enterprise. Led by Vice-President Matthias Ruth, the portfolio works within the university, and with external partners and stakeholders, to provide leadership, support and services to the university’s research community, in all stages of research and innovation, across five campuses and in conjunction with our partner hospitals, sponsors and partners. The portfolio also plays a key role in fostering, developing and supporting major research initiatives and partnerships.

Office of VP Research