Research
Instructor Boualem Khouider (right) with graduate students Louis Saumier and Michele De La Chevrotière
About our researchers
The University of Victoria is consistently ranked in the top tier of Canada's research-intensive universities. UVic researchers work at the forefront of major national and international efforts to understand and address the world's most pressing challenges. Learn about our annual awards for research excellence.
In a technology-driven age, science is more important than ever. The Faculty of Science participates fully, with recognized leaders in their research fields. The quality and scope of our technical services and research centres adds value to UVic's research program.
Areas of research excellence by department
Biochemistry and microbiology
Biochemistry merges biology and chemistry, and covers some of the most exciting areas of the life sciences. Modern biochemical research includes structural biology, proteomics, genomics, epigenetics, signal transduction, gene expression and development, metabolic diseases, bioinformatics, and molecular evolution.
Microbiology spans all of biology and provides the foundation for molecular biology and biotechnology. Microorganisms are the cause of many human diseases. A microbiology program is a popular choice for students with interests in molecular biology, drug discovery, medicine, or biotechnology.
Areas of research excellence
- Health and the environment
- Epigenetics
- Structural biology
- Cellular signaling
Pathogenesis
- Environmental contaminants
- Proteomics
- Sustainable biofuels
- Regulation of gene expression
- Immune system responses to cancer
Visit the Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology site to learn about their research.
List of faculty and staff
Biology
Biology is the study of living organisms, including their form, function and ecological relationships. It's subdivided into many fields such as ecology, marine biology, molecular biology, plant biology etc.
Areas of research excellence:
- Biomedical research and genomics
- Cell, molecular and developmental biology
- Ecology and evolutionary biology
- Environmental biology
- Forest biology
- Marine science
- Neuroscience
- Organismal biology and physiology
Visit the Department of Biology site to learn about their research.
List of faculty and staff
Chemistry
Chemistry is the science of matter and examines the composition, structure and properties of matter.
Areas of research excellence:
- Bioactivity
- Catalysis
- Energy
- Kinetics/dynamics
- Magnetism
- Materials
- Mechanisms
- Medicinal
- Nanotechnology
- Polymers
- Sensors
- Surfaces
Visit the Department of Chemistry site to learn about their research.
List of faculty and staff
Earth and ocean sciences
Earth, ocean, and climate scientists study the interactions between solid earth, oceans, atmosphere and life. They study how the earth's system and climate have evolved through deep time into the present day, and make predictions about its future.
Areas of research excellence:
- Biogeochemical cycles
- Climate-ocean dynamics
- Earth system evolution
- Marine environment and ecosystems
Visit the School of Earth and Ocean Sciences site to learn about their research.
List of faculty and staff
Mathematics and statistics
Mathematics is the study of quantity, space and arrangement, often in the form of patterns.
Statistics is the science of analyzing numerical data and examines how to infer the distribution of populations from samples.
Areas of research excellence:
- Applied math research group
- Discrete math research group
- Pure math research group
- Statistics research group
Visit the Department of Mathematics and Statistics site to learn about their research.
List of faculty and staff
Physics and astronomy
Astronomy explores stars, galaxies and the universe by using physical laws and computational tools to interpret observations. Astronomers have shaped our understanding of our relationship to the universe since ancient times.
Physics tries to understand what the world is made of and how the parts interact, both at the level of fundamental particles and in macroscopic systems. Physicists have profoundly influenced culture and technology and continue to do so.
Areas of research excellence:
- Astronomy, astrophysics and cosmology
- Experimental particle physics
- Medical physics
- Condensed matter physics
- Theoretical physics
- Ocean physics
Visit the Department of Physics and Astronomy site to learn about their research.
List of faculty and staff
UVic's expertise database
Use the expertise database to learn more about UVic's areas of research strength and the faculty members and researchers here.
UVic's research
At UVic we’re going places. Places where we’re applying new, vigorous and clear perspectives to some of the most vexing issues of our time—from climate change and cultural change to cancer cells and fuel cells. Visit the research site to join us on our journey of discovery.
