Aspiration Research Clusters
UVic’s Aspiration Research Clusters bring together interdisciplinary teams to tackle complex local and global challenges. Supported by the Office of the Vice‑President Research and Innovation, the program helps build research strength, spark collaboration and raise the university’s global profile. Cluster funding supports early, catalytic activities that grow ideas, strengthen partnerships and position teams for major funding and real‑world impact.
Aspiration Research Clusters
Dementia-Friendly Research Cluster
Leads: Denise Cloutier, Mariko Sakamoto, Jodie Gawryluk and Theone Paterson
Dementia is a leading cause of death and disability in Canada and around the world. Estimates suggest that 1 million Canadians will be living with dementia by 2030 and 1.7 million by 2050. Members of this cluster will expand, evaluate and mobilize research evidence to optimize the positive impact of dementia-friendly environments and person-centred care for individuals and care providers in long-term care facilities, homes and communities.
Indigenous Economics Research Cluster
Leads: Donn Feir, Rebecca Johnson, Susanne Thiessen
To thrive, all societies require stable and flourishing economies; however, colonization has significantly undermined the infrastructure and resourcing of Indigenous economies. Despite these pressures, Indigenous communities continue to enact principles and practices of their economic orderings and take advantage of opportunities. The Indigenous Economics Cluster will make visible these orderings, as well as the challenges and opportunities that impact Indigenous economic well-being. As well, the cluster will engage in the work of restoring Indigenous economic institutions and practices in a way that aligns with contemporary Indigeneity and acknowledges gendered realities.
Indigenous Language Revitalization Research Cluster
Lead: Onowa McIvor
Indigenous language revitalization is a significant factor in community wellness, land connection and for the continuation of Indigenous knowledges, epistemologies and worldviews. It is also vital that the languages of the land on which the university occupies are strengthened and maintained as teachings contained in them support lands and ecosystems while contributing to the restoration of legal and governance systems. The Indigenous Language Revitalization Cluster will continue and deepen the consultation process with local Nations to determine what actions and supports are needed for local Nations' languages to thrive.
Mental Health Research Cluster
Lead: Hector Caruncho
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, one in eight people worldwide lived with a mental disorder; during the pandemic the incidence of mood and anxiety disorders increased by ~30 percent. The Mental Health Cluster will co-develop novel research venues to improve mental wellbeing, foster prevention, promote recovery in people suffering from mental disorders, and decrease/eliminate the stigma associated with these disorders. By engaging in interdisciplinary and multisectoral collaborations with people with lived experience, the cluster will provide a holistic approach for mental health research.
Nanotherapeutics Research Cluster
Lead: Stephanie Willerth
The Nanotherapeutics Cluster will harness the expertise, knowledge and technologies from a diverse combination of interdisciplinary researchers to translate nanoparticle-based therapeutics into clinical and commercial applications. These therapeutics will be used to address key medical challenges of importance to Canadian society and globally, such as cancer and antibiotic resistance. In the longer term, as the cluster expands to include further expertise, research will target potential treatments for other diseases such as Parkinson's disease, genetic conditions and viruses such as COVID-19.
Quantum Photonics Research Cluster
Lead: Thomas E. Baker
Canada is an international leader in the development of quantum technologies and has invested significantly to grow institutional capabilities within the country. The Quantum Photonics Cluster will bring together UVic researchers to create a robust collaboration on photonics, algorithms, and light-matter interactions for future technology. The study of new quantum-based technologies and their interaction with light has the potential to revolutionize current technologies over the short and long term, with potential applications for climate and sustainability, and health and wellness.
Right to Housing Research Cluster
Leads: Bernie Pauly, Jeff Masuda
Homelessness and lack of self-determination in housing and home impacts the health and wellbeing of multiple generations with disproportionate impacts for Indigenous people, Black communities, people of colour, women, gender diverse people, families and youth. The Right to Housing Cluster will bring together academic researchers with communities and community organizations to generate a strong partnership that will mobilize future research and action on housing and homelessness.
Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) Research Cluster
Leads: Caroline Cameron, Renée Monchalin and Astrid Pérez Piñán
Advancing the World Health Organization’s Sustainable Development Goal 3.7, “universal access to sexual and reproductive health-care services, including family planning, information and education, and the integration of reproductive health into national strategies," this cluster aims to reduce stigma and raise awareness of inequities in sexual and reproductive health and rights faced by marginalized communities.
Society-Engaged AI and Robotics (seAIR) Research Cluster
Leads: Homayoun Najjaran, Audrey Yap and Regan Mandryk
Ethical, accessible, democratized and sustainable integration of artificial intelligence and robotics can enhance quality of life and foster personal interactions. Engaging with experts in ethics, law, philosophy and sociology, this cluster will investigate and address potential impacts and opportunities related to these technologies. They’ll expand UVic’s capacity for interdisciplinary collaboration and strategic industry partnerships.
Contact
For information on the Aspiration Research Cluster program contact strategicpo2@uvic.ca