Health and wellness
Many complex factors contribute to health and wellness across the lifespan. At UVic, we’re at the forefront of innovative and community-responsive research on the social, cultural and biomedical determinants of health and wellness. Our work also includes disease prevention, diagnosis, treatment, care and cure.
Our impact extends to local, national and international policy. Our work supports community programs for substance use and at-risk people and enables end-of-life care for marginalized populations. We promote wellness and healthy aging through movement, music, language, theatre and visual arts.
UVic Health Initiative
The UVic Health Initiative (UHI) advances our impact area in health and wellness. The UHI aims to enhance the quality and raise the profile of health research, programs and related activities at UVic. It is a joint activity of the offices of the Vice-President Research and Innovation and the Vice-President Academic and Provost. With more than 200 faculty who self-identify as health researchers, the UHI focuses on advancing lifelong health for all. UVic has strengths in the signature areas of healthy aging, Indigenous health, mental health and translational medicine.
Mental health and addictions
UVic researchers tackle mental health from many different perspectives with expertise in many domains. The Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research (CISUR) is a national leader in substance use and addictions research. They work closely with community and government partners to promote health and reduce harm.
Indigenous well-being
UVic scholars are dedicated to expanding well-being by building on strengths of Indigenous Peoples. The Centre for Indigenous Research and Community-Led Engagement (CIRCLE) is essential to this work. CIRCLE promotes, facilitates and leads research that improves Indigenous Peoples' well-being.
Lifelong health
The Institute on Aging & Lifelong Health (IALH) works to improve the health and quality of life of individuals across their lifespan. IALH addresses the challenges and opportunities that aging offers individuals, families, communities and nations.
Proteomics
The UVic-Genome BC Proteomics Centre is advancing the diagnosis and treatment of disease. Their work also contributes to the design of new drugs and therapies. They provide cutting-edge technologies to institutions across Canada and around the world.
Featured stories
UVic research gets infrastructure support
From testing environmental stresses on plants to understanding mysteries of the universe, five University of Victoria (UVic) research projects received infrastructure support from the Canada Foundation...
Alumni in action
Natasha Thambirajah's unexpected journey from biochemistry to a 15-year career in public service, advocating for equity in health policy. Explore her story on the Work It podcast.
Safer substance use
As many of you are aware, there is a concerning trend of unsafe drugs in BC. At a press conference on Jan. 24, BC’s Chief Coroner stated that nearly seven people a day died from toxic drugs in 2023...