Research that makes an impact
Our researchers investigate fundamental questions about climate, health, materials and more to help us better understand the world, address our most pressing challenges and create a better future for all.
The University of Victoria is consistently ranked in the top tier of Canada’s research-intensive universities. Our internationally-renowned researchers work at the limits of human knowledge and understanding. They collaborate with government, industry and academics around the world to make new discoveries and develop solutions to local, national and global problems.
Much of our work falls into the areas of climate, health, materials and energy, and solving fundamental questions about how the world works. While our work is often interdisciplinary, it can also be categorized into our 6 departments.
publications
in 2025in external funding
over the last 3 yearsfield-weighted citation impact (FWCI)
over the last 8 yearsAward-winning faculty
Our faculty regularly receive national and international research awards, recognizing their innovative research programs and incredible contributions in their fields. In the 2024-25 academic year, 14 researchers received awards, representing over 10% of our faculty.
Royal Society (UK)
Fellow, Canadian Academy of Health Sciences
Fellow, Royal Society of Canada
Killam Fellowship
Research spotlight
Research centres
Our research centres bring people together around common research areas. They promote interdisciplinary collaboration, create partnerships with external organizations, provide critical research equipment and facilities, and enhance student training opportunities.
Astronomy Research Centre
The Astronomy Research Centre (ARC) brings together world-renowned experts in astrophysics, engineering, computation and instrumentation. ARC works to answer many important questions about our universe and forms one of the largest concentrations of astronomy-related talent in Canada.
Centre for Advanced Materials and Related Technology
The Centre for Advanced Materials and Related Technology (CAMTEC) conducts interdisciplinary work on advanced materials and technology. The applications of their work span from health to renewable energy. CAMTEC members work closely with scientists and engineers from the private and public sectors.
Centre for Forest Biology
The Centre for Forest Biology (FORB) carries out fundamental and applied research in forest biology. Their research increases our understanding of the interactions between trees and their environment and the adaptive responses of forests to climate change, often through collaborations with government laboratories.
Victoria Subatomic Physics and Accelerator research centre
The Victoria Subatomic Physics and Accelerator research centre (VISPA) conducts research in subatomic physics. Their research is done on a global scale in large, international collaborative efforts.
We are also affiliated with a number of different organizations, providing faculty members with additional access to facilities and collaborators:
- Bamfield Marine Science Centre
- BC Cancer Agency
- Institute of Ocean Sciences
- NRC-Herzberg Astronomy and Astrophysics Research Centre
- Ocean Networks Canada
- Pacific Climate Impacts Consoritum (PCIC)
- Pacific Institute for Climate Solutions (PICS)
- Pacific Institute for the Mathematical Sciences (PIMS)
- TRIUMF
Research facilities
Equipment and facilities are a key part of conducting cutting-edge research. Beyond the basics, we have an outdoor aquatics facility, a 603 square-foot greenhouse, a marine research vessel, a proteomics centre and one of the most powerful scanning electron microscopes in the world.
Scanning Transmission Electron Holography Microscope (STEHM)
Proteomics Centre
Marine Research Vessel John Strickland
Research opportunities for students
There are many opportunities for undergraduate students to participate in research throughout their degree. Many students start by volunteering in a lab, taking a research experience course or participating in co-op before continuing on to conduct independent research through a directed studies project, the honours program or a summer research award. Visit our hands-on learning page to get started.
Research is an integral part of all graduate programs in Science. Visit our graduate programs page to learn more.
Come work with us
Interested in conducting research as a graduate student at UVic? Visit our graduate programs page for more information and first steps.
Government and industry organizations interested in partnering with the Faculty of Science should reach out to Acting Associate Dean Adam Ritz or the UVic Partnerships Office.