Research that has vital impact
Our 128 research faculty engage in internationally-recognized research that creates ground-breaking knowledge, improves and enriches lives, and addresses the world's greatest challenges.
Our reputation and outstanding research facilities attract graduate students who are passionate about health-related topics, archaeology, social justice, international relations, climate, oceans and coastal environments.
$22+ million research funding
Over the past three years, our researchers attracted more than $22 million from external funding partners.
Award winning faculty
Social Sciences researchers have received significant national awards, including the Order of Canada, Royal Society of Canada College of New Scholars and the Trudeau Fellowship.
Research spotlight
National award a boost to marine conservation
Facial recognition AI software identifies individual bears
A research project led by UVic geography postdoctoral fellow Melanie Clapham proves that individual brown bears can be identified from photographs alone.
A nose for health
Jamie Knight (BA'15, MSc'17), UVic PhD candidate in psychology, is fascinated by the connection between smell and brain health. She is championing smell testing as a way to gain insights into brain health.
“Since COVID, more research funders have come forward and now more people are interested in the research on how smell and the brain work,” says Knight.
$1M gift supports Indigenous mental health
A new research chair in Indigenous mental health is funded by an alumnus in honour of the late Chief Mungo Martin. (Above: the great-grandson of the late Kwakwaka’wakw artist holds a carving by him)
"We are grateful for the donation that established the research chair in Mungo Martin's name. And to use his name in what is an important and needed area of research all over Canada."
—Chief David Mungo Knox, great-grandson of the late Chief Mungo Martin
Research centres
Our faculty, students and postdoctoral fellows are affiliated with many research centres at the University of Victoria:
- Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research (CISUR)
- Centre for Asia Pacific Initiatives (CAPI)
- Centre for Global Studies (CGS)
- Centre for Indigenous Research and Community-Led Engagement (CIRCLE)
- Centre for Studies in Religion and Society (CSRS)
- Centre for Youth & Society (CFYS)
- Institute on Aging and Lifelong Health (IALH)
- Institute for Integrated Energy Systems (IESVic)
- Pacific Institute for Climate Solutions (PICS)
Research plan
The Faculty of Social Sciences Research Plan guides us as we make a vital impact globally and locally. It describe our main research themes and innovative approaches to conducting research within the faculty. It details current and future research activities, with a global and local focus. It also includes a summary of research accomplishments that highlights published work and external funding for research.
If you have comments or questions about our Research Plan, please contact the Associate Dean of Research and Graduate Studies.