VIU research fuels innovation and has real-world impact in local communities and beyond. Our work seeks to understand complex problems, uncover new knowledge and improve lives. We empower students and communities to question the status quo and to find new paths to a better, more connected world.
At VIU, researchers work on complex problems that span different disciplines. We also engage with community partners on applied research projects that identify solutions to real-world problems.
Indigenous and community-engaged research
We prioritize collaboration with Indigenous communities, aiming to address regional social and cultural needs, in fields like Indigenous education and early childhood development. And we host initiatives such as the BC Regional Innovation Chair for Aboriginal Early Childhood Development.
Sustainability and environmental science
We are known for research focused on sustainable coastal ecosystems, climate change and water resource management.
Health and wellbeing
We support research focused on improving health outcomes, with particular attention to community health, mental health, and trauma research.
Supporting student research
As a teaching university and a research university, we offer students the chance to work with world-class researchers who are also dedicated teachers. We support student research through funding opportunities. And we connect them to opportunities to deepen their knowledge through research. The Office of Graduate Studies is a team dedicated to supporting graduate students. VIU's Scholarship, Research and Creative Activity is dedicated to excellence in research for students and faculty. And undergraduate students have access to research that other schools might reserve for graduate students.
Student research funding and scholarships
Graduate and undergraduate students at VIU can access research funding through a variety of programs.
VIU Reach Award
Helps to fund student research.
Graduate scholarships
We connect graduate students to provincial and national funding opportunities.
Indigenous graduate student scholarships
Indigenous students can access unique funding sources.
Research in the community
VIU students engage with the community to conduct research in many different partnership structures, and as part of classroom projects. We also partner with Mitacs, a national research organization that provides internships and fellowships for undergraduate and graduate students. Programs like Mitacs Accelerate make it possible for students to work on real-world projects with industry partners.
VIU research strengths and focus areas
Teaching and learning
Health, resilience and well-being
Cultural heritage and creative expression
Equity, diversity and social justice
Innovation, entrepreneurship and social change
Resilience of island, coastal and rural regions
Integrated sciences, technology and environment
Deep Bay Marine Field Station
A research site you can visit.
This facility in Deep Bay is the home of the Centre for Seafood innovation. It's open to the public in the summer and accepts school bookings during the academic year.
Research news and events
With an active community of student and faculty researchers, there is always something going on at VIU.
VIU Experts
The community at VIU represents expertise in a diverse range of topics, from ancient beer-making techniques to blockchain and smart contracts. If you need expert advice or intelligence, the VIU community is here to help.
Centres and Institutes
Interdisciplinary research activities are organized through dedicated centres and institutes. The Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region Research Institute and tackles sustainability on Vancouver Island. Naut sa mawt Centre for Psychedelic Research and the Trauma and Mental Health Institute are leading innovative approaches to community well-being.