Research impact

UCalgary's Impact

The new knowledge we create through cutting-edge research results in societal impact and leads to positive change in our communities. 

UCalgary is the No. 1 startup creator among research institutions in Canada for the 2nd year in a row. 

We're transforming half a billion dollars in research revenue into real-world impact for Canadians.

UCalgary is Canada's youngest top research university

UCalgary ranks among Canada’s top research universities, according to Research Infosource

Our purpose as a university is to contribute to the body of world knowledge while engaging our students in learning guided by processes of discovery, creativity, and innovation. Our research promotes cultural understanding and social justice, improves quality of life, and helps to secure a prosperous and sustainable future.

We're committed to sharing new knowledge and discoveries generously, and our scholars are working to address society's challenges proactively and making a positive impact in the world around us. 

Learn about UCalgary's impact:

Now Innovating

Sharing the stories of UCalgary researchers who have moved their discoveries forward and their innovation journeys to implementation and creating impact.

“We define ‘impact’ as making a difference in the communities we serve. By supporting engaged scholarship from inception to impact, we can make research meaningful to society and to community."

Dr. William Ghali

Vice-President (Research)

What do we mean by impact?

Dr. William Ghali, Vice-President (Research) shares UCalgary’s commitment to research impact and the importance of engaging with the community for research. Watch the video to learn more. 

Research Impact Stories


How fit is your gut microbiome?

New research shows duration and not intensity of exercise is most important...

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Two Stories About Shareholders

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Integration of research and mental health care allows for discoveries to benefit families sooner

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Peak care for youth mental health at UCalgary-supported The Summit

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Our research impact evolution

UCalgary is building capacity around knowledge engagement and shifting our approach to assessing impact - ensuring that our research and innovation makes meaningful contributions to society. 

Declaration on Research Assessment

UCalgary signed the San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA) in January 2021, joining more than 2,000 organizations around the world in support of improving assessment of scholarly research by re-thinking their approach to evaluating research and reducing reliance on journal-based metrics.

Learn about DORA

Impact Assessment Toolkit

The newly developed Knowledge Engagement Impact Assessment Toolkit unites data and storytelling to assist researchers in evaluating and reporting on the impacts of their knowledge engagement work. The toolkit captures a variety of priorities and is open to diverse ways of knowing and doing while balancing qualitative and quantitative considerations,

Get the Toolkit

Research Impact Canada

Research Impact Canada (RIC) is a pan-Canadian network of 20 member universities committed to maximizing the impact of academic research for the public good in local and global communities. RIC supports creation and assessment of research impact and scholarship through a network of information and capacity building. 

Meet RIC