Research impact

#1 startup creator in Canada

UCalgary is the top startup creator among research institutions in Canada, for the 3rd year in a row. 

Say hello to Canada's youngest top research university.

UCalgary is the No. 1 startup creator among research institutions in Canada for the 3rd year running. We're transforming more than half a billion dollars in research revenue – $545.3 million in 2022-23 – into real-world impact for Canadians.

UCalgary is making an impact in your community.

UCalgary ranks among Canada’s top research universities - and in 2021 we reached the top 5 in Re$earch Infosource Inc.’s Top 50 Research Universities.

Our institution is transforming more than half a billion dollars in research revenue – $545.3 million in 2022-23 – into real-world impact for Canadians.

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:

“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)

Now Innovating Series

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

Research Impact Stories

Professor cited three appellate decisions

Professor Jennifer Koshan’s research and writing was recently cited in three appellate decisions.

Schulich researchers develop new ways to make stronger metals

Novel approaches create stable nanocrystalline materials for widespread industrial use

Study examines experiences of pregnant women living with high blood pressure

Specialized Calgary clinic offers unique research opportunity in women’s cardiovascular health

How some heart medications impact gut health

UCalgary study finds certain medications decrease diversity and beneficial micro-organisms found in the gut, which may affect overall health

UCalgary launches Master of Physician Assistant Studies program

Inaugural Alberta program seeks first 20 learners as admissions portal now open

No ‘drought’ about it: Water restrictions are coming in Alberta this summer

For World Water Day, Tricia Stadnyk talks about the predicted drought and how Albertans can prepare


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. 

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