Welcome to Research & Innovation
Ontario Tech University has, since its founding in 2002, maintained a fundamental commitment to research excellence in answering basic scientific questions, applied and technological innovation and entrepreneurship. The orientation of this research is toward advancing pure scientific knowledge, technological breakthroughs, improving the quality of life and work for all Canadians, strengthening the quality of public services in Ontario, especially in the sectors of health, education, law and justice, and social policy, working with industry in the commercialization of our research, collaborating with not-for-profits and community organizations and contributing to the Canadian economy as well as to regional economic and social development in the Greater Toronto Area.
Remarkably, in two decades, Ontario Tech University has created an inclusive, vibrant, engaged research community of faculty and graduate students, built world-class research facilities and libraries, established extensive networks of research partners, provided unmatched research opportunities for our undergraduate students, focused on establishing inclusive bodies such as the Women in Research Council and invested in a supportive, knowledgeable, professional research services staff. This commitment to innovation and inclusive research excellence has yielded important and impactful outcomes in a wide range of fields.
As the university enters its third decade, it has emerged as a national leader among Canada’s smaller research-intensive universities, designated as Canada’s Research University of the Year for the past three years – 2023, 2024, 2025 – among predominantly undergraduate universities by Research InfoSource, the country’s premier research ranking organization.
The new five-year Strategic Research Plan 2025-2030 Advancing Inclusive Research Excellence is a strategic guide for the university to extend its national leadership role in Canada’s research community over the next five years. We identify seven strategic research priorities to guide us for the next five years, which are briefly summarized here and expanded upon later in the plan:
Artificial Intelligence and Its Applications
New fundamental research in artificial intelligence and its applications is driving innovation in every sector of society and the economy. Contributing to this research, as well as ethical considerations on artificial intelligence, remains a fundamental priority at Ontario Tech University.
Canada’s Clean Energy Future and Climate Change Resilience
Canada’s clean energy future and climate change resilience remain one of the biggest challenges the country has ever faced, with immense economic, environmental and social implications for all Canadians. Ontario Tech’s research on clean energy and environmental sustainability is an important contributor to the vision for that future.
Health Promotion, Performance and Equity
Advancing the health of all Canadians with critical and innovative research addressing health promotion, health education, human performance and health equity is an important priority for the university. This includes research on chronic and infectious diseases, disability and rehabilitation, mental health, nutrition, drug discovery, behavioural risk factors, physical function and performance and the social determinants of health.
Autonomous Systems in the Lives of Canadians
Autonomous systems such as smart home devices, assisted-driving vehicles, and robots are playing an increasing role in the lives of Canadians. Ontario Tech is committed to ongoing enabling and ethical research in health care, education, mobility, community living, dementia care and other applications of the Internet of Things.
Community Well-Being, Justice, and Social Innovation
Innovative research that strengthens community well-being and public-sector institutions, including the justice system, schools, cultural organizations and hospitals is integral to how Ontario Tech defines itself as a research-intensive university.
Entrepreneurship and Business Analytics
Entrepreneurship and commercialization are emerging strengths of Ontario Tech. Integral to this strength is prioritizing business analytics and marketing research, which is focused on the scientific process of transforming data using advanced technology into insights for improving decision-making within business organizations.
Materials and Advanced Manufacturing
In the current climate of global economic uncertainty, strengthening Canada’s materials development and advanced manufacturing capacity is key to securing the country’s economic future. Ontario Tech prioritizes supporting research partnerships with industry partners to drive the next generation of manufacturing superclusters in innovation, science and economic development.
Excel and Explore with Us:
At Ontario Tech, both undergraduate and graduate students are central to our research and innovation. Our faculty members collaborate with students in the classroom, lab and field, offering undergraduate and graduate students hands-on research experience for our undergraduate and graduate students. Ontario Tech has also emerged in the past ten years as a leading Canadian university for providing our students with entrepreneurial opportunities and experience through our Entrepreneurship and Creativity programs led by Brilliant Catalyst.
Whether you are a community member, business or industry partner looking for innovative research support or a researcher looking for resources and information, this website provides resources regarding the significant research activity taking place at Ontario Tech University. My office serves as the conduit between community or industry partners interested in pursuing research collaborations with the university. At any time, please feel free to reach out to me or a member of my team. Contact us.
We look forward to working with you!
Professor Les Jacobs, PhD, FRSC, ICD.D
Vice-President, Research and Innovation