TORONTO, May 9, 2013 – York University, one of the top 10 universities in Canada in terms of research impact, launched a five-year strategic research plan that describes the research strengths of York University across six intersecting themes – Advancing Fundamental Discovery and Critical Knowledge; Analyzing Cultures and Mobilizing Creativity; Building Healthy Lives and Communities; Exploring the Frontiers of Science and Technology; Forging a Just and Sustainable World; and Integrating Entrepreneurial Innovation and the Public Good.

The plan, titled Building on Strength, focuses on the growth and development of these recognized research strengths and identifies five strategic areas of research opportunity that will be a particular focus for development over the term of the plan:

· Digital Cultures
· Engineering Research that Matters
· Healthy Individuals, Healthy Communities and Global Health
· Public Engagement for a Just and Sustainable World
· Scholarship of Socially Engaged Research

Implementation of the plan, unanimously endorsed by the University Senate, includes more than $120 million in planned investments, including a $50-million contribution from the Provincial Government, aimed at strengthening the academic and research programs and infrastructure of the University.

The plan will be supported by funding for up to 16 Canada Research Chairs, more than 30 new engineering research faculty hires and infrastructure for the new Lassonde School of Engineering. These investments will advance York’s commitment to research excellence, social justice and the development of new knowledge and creative activities.

“This plan reflects our continued commitment to conducting research that contributes to society and makes a meaningful difference to the world in which we live,” said Mamdouh Shoukri, President and Vice-Chancellor of York University.

The funding will allow the University to build on its efforts to attract, retain and support elite academic talent, while bolstering attractive new facilities and lab space to enable groundbreaking research.

“It’s a really exciting time for York,” said Robert Haché, York’s Vice-President Research & Innovation. “We are dedicated to conducting research and providing resources to support the academy in ways that are meaningful and responsive to the needs of our communities, both now and in the future.”

The strategic research plan can be downloaded at http://srp.info.yorku.ca

Media Contact: Joanne Rider, Chief Spokesperson and Director, Media Relations, York University, 416 736 5593 / jrider@yorku.ca