Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development
Research
Tracing the Origins of Martian Meteorites
In a groundbreaking study published in Science Advances, planetary geologist Livio Tornabene, a member of Western’s Institute for Earth and Space Exploration, along with an international team of researchers, has traced the origins of most Martian meteorites found on Earth to five specific craters within Mars’ Tharsis and Elysium volcanic regions. Building on Tornabene’s 2006 work with advanced techniques and data, the research offers new insights into Mars’ geological history and a framework that could reshape future studies of Martian meteorites.
Lawrence National Centre for Policy and Management
The Lawrence National Centre for Policy and Management at Ivey is a leading authority on business-government relations, cultivating future leaders who recognize the critical importance of collaboration between the public and private sectors in shaping effective policy. The Centre’s Faculty and Fellows guide its research, teaching, and outreach efforts, with a strategic focus on digital innovation, physical infrastructure, and trade.
International Research at Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry
The Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry is a global leader in health research, delivering breakthrough discoveries that have transformed health care and improved lives worldwide. Its research spans from basic science to clinical trials, as well as population and health studies, ensuring the work is translational and impactful. The School continuously expands its research excellence through new partnerships and collaborations, both locally and internationally, while actively engaging students and trainees to prepare the next generation of researchers for the future.
International Composites Research Centre
The International Composites Research Centre (ICRC), an entity within the Faculty of Engineering, includes members from multiple faculties at Western and from universities across Canada and internationally. Utilizing the resources and technological expertise of the Fraunhofer Project Centre @ Western (FPC), the ICRC focuses on applied research across the polymer composites market. It promotes collaboration in polymer composites manufacturing and application, emphasizing lightweight materials for the transportation sector and sustainable products for building materials.
Teaching
Community Engaged Learning
Western’s Community Engaged Learning (CEL) program takes education beyond the classroom, linking students with local and global communities to address real-world challenges. By partnering with various groups and organizations, CEL fosters community-driven problem solving and collaboration, benefiting both students and their partners. This approach allows students to apply their course knowledge in practical settings, ensuring they reflect, connect, and thrive, while leveraging Western’s academic resources to create meaningful community impact.
CEL Annual Report 2023-24
International Learning
International Learning at Western partners with global institutions and the campus community to offer diverse programs that prepare students to become globally engaged graduates. The team supports student exchanges, study abroad opportunities, internships, and research experiences, as well as international learning initiatives on campus. Additionally, they provide crucial safety resources, including travel registry compliance, pre-departure training, and International SOS services. The team also helps support incoming exchange and visiting students, as well as faculty and staff who coordinate international learning programs.
Pro Bono Students Canada
Pro Bono Students Canada (PBSC), Western Chapter, is a national program launched by the Faculty of Law. The mission of the program is to pair law students with community agencies in need of free legal services. Agencies typically involved with PBSC include public interest and non-profit organizations, tribunals, legal clinics, and lawyers working pro bono on a particular case.
Outreach
Collaborative Lifelong Learning
In Episode 164 of Illumination by Modern Campus, Bryan Benjamin, Executive Director of The Ivey Academy, and Amrit Ahluwalia, Executive Director of Western Continuing Studies, discuss the importance of collaboration in higher education. They emphasize the need for scalable lifelong learning ecosystems that extend beyond traditional degrees, helping learners stay relevant amid rapid technological changes. The Ivey Academy and Continuing Studies at Western both work collaboratively to provide comprehensive learning opportunities that bridge academic and professional development. The episode also addresses the operational challenges of making lifelong learning accessible, the value of global alumni engagement, and the growing necessity for universities to align with industry needs.
Western’s Summer Learning Program on Human Rights
Western welcomed a group of students from Kyung Hee University, South Korea, for a two-week program focused on human rights in Canada. Organized by Western International, the program featured workshops, lectures, and hands-on activities covering topics like Indigenous leadership, anti-oppression, and food sovereignty. Students also engaged in cultural events within the London, ON community, fostering international connections and expanding their understanding of global human rights issues. The success of this pilot program highlights Western’s commitment to enhancing global citizenship and intercultural competence through collaborative international initiatives.
Students from Kyung Hee University in South Korea
Radboud-Western Collaboration Fund: Fostering Innovation and Research
Radboud University in the Netherlands and Western University have established the Radboud-Western Collaboration Fund to support joint initiatives that align with their strategic priorities. This fund encourages innovative education and multidisciplinary research projects that have the potential to make a significant academic and societal impact. The fund offers up to $25,000 for one-year joint projects in research and education. It also supports opportunities for short-term mobility visits between the two universities, reinforcing deeper collaboration and knowledge exchange.
Operations
Western Heads East
Western Heads East is a collaboration between Western staff, students, faculty, and African partners using probiotic food to contribute to health and sustainable development. This internship program provides students with a unique international experience focused on these goals in Africa. Interns work on multidisciplinary projects, gaining hands-on experience in sustainable business development and social enterprise while contributing to community-run yogurt kitchens and laboratory facilities. They also help raise awareness of health sustainability in East Africa within the Western University community, all while earning course credit and developing valuable skills in global health and social entrepreneurship.
Partnership Development Grants
The SSHRC Partnership Development Grants, offered by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council, provide essential funding for up to three years to support innovative research and collaboration in the social sciences and humanities. These grants support both new and existing partnerships, with a strong focus on involving students and emerging scholars. By enabling the design and testing of scalable partnership models, the grants aim to generate impactful research outcomes that align with SSHRC’s Insight and Connection programs. Additionally, they welcome projects involving Indigenous research and research-creation, promoting inclusivity and cultural relevance in research.
International Partnerships
Western is a Canadian leader in global academic and research collaborations, forging strong partnerships with governments, academic institutions, and organizations worldwide. Western International drives these initiatives, ensuring that they align with the university’s strategic priorities while supporting student mobility, industry engagement, and collaborative research. These partnerships are designed to be productive, sustainable, and mutually beneficial, underscoring Western’s commitment to addressing global challenges through collaborative efforts.
