Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development
Research
Partnerships with U.S. Universities
Western’s research collaborations with U.S. institutions were highlighted during the visit of Consul General Baxter Hunt. With over 7,000 co-authored publications and substantial NIH funding, these partnerships demonstrate Western’s commitment to advancing global knowledge through shared inquiry. The visit reinforced the university’s role in international research networks that promote innovation, academic exchange, and long-term institutional cooperation.
Battery Materials Research
Western advances global clean energy through battery materials research, partnering with industry and government. By developing solid-state technologies and using synchrotron-based methods, Western fosters interdisciplinary collaboration, shared infrastructure, and knowledge exchange. These efforts demonstrate how coordinated research networks accelerate sustainable technology and strengthen long-term international cooperation.
Whole of Community System Response
Western’s CRHESI team is leading a city-wide evaluation of London’s Whole of Community System Response to homelessness, coordinating over 100 researchers and partners. This collaborative effort integrates academic and community expertise to assess impact, improve strategies, and ensure sustainability. By aligning research with local needs and cross-sector input, Western strengthens institutional capacity for evidence-based decision-making and long-term partnerships that address complex social challenges.
Teaching
Bluewater Health Partnership
Western’s Schulich Medicine & Dentistry – Bluewater Health partnership expands clinical education by placing medical students in immersive clerkship programs within regional hospitals. This initiative strengthens teaching through experiential learning and builds long-term collaboration between academic and healthcare institutions. By aligning medical training with community needs, Western supports capacity-building and knowledge exchange, contributing to sustainable partnerships that enhance healthcare education and delivery across regions.
Best Practice Spotlight Organization
Western’s partnership with the Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario through the Best Practice Spotlight Organization (BPSO) initiative integrates evidence-based guidelines into nursing education. Students engage with best practices in care transitions, pain management, and person-centred care, and complete champion training to lead change in academic and clinical settings. This approach strengthens teaching by aligning curriculum with global standards and preparing graduates to contribute to collaborative, quality-focused healthcare environments.
Curriculum Development
Western’s Wood Centre enhances teaching through global collaboration and curriculum innovation. By connecting Ivey researchers with international partners, it develops new pedagogical tools and refines best practices in business education. Initiatives like seminar series and Indigenous-led workshops promote inclusive learning and shared knowledge creation. These efforts strengthen institutional capacity for transformative education and support long-term partnerships across academic and cultural contexts.
Outreach
Global Skills Opportunity
Western’s Global Skills Opportunity initiative strengthens international outreach by building inclusive mobility pathways for underrepresented students. Through funded study abroad programs and student-led engagement with education and government leaders, Western expands global networks and promotes equitable access to international learning. These efforts enhance institutional collaboration across borders, contributing to long-term partnerships that support capacity-building, knowledge exchange, and inclusive development in higher education.
Queen Elizabeth Scholars Program
Western’s QES Program at the Africa Institute strengthens outreach by supporting student and researcher exchanges with West African universities. Participants engage in community-based projects and civic engagement activities focused on sustainable development. These collaborations build inclusive global networks, promote mutual learning, and enhance institutional relationships across borders. The program contributes to long-term partnerships that advance shared goals in education, research, and social impact.
Studying Abroad at Western
Western welcomed Indonesian students through a government-funded mobility program supporting international academic exchange. Participants engaged in interdisciplinary coursework and cultural activities, building connections with peers and faculty. The initiative reflects Western’s commitment to global engagement by enabling shared learning and institutional collaboration. By hosting students from diverse backgrounds, the university strengthens educational ties and builds inclusive, cross-border partnerships that enhance mutual understanding and capacity-building.
Operations
The Starling Centre for Just Technologies and Just Societies
Western’s Starling Centre operationalizes global collaboration by creating a platform for interdisciplinary research on technology and society. Its co-directorship model and inclusive governance structure enable shared leadership across academic and community partners. The centre supports knowledge exchange through public programming and partnerships that span sectors and borders. By addressing ethical challenges in digital innovation, it contributes to building sustainable networks for research, dialogue, and policy development across institutions and communities.
Western Research Parks
Western Research Parks operationalize global partnerships by connecting academic research with industry, government, and entrepreneurial ventures. Hosting over 50 companies across three campuses, the parks provide infrastructure and proximity to Western’s research expertise, enabling collaborative innovation in health, cleantech, and advanced manufacturing. These partnerships support commercialization, regulatory advancement, and knowledge exchange, strengthening institutional capacity and contributing to sustainable development through cross-sector cooperation and shared problem-solving.
Research Engagement Collaborative Alliance with Partners (RECAP)
Western’s RECAP program strengthens institutional infrastructure for collaborative research by supporting partnerships with government, industry, and non-profit organizations. It provides structured training, resources, and engagement opportunities to help researchers and external partners build effective, long-term relationships. By aligning internal processes with the needs of diverse collaborators, RECAP enhances Western’s ability to coordinate cross-sector initiatives, share knowledge, and contribute to impactful research that addresses complex societal challenges through sustained cooperation.
