Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all
Research
Centre for Education Research & Innovation
Located at the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, this Senate-approved research centre is dedicated to advancing education in the health professions. It brings together scholars from a range of disciplines to explore innovative teaching and learning approaches in medical and health sciences education. The team offers research training, supports scholarly collaboration, and contributes new knowledge to improve educational practices. Its work strengthens the quality and impact of health education at Western and across Canada.
Centre for the Science of Learning
Western’s Centre for the Science of Learning promotes interdisciplinary research and collaboration to better understand how children learn. Bringing together experts in education, cognitive psychology, and neuroscience, the Centre connects researchers with K–12 educators and policy-makers to translate scientific findings into practical classroom solutions. With links to the Centre for School Mental Health and the Mary J. Wright Child and Youth Development Clinic, the Centre supports early childhood development, learning interventions, and evidence-based professional development for educators.
Canadian Research Centre on Inclusive Education
Western University collaborates with the Canadian Research Centre on Inclusive Education. This partnership focuses on improving educational practices and outcomes for all students, particularly the most vulnerable. The research covers inclusive education, policy, programming, training and implementation. It brings together researchers, educators, parents and advocates in support of the education of students with a disability, or other underrepresented learning groups.
Teaching
Continuing Medical Education
Western’s Continuing Medical Education (CME) program supports healthcare professionals across Southwestern Ontario and beyond through accessible, high-quality learning opportunities. Offering small-group workshops and flexible online modules, the program enhances clinical skills, promotes lifelong learning, and ensures practitioners stay up to date with evolving medical knowledge and practices.
University Consortium Year 1 Program
Western Continuing Studies
Western Continuing Studies provides opportunities for everyone to keep learning at Western. From recent graduates, job seekers, and corporate clients, there is an array of choices for lifelong learning from a variety of programs, courses, and professional certificates.
Experiential Learning
Western has committed to ensuring that all undergraduate students participate in at least one experiential learning opportunity by 2028. These opportunities include internships, research, entrepreneurship, education abroad, and community-based projects that help students apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings. Through partnerships with more than 225 local organizations and global institutions, students gain job skills, explore career paths, and contribute to meaningful community impact, preparing them for success beyond graduation.
Outreach
Complimentary Cases for Secondary School Classrooms
Ivey Business School offers a selection of free business cases to secondary school teachers, supporting interactive and practical learning through its renowned Case-Method of Learning. As one of the world’s top publishers of business cases, Ivey provides students with real-world scenarios that build critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills in classroom settings.
In-School Workshops
Western Engineering Outreach offers hands-on STEM workshops for elementary and secondary students throughout the school year. Delivered by enthusiastic instructors, these in-school sessions aim to spark curiosity and make science and technology fun and accessible. Aligned with the Ontario curriculum, workshops cover topics such as screen-free coding, circuitry, artificial intelligence, encryption, and assistive technology. Reaching students from kindergarten to Grade 12 across London and surrounding areas, the program helps build foundational STEM skills and inspires future innovators.
Arts & Humanities Day at Western
Arts & Humanities Day engages high school students in interdisciplinary learning through workshops, lectures, and interactive sessions led by faculty and students. Participants explore subjects such as philosophy, literature, languages, and cultural studies in a university setting. The event encourages curiosity, critical thinking, and academic confidence, especially among youth who may not have considered humanities pathways. By making postsecondary education accessible and engaging, it promotes inclusive learning and inspires future scholars. This outreach initiative strengthens connections between secondary and postsecondary education, helping diverse learners envision themselves in university and supporting equitable access to quality education.
Operations
Western Libraries and Open Access
With more than 12 million items—both in print and online—Western Libraries houses one of the largest collections in North America. The general public is welcome to visit Western Libraries and make use of most collections.
Weldon’s New Silent Study Space
Writing Support Centre
The Writing Support Centre is available year-round to assist with university-level writing. It offers free one-to-one appointments, writing seminars, resources, and presentation help with a writing advisor. Services are available in-person at two campus locations or online. The Writing Support Centre supports all members of Western’s community, including undergraduates, graduate students, postdocs, and faculty. Assistance is provided for any academic or professional writing, at any stage of the writing process, in any genre, across disciplines. Additionally, the Centre offers free online modules publicly accessible to introduce university-level writing.
McIntosh Gallery
Founded in 1942, McIntosh Gallery at Western University is a public art gallery that promotes visual arts education. It engages with artists, academics, and the community through innovative exhibitions and educational programs. Supported by various arts councils and Western University, the gallery provides enriching visual culture experiences, offering free educational opportunities for all.
