2024 UVic Aspiration Research Clusters Announced
June 24, 2024
OVPRI is pleased to announce the 2024 cohort of UVic Aspiration research clusters.
The Aspiration Research Cluster program was established to support research excellence, facilitate interdisciplinary collaboration, and raise the external profile of the university through capacity-building resources and support.
In this cycle, three clusters received $100,000 to support and catalyze research impact.
Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) Research Cluster
Leads: Caroline Cameron, Renée Monchalin and Astrid Pérez Piñán
Advancing the World Health Organization’s Sustainable Development Goal 3.7, “universal access to sexual and reproductive health-care services, including family planning, information and education, and the integration of reproductive health into national strategies," this cluster aims to reduce stigma and raise awareness of inequities in sexual and reproductive health and rights faced by marginalized communities.
Society-Engaged AI and Robotics (seAIR) Research Cluster
Leads: Marianne Black, Homayoun Najjaran, Audrey Yap and Regan Mandryk
Ethical, accessible, democratized and sustainable integration of artificial intelligence and robotics can enhance quality of life and foster personal interactions. Engaging with experts in ethics, law, philosophy and sociology, this cluster will investigate and address potential impacts and opportunities related to these technologies. They’ll expand UVic’s capacity for interdisciplinary collaboration and strategic industry partnerships.
Dementia-Friendly Research Cluster
Leads: Denise Cloutier, Mariko Sakamoto, Jodie Gawryluk and Theone Paterson
Dementia is a leading cause of death and disability in Canada and around the world. Estimates suggest that 1 million Canadians will be living with dementia by 2030 and 1.7 million by 2050. Members of this cluster will expand, evaluate and mobilize research evidence to optimize the positive impact of dementia-friendly environments and person-centred care for individuals and care providers in long-term care facilities, homes and communities.