R&I 2024-25 annual report

Dalhousie Research & Innovation: Annual report 2024-25

Meeting the moment with research that matters

Message from Dr. Graham Gagnon, Acting Vice President Research and Innovation

Dalhousie’s research community is a driving force of discovery and progress, helping to shape a better future for Nova Scotia and beyond. I stepped into this role in January, at a time when the public is increasingly looking to research for solutions with real-world impact. That expectation gives us a powerful opportunity to show how our work improves lives – here at home and around the world.

Whether it’s advancing health and wellbeing, protecting our ocean, accelerating clean energy, harnessing technology, or working with industry, government, and communities to shape the businesses, policies and programs that help the province thrive – we are making vital contributions.

This is a moment for stepping up to challenges – for Dalhousie, for Nova Scotia, and for research with purpose. We’re ready to meet it, support and lead where we’re needed, and turn knowledge into positive change.

Healthy outlook

Research Impact

Breakthrough in heart treatment best practice sparks global rethink

For millions living with life-threatening heart arrhythmias, the go-to treatment has long been medication. But a Dalhousie cardiology researcher has demonstrated that a minimally invasive procedure should be the first-line treatment.

Research Impact

Empowering Nova Scotia pharmacists to prescribe HIV prevention drugs

Dalhousie is collaborating with policymakers to make Nova Scotian pharmacists among the first in the country with the ability to prescribe the lifesaving medication.

Aerial view of whales near icy coast, highlighting ocean conservation research.

Research Impact

Tackling violence against women from inside Nova Scotia’s health care system

Dr. Alexa Yakubovich is embedding with health professions most likely to treat abused women to build processes that help keep them safe.

Scientist using a pipette in a lab, symbolizing medical research and innovation.

Research Impact

Channeling the power of natural killer cells to beat cancer

In the hunt for a cure to cancer, Dal researchers are finding the viruses we shield ourselves against can hold great promise in fighting the deadly disease.

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Close-up of battery modules with connected terminals.

Recognizing excellence

Giant of geriatric medicine Dr. Kenneth Rockwood named to Order of Canada

Dr. Rockwood was recognized for his outstanding research, collaboration and clinical care of older adults, including the development of the��Frailty Index��and the��Clinical Frailty Scale, used worldwide.

Major funding

Biomanufacturing at Dalhousie gets a $23.9-million-dollar boost

Dalhousie and the university’s Canadian Centre for Vaccinology received a Biosciences Research Infrastructure Fund grant to create an Atlantic node for pandemic preparedness and other biomanufacturing research.

Major funding

Dalhousie researchers receive $7.5 million for youth mental health

Four researchers were awarded Research Nova Scotia funding to develop system-wide innovations for more supportive youth mental health and addictions care, and generate the resources needed to empower communities to address local issues.

Major funding

Dal researcher receives $3.5‑million CIHR grant to improve lung health

Dal researchers are leading a national team focused on improving lung health through a new patient registry, an expanded research network, and a new screening tool called the CAN-LUNG score that helps people assess their own lung health.

Ocean of discovery

Research Impact

Dal scientists hunt climate clues on first‑ever Canadian‑led research mission to the Antarctic

A Canadian naval vessel carrying Dal and other scientists and cutting-edge equipment designed and built in Nova Scotia, cruised into Antarctic waters for an unprecedented mission to conduct climate research.

Times Higher Education Impact Ranking

ShanghaiRanking

Life Below Water

Oceanography

30 Globally

6 Canada

40 Globally

2 Canada

Research Impact

Dal researchers christen new locally discovered microbe after Halifax

Named T. haligoni in honour of the city where it was found, a bacteria local to Halifax’s Bedford Basin could help scientists better understand the health of the ocean.

Research Impact

Undersea robots reveal the phytoplankton hidden beneath the ocean's surface

Researchers are gaining a more accurate understanding of the microscopic plant-like organisms that are the foundation of the marine food web.

Research Impact

Exploring how oysters can help clean one of Nova Scotia’s polluted waterways

Dubbed 'ecosystem engineers', oysters are being tested by researchers in a tidal estuary for their capacity to filter effluents from a local pulp mill.

Major funding

$2.5 million grant is bringing a sea change to ocean science with artificial intelligence

Funding from Canada’s Ocean Supercluster is helping Dal bring the AI revolution to Canada’s ocean sector and empowering researchers and industry with new digital tools to gather, analyze and share data.

Environment for change

Research Impact

Breakthrough poised to transform wastewater treatment worldwide

Dalhousie researchers and their industrial partners have piloted the world’s first municipal-scale UV LED reactor for wastewater treatment, an innovation that slashes energy use, curbs greenhouse gas emissions, and eliminates the use of toxic mercury bulbs.

Times Higher Education Impact Rankings

Clean Water and Sanitation

Responsible Consumption and Production

22 Globally

3 Canada

46 Globally

6 Canada

Research impact

Harnessing rivers to fight climate change

A Dalhousie researcher uncovered a groundbreaking approach to carbon dioxide removal that removes the gas from the atmosphere while combatting the acidification of Nova Scotia’s rivers.

Research impact

Dal research ties 56 companies to over half of global branded plastic waste

An international study linked top branded plastic producers to global plastic waste, revealing which companies are driving the pollution problem.

Major funding

Dal battery prototyping and testing infrastructure gets $10.15M boost

Dalhousie’s Canadian Battery Innovation Centre received a significant boost from Natural Resources Canada’s Energy Innovation Program and the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency. When it opens, the centre will be the country’s first university-based battery prototyping and testing facility, making it a hub for energy storage breakthroughs from researchers across industry and academia.

Major funding

Researchers receive $6.9 million to modernize Canada’s soil data

Dalhousie researchers are leading a national effort to monitor soil carbon, a critical step in leveraging soils as a nature-based climate solution. Funded through Sustainable Agriculture Research Initiative, support comes from NSERC and SSHRC in collaboration with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.

Major funding

Sociologist leads $1.9-million research network to help reduce farm emissions

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and SSHRC are funding the development a new national research network led by Dalhousie that supports an equitable transition to net-zero in Canadian agriculture and its periphery industries.

Major funding

New $500-thousand project to make Atlantic Canada a green‑hydrogen research hub

Researchers from ��ɫ�� are collaborating with the National Research Council of Canada on a two-year project to help make Atlantic Canada a hub for green hydrogen innovation. They aim to develop affordable, high-performance catalysts to enable greener, cost-effective hydrogen production using AI and advanced materials science.

Digital innovation

Recognizing excellence

Dalhousie’s new Killam Memorial Chair plans to put AI to work for Nova Scotians

Dr. Frank Rudzicz was appointed to one of Dalhousie’s prestigious Killam Memorial Chairs – a title awarded to select researchers at the forefront of their fields. A leader in AI and health care, he is building a hub for applied artificial intelligence research focused on improving the lives of Nova Scotians.

Major funding

New industry‑focused R&D hub receives $1.4 million to spark semi- and superconductor sector in Nova Scotia

The Government of Nova Scotia-funded MINDI Hub was launched to develop industry partnerships and a provincial sector focused on supplying the semi- and superconductors essential to powering modern technology.

Major funding

$1.6-million grant supports the launch of new cybersecurity training program

A Dalhousie-led partnership will equip a new generation of cybersecurity experts. Funded through NSERC’s CREATE program, nearly 200 students, will be trained to integrate technical skills with policy, ethics, and governance.

Research Impact

Researchers helping to ensure AI doesn’t harm the environment

Dalhousie’s SMART lab is focused on making AI more sustainable by improving the energy efficiency of the software behind it. The team is developing tools to reduce the carbon footprint of AI systems, ensuring we can harness their benefits without compromising the environment.

Recognizing excellence

NSERC's most prestigious prize for early‑career researchers goes to computer scientist

Dr. Rita Orji, Dalhousie's Canada Research Chair in Persuasive Technology, was awarded the Arthur B. McDonald Fellowship for her pioneering work in personalized digital interventions using AI and machine learning and advancing technologies that promote health and wellbeing through more adaptive, inclusive, and effective user experiences.

Innovation and industry partnership

Major funding

Dalhousie receives $32 million to lead national network for innovation, commercialization and entrepreneurship skills training

Dalhousie was named national headquarters of Lab2Market, a skills training program that helps researchers turn ideas into impact. Funded by the Government of Canada through NSERC, CIHR, and SSHRC, the investment expands the program to over 50 institutions and strengthens the university’s leadership in research commercialization.

Serving startups

Dal Innovates
2024-25 program teams

455 Participants

14 Startups incorporated

72 Total startups

$182K Capital raised

55 Jobs created

Creative Destruction Lab-Atlantic��

2024-25 program teams

72 Founders

39 Ventures

61 Jobs created

$179M Financing secured (Current and alumni between 01/09/24 and 21/04/25)

Accelerating entrepreneurship

Inaugural Dal Innovation Week welcomes over 1,500 students

Bringing together students, researchers, and industry leaders, the new annual event became Atlantic Canada’s largest student-driven innovation initiative. With 15 subevents, the week showcased students and researchers turning bold ideas into solutions that drive economic growth and social impact.

Major funding

Startup program receives $650 thousand to boost biomedical innovation

New funding from the Government of Nova Scotia will double the number of startups in the ideaBUILD program, with a focus on deep-tech biomedical ventures. It’s expected to accelerate prototype development and advance health care-focused entrepreneurship in the province.

Impactful partnership

Reinventing repair to keep Canada’s Navy mission-ready

As Canada rethinks military readiness amid shifting U.S. relations, Dalhousie partnered with Defence Research and Development Canada to strengthen operational readiness – using advanced additive manufacturing to develop critical submarine parts and the processes needed to produce them.

Industry Engagement and Commercialization

543 Companies Engaged

8 Technology licences

34 Patents filed

2,976 Months students spent in MITACS industry placements

11 Patents issued

Community connection

Major funding

Atlantic First Nations Water Authority (AFNWA) partners with Dal to deliver world‑class water treatment

A $4.3 million NSERC Alliance–Mitacs Accelerate grant is supporting a partnership with the AFNWA – Canada’s first Indigenous-owned and -led water utility. The project enhances infrastructure, community engagement, and training for over 70 Indigenous and non-Indigenous students to ensure long-term sustainability.

Times Higher Education Impact Ranking

Partnership for the Goals

100-200 Globally

7 Canada

Serving the community

Putting mental health in reach for low-income Nova Scotians

With operational funding from Nova Scotia’s Office of Addictions and Mental Health, Dal’s Centre for Psychological Health offers free care to low-income Nova Scotians while training clinical psychology PhD students to meet demand in the province.��

Informing policy

Improving treatment of foreign workers in Atlantic Canada

A new agreement with the Government of Mexico is strengthening policy guiding the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program and protections and working conditions for migrant farm workers in Atlantic Canada’s agricultural sector.

Creating dialogue

Inaugural AI Symposium creates platform for community engagement

More than 300 leaders from education, research, industry, and government gathered to explore the far-reaching impacts of AI, highlighting its transformative potential and the risks of adoption across sectors, in a sell-out, day-long event.

Recognizing excellence

Physics prof recognized for leadership and research excellence

Well known for his work promoting equity in academia, Dr. Kevin Hewitt received a 2025 Holland Award from the Research Corporation for Science Advancement and joined the Cottrell Scholars community from institutions across Canada and the United States recognized for research and leadership excellence.

Success in numbers

Research funding administered: FY2024-2025

Total funds admimistered 2021 to 2025

Key performance indicators

4,072 Scholarly publications indexed by Scopus

7,310 Number of policy documents citing Dal publications (3-year total)

51.1% Publications with international co-authors (3-year total)

832 Number of PhD students

Supporting our researchers

2,255 Applications submitted to funding agencies

1,235 New accounts approved to be opened

3,563 Active files as of March 31, 2025

635-REB 192-UCLA New projects submitted for ethics review

*REB - Research Ethics Boards, UCLA - University Committee on Laboratory Animals

Recognizing excellence: Awards 2024-25

Dr. Paul Amyott
Discovery Awards: Hall of Fame

Dr. Hany El Naggar
Canadian Geotechnical Society (CGS),
G. Geoffrey Meyerhof Award

Dr. John Frampton (3D BioFibr)
Discovery Awards: Innovation Award

Dr. Katja Fennel
American Geophysical Union Fellow

Dr. Graham Gagnon
Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Engineering

Dr. Dominic Groulx
Fellow of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)

Dr. Israat Haque
University of Alberta Alumni Honour Award

Dr. Gabriela Ilie
Discovery Awards: Public Impact Award

Dr. Erin Johnson
Royal Society Wolfson Fellowship

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Dr. Barret Kurylyk
AGU Hydrologic Sciences Early Career Award

Dr. Joanne Langley
Canadian Academy of Health Sciences

Dr. Finlay Maguire
Discovery Awards: Emerging Professional

Dr. Andrew Medeiros
University of Washington 2024–25 Fulbright Canada Visiting Chair in Arctic Studies

Dr. Suresh Neethirajan
Fellow of the Royal Society of Biology (UK)

Dr. Kate Sherren
Royal Society of Canada College of New Scholars

Dr. Mark Stradiotto
Royal Society of Canada Fellow

Dr. Anya Waite
Public Policy Forum: Frank McKenna Award
Discovery Awards: Professional of Distinction

Dalhousie Research Advisory Council

Chair: Dr. Graham Gagnon
Acting Vice President Research and Innovation

Dr. Jennifer Bain
Associate Vice President, Research

Dr. Jamie Baxter
Associate Dean Research, Faculty of Law

Dr. James Brenan
Associate Dean Research, Science

Dr. Stefanie Columbo
Acting Associate Dean Research, Faculty of Agriculture

Dr. Eileen Denovan-Wright
Associate Dean Research, Faculty of Medicine

Dr. Mark Filiaggi
Associate Dean Research, Faculty of Dentistry

Dr. Karen Foster��
Associate Dean Research, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences

Stephen Hartlen
Assistant Vice President, Industry Relations

Jeff Larsen
Assistant Vice President, Innovation & Entrepreneurship

Dr. Marty Leonard
Dean, Faculty of Grad Studies

Dr. Frank MacMaster
Vice President Research & Innovation, IWK Health

Dr. Jennifer Morawiecki
Director, Global Research Engagement

Dr. Balakrishnan Prithiviraj
Associate Vice President, Global Relations

Dr. Daniel Rainham
Acting Associate Dean Research, Faculty of Health

Dr. Marlies Rise
Assistant Vice President, Research Services

Dr. Jeannie Shoveller
Vice President Research, Nova Scotia Health

Dr. Mikiko Terashima
Acting Dean, Faculty of Architecture & Planning

Dr. Peter VanBerkel
Associate Dean Research, Faculty of Engineering

Michael Vandenburg
Dean of Libraries

Trevor Weissent
Managing Director, Research & Innovation

Dr. Dominika Wranik
Associate Dean of Research, Faculty of Management

Dr. Nur Zincir-Heywood
Associate Dean Research, Faculty of Computer Science

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Dalhousie Research & Innovation: Annual report 2024-25

Meeting the moment with research that matters

Navigate the report

Healthy outlook

Breakthrough in heart treatment best practice sparks global rethink

Empowering Nova Scotia pharmacists to prescribe HIV prevention drugs

Tackling violence against women from inside Nova Scotia’s health care system

Channeling the power of natural killer cells to beat cancer

Giant of geriatric medicine Dr. Kenneth Rockwood named to Order of Canada

Biomanufacturing at Dalhousie gets a $23.9-million-dollar boost

Dalhousie researchers receive $7.5 million for youth mental health

Dal researcher receives $3.5‑million CIHR grant to improve lung health

Ocean of discovery

Dal scientists hunt climate clues on first‑ever Canadian‑led research mission to the Antarctic

Times Higher Education Impact Ranking

ShanghaiRanking

Dal researchers christen new locally discovered microbe after Halifax

Undersea robots reveal the phytoplankton hidden beneath the ocean's surface

Exploring how oysters can help clean one of Nova Scotia’s polluted waterways

$2.5 million grant is bringing a sea change to ocean science with artificial intelligence

Environment for change

Breakthrough poised to transform wastewater treatment worldwide

Times Higher Education Impact Rankings

Harnessing rivers to fight climate change

Dal research ties 56 companies to over half of global branded plastic waste

Dal battery prototyping and testing infrastructure gets $10.15M boost

Researchers receive $6.9 million to modernize Canada’s soil data

Sociologist leads $1.9-million research network to help reduce farm emissions

New $500-thousand project to make Atlantic Canada a green‑hydrogen research hub

Digital innovation

Dalhousie’s new Killam Memorial Chair plans to put AI to work for Nova Scotians

New industry‑focused R&D hub receives $1.4 million to spark semi- and superconductor sector in Nova Scotia

$1.6-million grant supports the launch of new cybersecurity training program

Researchers helping to ensure AI doesn’t harm the environment

NSERC's most prestigious prize for early‑career researchers goes to computer scientist

Innovation and industry partnership

Dalhousie receives $32 million to lead national network for innovation, commercialization and entrepreneurship skills training

Serving startups

Inaugural Dal Innovation Week welcomes over 1,500 students

Startup program receives $650 thousand to boost biomedical innovation

Reinventing repair to keep Canada’s Navy mission-ready

Industry Engagement and Commercialization

Community connection

Atlantic First Nations Water Authority (AFNWA) partners with Dal to deliver world‑class water treatment

Times Higher Education Impact Ranking

Putting mental health in reach for low-income Nova Scotians

Improving treatment of foreign workers in Atlantic Canada

Inaugural AI Symposium creates platform for community engagement

Physics prof recognized for leadership and research excellence

Success in numbers

Key performance indicators

Supporting our researchers

Recognizing excellence: Awards 2024-25

Dalhousie Research Advisory Council