Social Work Research Centre
History
Known previously as The Social Policy Research Centre (SPR Centre), housed within the Faculty of Social Work, was first established in 1972 as the Social Policy Research Unit. It was the first independent academic unit in Western Canada devoted to social policy research and at the time was the only academic unit of its kind at the University of Regina and in Saskatchewan.
In 2016, the Centre underwent a revitalization to better reflect the current goals and research focus of individual researchers and the evolving issues faced by Saskatchewan residents. A change in name and a revisiting of the Centre’s mission and goals reflect our commitment to research that informs policies which will have a positive impact on our urban, rural and northern communities.
Present Day
The Social Work Research Centre (SWRC), located within the Faculty of Social Work, supports social justice and equity-focused research that addresses issues faced by vulnerable, marginalized and oppressed groups. Our community-engaged research utilizes both Indigenous and Western research approaches with specific attention to social action that will inform changes in policy, practice and education for a sustainable future.
Our researchers explore and address issues such as poverty and income inequality, child and youth welfare, newcomers, refugees and immigrants, mental health and addictions, mixed ability issues, and the needs of older adults. A cross-cutting theme focuses on social work education, where we apply new knowledge and innovative methods to incorporate into the curriculum.
By identifying gaps and emerging issues and engaging with policy makers to implement meaningful change, our research seeks to improve the lives of Saskatchewan residents. Involving students in the research process contributes to the development of future researchers who will in turn strengthen society through their knowledge, compassion and action.
Research Focus
Research Principles
- To facilitate social policy and practice research that promotes social justice and fosters individual, family and community development
- To support social justice and equity research that focuses on marginalized and oppressed groups
- To support research that focuses on community-engagement and research-to-action through informing changes in policy and practice
Research Themes
Child & Youth Welfare
Ecological Justice
Health & Infectious Disease
Human-Animal Bond
Indigenous Peoples & Decolonization
2SLGBTQIAP+ Community
Mental Health & Addications
Mixed Abilities
Newcomers, Refugees & Immigrants
Older Adults & Rural Communities
Poverty & Income Inequality
Social Justice & Education
Director - Dr. Kara Fletcher
Research Administrator - Sue McGee
Resources
Research Associate Resources
The SWRC is able to assist Research Associates with:
- Grant applications
- assist with preparation of grants & contracts including budget development and rationale
- Human resources
- assist with hiring research assistants or project coordinators (for projects with funding)
- Research related financials
- purchase supplies and process purchase requisitions
- provide updates on budgets
- Knowledge translation activities
- incorporate project updates and findings into SWRC materials
- assist with organization and promotion of KT events including poster and online media development
- assist with project report design and formatting
Student Resources
The SWRC provides resources to students to engage undergraduate and graduate students in our research activities.
We are able to assist Students and Research Assistants with:
- Obtaining research experience
- provide assistance to accessing current SWRC related job postings
- provide paid research assistant employment to undergraduate and graduate students
- promote research related workshops and training such as NVivo, how to write literature reviews, how to conduct interviews, etc.
- Knowledge translation activities
- provide opportunities for students and research assistants to learn about current SWRC research projects and initiatives
- provide opportunities for students and research assistants to share their research contributions
Research Training Hub
SWRC Research Assistant Training – Pilot Project (Fall 2026)
The SWRC Research Training Pilot Project will offer workshops designed to better prepare and encourage students as research assistants, as well as provide a pool of skilled candidates for researchers to access when conducting research projects. Moreover, involving students in the research process contributes to the development of future researchers who, in turn, will strengthen society through their knowledge, compassion, and action.
Registration will open in the summer.
SWRC Lunch and Learn
SWRC & Campus Events
Funding Opportunities
Many internal and external funding opportunities are available for Social Work faculty and student research initiatives. For more information regarding SWRC internal funding opportunities, please contact swrc@uregina.ca.
SWRC Internal Grants
Several internal grants are available to SWRC researchers for travel, project establishment, and publications in an effort to support research associates’ research activities for the subsequent development of competitive and larger-scale submissions to external, peer-reviewed research sponsors. For more information, contact swrc@uregina.ca.
Canada Graduate Research Scholarship - Master's program
Office of Research Services Funding Opportunities
Government of Canada Funding Opportunities
Other External Funding Opportunities
Contact Us
Regina Campus, Education Building, Room 451
socialwork.research@uregina.ca
(306) 585-5150