Global spotlight helps advance U of R’s strategic research enterprise

When University of Regina researchers share their discoveries with the world, the impact can reach far beyond the walls of a laboratory or classroom.

For Associate Professor of Astronomy Sam Lawler, that reach has come through her work communicating the possibilities and challenges of space exploration with audiences around the globe. Through The Conversation Canada, an online news outlet that publishes academic research written by scholars and researchers, Lawler has written 23 articles that have been read nearly two million times, bringing her research and expertise to readers across Canada and across the globe.

Her recent article about the concept of a giant space mirror became one of the most widely read stories published by The Conversation Canada in recent months, attracting nearly 30,000 readers through the platform alone. Additional coverage through international outlets brought the total readership close to 40,000, with more than 60 per cent of readers coming from the United States.

We have to make it such that it doesn't matter what area of study a student is enrolled in. We want them to have equal opportunities to immerse themselves in a research-rich environment. — University of Regina Vice-President (Research), Chris Yost

Meanwhile, Kinesiology, and Health Studies researcher Darren Candow reached an immense audience when he appeared on Diary of a CEO, one of the world's most popular podcasts.

Candow’s appearance focused on evidence-based research related to creatine, an energy-boosting supplement for muscle building and cognitive well being.  Candow spoke to creatine’s safety, effectiveness, and role as one tool within a broader approach to health and wellness. The episode generated millions of views across social media platforms, including more than 25 million views on Instagram and nearly two million views on YouTube.

Candow’s appearance on the  podcast reached more people than the combined audience of his more than 170 academic publications.

Pushing the boundaries of knowledge

For University of Regina Vice-President (Research), Chris Yost, examples like these demonstrate the diversity, strength, and relevance of the University’s research enterprise.

“It demonstrates the research at the U of R is important to society,” Yost says. “Our researchers are finding solutions to problems and pushing the boundaries of knowledge that matter to people, in Saskatchewan and globally.”

Whether researchers are exploring human health, fundamentals of space, climate adaptation, or countless other areas, Yost says the University is producing research that connects with issues facing society today.

“These are timely research questions we're asking,” he says. “We're doing work that has resonance with people on the national and international level.”

The growing visibility of U of R research reflects a central goal of the University’s strategic plan, Together, We Serve, and its priority area, Together, We Discover.

The plan outlines an aspiration for the University of Regina to be recognized as a research-intensive, comprehensive university, one where discovery happens across disciplines and where knowledge is shared beyond academic circles.

Yost says a research comprehensive university’s strength comes from the breadth of its research.

“As a comprehensive University our faculty and students are exploring all facets of inquiry in the natural and societal world,” he says.

Connected by shared challenges

That range allows researchers to pursue questions that matter locally while contributing to global conversations.

A Saskatchewan farmer adapting to drought conditions and a farmer elsewhere in the world facing similar challenges may be separated by thousands of kilometres, but they are connected by shared challenges, Yost says.

“Our geography is similar to other parts of the world,” he says. “Our challenges, water scarcity for example, are common in other parts of the world. Discoveries we make here in Saskatchewan that benefit people in Saskatchewan can also benefit people in other parts of the world because they are encountering and dealing with these same challenges.”

Yost also emphasized that discovery is not limited to faculty researchers. Students are essential partners in the research process.

“Students are the engines that drive research,” he says.

By involving students in research, the University provides opportunities for them to work alongside researchers who are pushing the boundaries of knowledge, while developing skills in asking questions, testing ideas, and solving complex problems.

 “We have to make it such that it doesn't matter what area of study a student is enrolled in,” Yost says. “We want them to have equal opportunities to immerse themselves in a research-rich environment.”

For Lawler and Candow, the ability to share research with broader audiences has opened new doors for discovery and engagement. Their stories demonstrate that research does not end when a paper is published or a study is completed. It continues when discoveries are shared, conversations begin, and knowledge reaches people who can use it.

As the University of Regina moves forward with its strategic vision, examples like these illustrate the pursuit of meaningful questions, create new knowledge, and ensure those discoveries are making a difference in our world.

Banner image: The diversity, strength, and relevance of the University’s research enterprise has been on display lately reaching millions of readers and viewers around the globe. Credit: University Communications and Marketing