May 8, 2025

The Global Research-Intensive Universities Network (GRUIN)—composed of associations such as U15 Canada that represent 158 leading institutions from around the world—has issued the Ottawa Declaration to call for intensified global research collaboration amid rising geopolitical uncertainty. The declaration reaffirms shared academic values and outlines four key priorities for the network: acting for the public good; upholding academic freedom and institutional autonomy; ensuring integrity, supporting security, and conducting research responsibly; and promoting transparency in international partnerships. “Our associations can and must do even more to facilitate and encourage collaboration across all borders for the public good,” reads the statement.

The University of Calgary has been selected to become the home of XPRIZE’s Canada Hub. XPRIZE hubs foster connections between innovators from across the world to drive change. UCalgary has received $1.5M from Alberta Technology and Innovation and $1.5M from the Opportunity Calgary Investment Fund to support the hub’s operation. The hub will offer Canadian innovators a space where they can de-risk and validate new technologies. “We’re excited to see the amazing world-changing ideas and innovations that will come from the hub at UCalgary,” said UCalgary President Dr Ed McCauley.

The University of Waterloo is working with Major League Baseball’s Baltimore Orioles to develop PitcherNet, an AI system that uses video footage to assess pitcher biomechanics. The tool uses 3D modeling and machine learning to replicate the complex motion analysis typically generated by systems that are only available in select stadiums. Additionally, PitcherNet will enable scouts and coaches to analyze key metrics from cellphone or broadcast video, making it easier to assess talent at the collegiate and minor league levels. “Rather than the scout reporting qualitatively, now you have quantitative data from the scout at a college-level game,” said UWaterloo Associate Professor John Zelek.

Vancouver Island University has proposed a series of changes to its structure and programs to address financial pressures and enrolment declines. VIU plans to restructure academic leadership by reducing the number of deans from eight to four by 2026, while retaining associate deans and faculty staff. The proposals would also phase out over a dozen graduate and undergraduate offerings beginning in Fall 2025 or 2026 and suspend intakes for six more. VIU stated that current students will be able to complete their studies. A final decision from the Board of Governors is expected on June 3.

The College Employer Council (CEC) is calling on the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) to enter non-binding mediation to resolve ongoing negotiations involving part-time support staff at Ontario’s 24 public colleges. Talks began in January 2024, but have reached a standstill despite a May 1 conciliation session. Both parties indicated they have proposed changes related to wages, sick leave, and shift cancellation provisions. No new sessions have been scheduled.

The Université du Québec à Montréal has received a $1.5M donation from La Fondation Sandra et Alain Bouchard to support the Chaire Dr William-Barakett de déficience intellectuelle et troubles du comportement. Co-led by Psychology Professors Diane Morin and Mélina Rivard, the chair conducts applied research to better understand behavioural disorders among individuals with autism or intellectual disabilities and to provide families and care providers with practical tools to improve quality of life and well-being. The five-year funding will support the development of service pathways; targeted support programs; and improved responses from public service sectors including transit, policing, and education.

Okanagan College and the City of Kelowna have forged a partnership that will support the campus’ new recreation centre, which is currently under construction. The city has pledged $4M pledge toward the Don Folk and Family Recreation and Wellness Centre, which will have its design expanded to include more spaces—including multipurpose studios— for city-run programming. The partners will collaborate to offer city recreation and leisure programming at the new facility. “We want people to be coming to campus and participating in College activities, connecting with students, and contributing to life at [the college],” said Okanagan President Dr Neil Fassina.

St Clair College’s board of governors recently approved the college’s 2025-26 fiscal budget, which includes a $6.5M deficit. St Clair President Michael Silvaggi said that the college’s 2025-26 fiscal budget and the recent decision to suspend 18 programs enabled the college to cut costs while still ensuring that it can pivot to address labour market needs in the future. Silvaggi told CTV News that the college has $75M in reserves and does not anticipate further program reductions at this time.

Yukon University’s Centre for Northern Innovation in Mining has received a new commercial driving simulator, thanks to a $700K investment from the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency. Students will use this simulator to develop the necessary skills for driving commercial vehicles, such as shifting gears and double clutching. It will provide them with scenarios they would find in real life while reducing wear and tear on YukonU’s fleet. The simulator—which was commissioned in April—is one of two that are available at the centre.

Those working with PhD candidates should remember that the way they discuss life as PhD student matters to students, writes Les Back (University of Glasgow). Back writes that students are often reminded of the challenges they will face during their PhD journey. While tips to mitigate these challenges may be helpful, they also need to hear their supervisors speaking about the positives of the experience. Back writes that supervisors should strive to highlight the joys of completing a PhD, such as how students can find their voice in a topic they care about. “[A]s a supervisor, watching that achievement unfold through successive supervision meetings never ceases to be a source of wonder and joy,” writes Back.