October 24, 2025

The Government of Canada recently announced a $690M investment in science and research funding. More than $482M will be distributed through the Research Support Fund to support projects that ensure researchers can conduct research in today’s research environment and compete globally. The other $198M will go towards the creation and renewal of 259 Canada Research Chairs (CRCs), in order to support the advancement of essential knowledge in key areas. The Canada Foundation for Innovation also announced a $11M investment through the John R Evans Leaders Fund to support research infrastructure projects at 27 institutions.

The Government of Saskatchewan has committed to $6.3M in funding through SaskPower over the next six years to establish four nuclear research chairs in the province. Part of the funding will create research chairs at the University of Regina and the University of Saskatchewan, and allow the universities to join the University Network of Excellence in Nuclear Engineering. The remaining $3M in funding will fund research chairs at First Nations University of Canada and Saskatchewan Polytechnic and support these institutions in joining the Sylvia Fedoruk Centre for Nuclear Innovation.

McMaster University and Western University have signed an agreement that will enable researchers from each institution to access 13 research facilities. With reciprocal access to the universities’ facilities, researchers will be able to tap into more tools and spaces to engage in discovery and innovation. The partnership has begun as a three-year pilot project, with the potential to expand to new facilities over time. “By opening access to our Core Research Platforms, we’re maximizing the investments from federal and provincial governments and empowering researchers to push boundaries, accelerate discovery, and train the next generation of innovators,” said McMaster VP (Research) Gianni Parise.

The University of Saskatchewan has received a $5M donation from alumni Bernie Slogotski and Thedra Hunt, which it will use to create a new centre for entrepreneurship. The Slogotski Hunt Centre for Entrepreneurship will support students and faculty from across the university with education, programming, and mentorship. Students will have support for their entrepreneurial ventures, while faculty will be able to engage in innovation. “This dedicated centre will empower students and faculty to lead boldly, collaborate across disciplines, and transform ideas into impact,” said USask Edwards School of Business Dean Dr Keith Willoughby.

A recent Nature survey of 3,700 doctoral students has found that one of the largest factors contributing to PhD satisfaction is supportive supervision. The survey found that the happiest doctoral students were studying in Brazil and Australia. In both countries, nearly half of students expressed happiness with their supervisor and reported the relationship as being marked by mutual respect and openness. Drawing on the broader literature, Nature emphasizes the impact of good supervision—which goes beyond subject expertise to include curiosity, empathy, and reliability—on student wellbeing and, by extension, achievement. To act on this research, Nature says that universities can treat supervisory time as a matter of accountability and offer training on and rewards for effective supervision.

York University’s Schulich School of Business and Spain’s Esade Business School have launched a dual-degree Bachelor of Business Administration degree. The Esade-Schulich BBA Dual Degree enables students to earn credentials from both institutions over four years. Students will begin the program at their home institution and complete their final two years abroad, gaining exposure to two academic systems and international business practices. “This dual degree marks an important step in expanding international opportunities for our undergraduate students,” said YorkU Schulich Dean Detlev Zwick. The program welcomes both incoming high school students and current BBA students from either institution.

Saskatchewan Polytechnic has launched the Western Canadian Nuclear Training Centre. The centre will foster strategic partnerships and provide nuclear-specific training to students, including the UK-based National Skills Academy Nuclear’s industry-leading training programs. The centre has also partnered with the University Network of Excellence in Nuclear Engineering, which will build on a MOU signed earlier this year. Sask Polytech President Dr Larry Rosia said that Western Canada’s nuclear workforce will benefit from the centre’s “world-class training, hands-on simulation training, and industry best practices.”

The University of British Columbia Okanagan is launching a professional Master of Design program that will prepare students to address global and societal challenges through critical design thinking. The program will emphasize collaboration with faculty, industry, and community partners. “The program is rooted in critical design thinking, creative practice and design principles,” said UBCO Department of Creative Studies Head Shawn Serfas. Students will also learn in a custom-built new media lab designed to support innovation, entrepreneurship, and creative practice. The first cohort begins in May 2026.

The First Nations University of Canada and the University Network of Excellence in Nuclear Engineering (UNENE) have signed an MOU to advance Indigenous participation and leadership in nuclear science and clean energy. The partners will co-develop educational programs, land-based learning, and student opportunities across UNENE’s network of 18 institutions. “This partnership recognizes the importance of Indigenous and Western knowledges as they relate to science, innovation, stewardship, and sustainability,” said FNU President Jacqueline Ottmann. A working group will begin developing new courses and public education initiatives rooted in reconciliation and environmental responsibility.

Postsecondary institutions across Canada are embracing the Hallowe’en spirit with seasonal events that blend fun, learning, and community engagement. At Camosun College, both campus libraries are showcasing chilling tales and Halloween-themed book displays. CDI College is hosting a student costume contest, while Shingwauk Kinoomaage Gamig is inviting students to a pumpkin carving contest. The University of Lethbridge is holding a Spooky Science fair with experiments, live demonstrations, and activities like ghost cannons to spark scientific curiosity in young learners. Meanwhile, the University of Guelph and University of Saskatchewan’s Diefenbaker Canada Centre are offering ghost tours, featuring eerie campus legends.