To lead in an era of accelerating change, McGill must act with purpose, ambition, and rigour. Our objectives reinforce the conditions that sustain research excellence—collaboration, talent, innovation, infrastructure, and data capacity. They deepen a foundational commitment to Indigenous-led research. Guided by the principles of the Scarborough Charter on Anti-Black Racism and Black Inclusion in Higher Education, we will address the systemic barriers for Black researchers, and other underrepresented groups in our research community. These objectives reflect our dedication to supporting the people and systems that drive discovery and innovation.
Foster Convergence and Collaboration
McGill researchers combine disciplinary excellence with new perspectives to tackle complex challenges that no single field can solve alone. We will strengthen the conditions for ambitious, convergent research by fostering collaboration across disciplines and sectors. We will respond to societal priorities by integrating diverse approaches and methods in interdisciplinary research units and state-of-the-art infrastructure.
Expand Local Partnerships and Global Presence
McGill’s international networks and global reputation amplify our impact at home and abroad. As a driver of Quebec’s research economy, we will strengthen innovation and the policy and social impacts of research through strategic partnerships with communities, institutions, and the public and private sectors. We will extend our research leadership and broaden the influence of our work by pursuing opportunities aligned with our strengths and with McGill’s Global Engagement Strategy.
Attract and Cultivate Research Talent
Exceptional talent thrives at McGill. We attract some of the world’s most talented students, postdoctoral fellows, early-career researchers, clinician scientists, and research staff. Each researcher contributes to this strength by mentoring ethical and critical thinking informed by reflexivity. We will enrich these research experiences through strategic partnerships, workforce training, and opportunities that drive innovation, support entrepreneurship, and lead to real-world impact.
Accelerate Innovation
Innovation at McGill is powered by a robust pipeline of discoveries and insights by world-leading researchers. Our first institution-wide innovation strategy will integrate open science, entrepreneurship, commercialization, partnerships, and social, cultural, and policy perspectives to turn research into scalable solutions. We will play a defining role in Canada’s innovation ecosystem by fostering start-ups, incubation, social innovation, and sustained collaboration, while ensuring that progress advances sustainability, equity, and public trust. Entrepreneurship, in its many forms, is a key driver of knowledge mobilization across disciplines and sectors.
Strengthen Research Infrastructure and Data Capacity
Robust infrastructure, skilled people, and reliable data form the backbone of discovery and innovation at McGill. We will build a more resilient research ecosystem by streamlining systems and support structures. As a leader in secure data stewardship, computer science, and data-intensive research, we will champion transparency and integrity in the evolving global data landscape.
Advance Indigenous Research and Engagement
McGill will strengthen its response to McGill's Calls to Action on research by advancing Indigenous leadership grounded in a Nation-to-Nation approach. With respect, reciprocity, and shared decision-making, this work will deepen collaboration with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities, and embed Indigenous data sovereignty and priorities into research practice.