Themes
Research at Royal Roads engages three main themes:
- Transformational learning (formerly Innovative learning)
This theme focuses on learning that creates opportunities to generate knowledge and to empower and effect change. Research explores models of knowledge generation and dissemination, ways of knowing and learning, participatory learning, emerging technologies, reflective engagement, and transformative inquiry. The theme considers learning at the level of society and organizations, the scholarship of teaching and learning, the design of education, the future of learning, and the development of skills to enable students to apply their learning in their own situations in real time.
- Climate action, wellbeing and the environment (formerly Sustainable communities, livelihoods and the environment)
This theme focuses on the Earth, the biodiversity of life on it, and the wellbeing and interconnectedness of all life. Research explores ways for individuals, organizations, communities and societies to examine how the Earth connects its assets—natural, physical, human, financial and social. Research also considers the wellbeing of organisms, animals, individuals, communities and societies, and seeks to ensure multidimensional understandings of how systems—social, political, environmental (natural and built), and economic—intersect and influence each other. Research under this theme also focuses on the climate crisis, its impact on all life, and the way forward for that life. It explores regenerative sustainability, degrowth, biodiversity, energy transformation and the future of the world.
- Leadership, organizations and an equitable, inclusive society (formerly Thriving organizations)
This theme focuses on connections and interactions among people. This includes diverse accountabilities within systems and sectors, communities, organizations, families, cultures and society in general. Research explores how ideas evolve and how individuals and groups of individuals adapt, innovate and lead with a vision of the future. Research explores human and operational dimensions, seeks to foster individual and organizational capabilities, and considers communication a fundamental enabling process. The theme also explores issues such as resiliency, responsibility, authentic engagement, design, culture, change, equity, diversity and inclusivity, and Indigenous Truth and Reconciliation.
Goals
Research at Royal Roads seeks to contribute to positive change in our lives, communities and societies. Our research is intentionally designed to directly benefit the communities in which we live, work and play, be they local, national or international. Royal Roads’ research aims to inspire action and address real-world challenges such as those in education, technology, information, the natural world and social systems as we prepare for whatever disruptions the future may bring.
Collaboration
Our research is primarily inter- and trans-disciplinary, which are naturally collaborative. Partnerships with those that may be impacted by or use the research are critical. Research undertaken at Royal Roads knows no borders and seeks to inform both local and global contexts.
Indigeneity
Royal Roads has committed to the following with regard to Indigeneity: respecting the people of these lands; promoting understanding of Indigenous ways of knowing and being; committing to learning about the past and its impact on Indigenous peoples; celebrating Indigenous cultures; applying Indigenous protocols to research with Indigenous peoples; and contributing to repairing the effect of oppression of Indigenous peoples. As outlined in the Academic Strategic Plan, and relevant for our research, this includes a particular emphasis on deepening our understanding of ontologies; deepening relationships with Indigenous Knowledges; and building competencies to better serve Indigenous students.
Indigenous Research
Royal Roads commits to the implementation of the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) and honouring the spirit of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). This includes SSHRC’s definition of:
"...research in any field or discipline that is conducted by, grounded in or engaged with First Nations, Inuit, Métis or other Indigenous nations, communities, societies or individuals, and their wisdom, cultures, experiences or knowledge systems, as expressed in their dynamic forms, past and present. Indigenous research can embrace the intellectual, physical, emotional and/or spiritual dimensions of knowledge in creative and interconnected relationships with people, places and the natural environment" (Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council, Definition of Terms, Government of Canada, 2021).
We recognize that Indigenous self-determination and efforts to support Indigenous communities to conduct research and partner with the broader research community require special consideration. Thus, data related to research by and with First Nations, Métis, or Inuit whose traditional and ancestral territories are in Canada must be managed in accordance with data-management principles developed and approved by these communities, where these practices exist, and on the basis of free, prior and informed consent. This includes, but is not limited to, considerations of Indigenous data sovereignty, as well as data collection, ownership, protection, use and sharing.
EDI
Royal Roads commits to conducting quality research which takes relevant, diverse perspectives into account throughout the research process. Research that embeds equitable, diverse and inclusive (EDI) practice into its design, data collection, analysis and dissemination creates more innovative research with greater impact. Our vision is that of an inclusive, diverse workforce that understands and demonstrates best practices regarding EDI in research, scholarship, teaching and human resources. We envision an engaged organizational culture that embraces, understands and advances EDI in all aspects of research and the spheres it influences. We are committed to removing barriers for equity-deserving groups regarding both their inclusion in the conduct and leadership of research and access to research.
Integration
Research, teaching and learning are intentionally and integrally intertwined at Royal Roads in our Learning, Teaching and Research Model (LTRM). Research informs our learning and teaching, and we explore our teaching and learning through research. We undertake research through a variety of methodologies and using qualitative, quantitative, arts-based and/or mixed methods. Research also informs the university’s operations, our practice, and how we live and work at the university.
Changemaking, co-creation and sharing
Royal Roads’ research is characterized by a practitioner orientation. Reflecting the university’s designation as an Ashoka University Changemaker Campus, much of our research aspires to changemaking and engages individuals, organizations and communities at all levels and stages of the process. Research is designed to be with, rather than on, participants, with emphasis on the co-creation of knowledge. Our research is designed to be shared and to be developed with practitioners who may benefit from the findings and results.
Institutional alignment
What and how we research align with our university’s priorities. Our research spans the five themes of the university’s Academic Strategic Plan: interdisciplinarity, Indigeneity, innovation, integration and inclusivity. It also furthers the four goals of our 2020–2025 Strategic Research Plan: advance, enable and support quality research; expand the visibility, reach and impact of RRU’s research; identify and focus on priority challenges for research at RRU; and expand opportunities to conduct research into learning and teaching as it pertains to our LTRM.
We move forward with a spirit of inquiry, a quest for knowledge and insight, and a commitment to action!