Research to transform the world
At Royal Roads, researchers are guided by the university's strategic research themes and Learning, Teaching and Research Model to produce knowledge that responds to global, national and community-based challenges.
Six Research Chairs
15 international research partnerships
600+ scholarly outputs annually
RRU Research Centres, Institute and Labs
Royal Roads is home to research centres, institutes and labs that bring interdisciplinary teams together to address complex social, environmental and economic challenges. Through applied research, partnerships and knowledge mobilization, these groups create practical tools, build capacity and support change in communities, organizations and systems.
Cascade Institute
Led by Dr. Thomas Homer-Dixon, the Cascade Institute addresses urgent and converging global problems. Through complex-systems research, the institute anticipates future crises and identifies high-leverage interventions that can change humanity’s course for the better.
Resilience by Design Lab
Led by Dr. Robin Cox, the Resilience by Design Lab works with youth, communities, educators and professionals. Through participatory and arts-based research, the lab advances climate action, disaster resilience, community capacity and systems change.
Faculty research at Royal Roads
As a DORA signatory, we advance innovative, purpose-driven research that creates real impact in the communities in which we live, work and play locally and globally.
Three research themes guide our work.
- Transformational learning
- Climate action, wellbeing and the environment
- Leadership, organizations and an equitable, inclusive society
See how we're making an impact
Research in Action: Faculty and student stories
Student research at Royal Roads
At RRU, graduate students actively publish and present at global conferences alongside faculty.
Get support throughout your program
Faculty and staff research support
Faculty and staff can find support for your research projects through the Office of Research Services. Find resources, including current funding calls and opportunities, forms, and policies and procedures.
Research & funding opportunities
Learn about applying for internal and external funding, and the award nomination process.
Internal funding | External funding
Research e-bulletin
Explore research calls and funding opportunities, updated bi-weekly.
Research Chairs
Royal Roads research chairs lead focused programs of inquiry on complex challenges facing communities, institutions and systems. Their work advances knowledge, builds partnerships and supports practical change across areas such as climate action, public policy, misinformation, sustainability, Indigenous economic development, changemaking and research impact.