Research begins with curiosity – an idea, a question, or a problem waiting to be solved. But the journey doesn't always end with a discovery or publication. Research can also spark new technologies, inform public policy, inspire entrepreneurial ventures, and create solutions that improve lives and strengthen communities.

Recognizing this continuum from discovery to impact, Queen’s University is renaming its Vice-Principal (Research) portfolio to Vice-Principal (Research and Innovation) (VPRI).  

The change reflects work already underway across Queen’s and the university's growing role in connecting research excellence with discovery-based research and innovation, commercialization, and industry partnerships, as well as economic and societal impact.

"Research is at the core of everything we do, and innovation is one of the many ways we translate that research into impact," says Nancy Ross, Vice-Principal (Research and Innovation). "This renaming recognizes the full scope of our research mission. It's about building on our strengths and creating more opportunities for our researchers and their ideas to make a tangible difference in the world."

The transition also represents an important step in advancing Queen’s Bicentennial Vision, which sets an ambitious direction for the university as it approaches its 200th anniversary in 2041. The vision calls for Queen’s to be recognized as a leading research-intensive university. One of the ways we do this is through meaningful partnerships, including with industry.

Similarly, the university's Strategic Research Plan 2025–2030 emphasizes creating the conditions for transformational research, strengthening partnerships across sectors, and providing researchers with the support needed to advance their work and maximize its impact.

The renaming comes at a time when governments at the federal and provincial level are placing increasing emphasis on the role of research and innovation in Canada's economic growth, productivity, and global competitiveness. Federal and provincial funding programs are increasingly focused on partnerships, commercialization, talent development, and translating research into real-world benefits.

The new portfolio name positions Queen’s within this evolving landscape and aligns with the approach taken by many of Canada's leading research-intensive universities, including several U15 peers.

Strengthening the innovation ecosystem

For decades, the university has supported researchers in protecting intellectual property, developing technologies, establishing ventures and successful spinoff companies, and building relationships with industry and community partners. Innovation is embedded in Queen's research ecosystem.

As part of the VPRI transition, Queen’s Partnerships and Innovation (QPI), a unit within the portfolio, will become Commercialization and Ventures, a name that more clearly reflects the unit's work supporting commercialization, venture development, and connections with external partners.

"At Queen’s, we want to help researchers realize the full potential of their discoveries," says Jessie Kubes, Associate Vice-Principal (Economic Development). "Whether that means protecting intellectual property, building a new venture, or partnering with industry, Commercialization and Ventures works with researchers to explore opportunities to translate their ideas into solutions that benefit society."

While the names are changing, the VPRI’s commitment to supporting research excellence across all disciplines remains central to the portfolio's mandate. As the university looks toward its third century, the evolution to these changes also signals a commitment to advancing discovery, fostering collaboration, and ensuring that Queen's research continues to make a difference in solving some of the world’s greatest challenges.

For information on the VPRI and Commercialization and Ventures, visit the website.