Shape: The University Strategic Plan 2023-2033
This plan outlines a bold vision for the University of Alberta's future.
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Why Shape?
Because at the University of Alberta, we shape futures through top-tier education and research. We shape ideas through impressive innovations and renowned discoveries. And we shape trust through the relationships and experiences we build every day.
Each person's contribution to the University of Alberta gives shape to what we offer the world, and how we offer it. We want this plan to shape the work we all do — the work that will shape the future of the university for the next 10 years.
Celebrating the Launch
Watch Bill Flanagan, President and Vice-Chancellor, and Verna Yiu, Acting Provost and Vice-President Academic, launch our new guiding document for the business and vision of the U of A for the next decade. Learn how we all have a part to play in its success.
Coming together as one university, our north star is impact — in Alberta, Canada and the world. We will lead with purpose as never before.”
Bill Flanagan, President and Vice Chancellor
In recent years, the University of Alberta has undertaken a bold evolution, including the development of a new academic structure. We stand ready for the future.
Over the next 10 years, we will leverage our new structure and align our resources to achieve deeper and more transformational impacts across all areas of our university’s mission.
Shape Futures
Educating with Purpose
We prepare creative, collaborative and confident global citizens who are inspired to make their mark on the world.
Shape Ideas
Research with Purpose
We mobilize and energize our research, innovation and creative activities to solve our planet’s toughest challenges.
Shape Trust
Engagement with Purpose
We lead, convene and collaborate with partners to help uplift individuals and communities throughout Alberta, across Canada and around the world.
Areas of
Global
Excellence
Health and
Well-being
$200M+
in funding for precision health, intelligent medical devices, therapeutics, and women and children's health research
Artificial Intelligence
Top 2
in Canada for artificial intelligence research
Energy and
Environment
Top 10
university globally for energy systems research
Areas
of
Growth
Social Transformations
Top 7
global leader in achieving the UN's Sustainable Development Goals
Indigenous Research
$24M+
for research in health and well-being of Indigenous communities and environments
Agriculture
and Food
Leading
innovation in smart and digital agriculture and driving cellular agriculture research
People are at the heart of what we do
Our strategic plan is grounded in people. Our talented faculty, staff and students are the foundation for our university’s past achievements and our future ambitions. We must therefore take deliberate steps to support our people and create a culture where everyone can achieve their full potential.
Anil Kumar Vinayak
Engineering master’s graduate
As a student, mentor and researcher, Anil Kumar Vinayak is an inspiring example of how hands-on experiences foster the next generation of research leaders.
Lara Mahal
Director of the Glycomics Institute of Alberta and Canada Excellence Research Chair in Glycomics
As the director of the new Glycomics Institute of Alberta, Lara Mahal wants to shape connections among experts and researchers who may not realize the impact glycomics could have on their work.
Jessica Kolopenuk
AHS Chair in Indigenous Health, Cree researcher and U of A professor
As the new Alberta Health Services Chair in Indigenous Health, U of A professor Jessica Kolopenuk’s focus on building partnerships to inform policy, support Indigenous students and engage with communities will have an impact for generations.
Shape: Three-year implementation plan 2023-2026
This document sets out our action plan to implement Shape over the next three years, anchored in a set of key indicators and targets that reflect our ambitions across our academic mission.
How the future takes SHAPE
We are excited about tomorrow.
Our university’s recent evolution leads the way for the rest of Canada and positions us to do things fundamentally differently going forward. We are eager to transcend boundaries, create new ways of working together and foster more collaboration.
As we take those next steps together, we are committed to building a university of tomorrow for students, educators, researchers, alumni and community partners — here in Alberta and around the world.
In all we do, we are committed to leading with purpose as never before