UNB Research

We're proud to be part of two recently-funded Dimensions Canada projects -- leading one and joining another -- that will help us advance institutional EDIA practices and supports! Read more: blogs.unb.ca/newsroom/2026/… // cc: @NSERC_CRSNG, @CIHR_IRSC, @SSHRC_CRSH

ResearchNB announced Priority Sector Development Fund support yesterday for 7 projects. 5 are led by UNB researchers, advancing knowledge and solutions for seaport operations, food and environmental sustainability, green power & healthcare. Read more: blogs.unb.ca/newsroom/2026/…

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐄𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐑𝐨𝐥𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐔𝐍𝐁 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐝𝐚’𝐬 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 New national polling shows that Canadians continue to place trust in universities and view them as essential community anchors. Research also shows an opportunity: while support is growing, the day-to-day ways universities shape people’s lives aren’t always visible. UNB, along with several Canadian universities is engaging with a national campaign produced by @univcan—Possible With U—that aims to highlight the everyday impact universities have on people, communities and Canada’s future. Learn more ➡ possiblewithu.ca

Dr. Matthew Stackhouse is @UNB’s newest Purdy Crawford/Stephen Jarislowsky Postdoctoral Fellow in Health Policy. He’s using data to help people access the care and support they need for their children with neurodevelopmental conditions. Read more: blogs.unb.ca/newsroom/2026/…

Congratulations to Dr. Kalikinkar Mandal, NB Power Cybersecurity Research Chair and associate professor of computer science at UNB! Mandal has been awarded an NSERC Alliance International Catalyst Quantum grant to explore better privacy safeguards for AI and machine learning tools. Read more about this grant ➡️ bit.ly/4dV4KUk As the use of AI and machine learning continues to rise and diversify, concern is increasing over protecting personal data from being leaked through model learning processes or siphoned by targeted attacks. Advances in quantum computing add an extra layer of risk, as the unique properties of these computers allow them to break encryption significantly faster than before – what used to take centuries could now take hours. Mandal's research will address these privacy issues by developing new quantum-safe protocols to encrypt the data during storage in, processing by, and transfer to and from ML models – not just for today’s risks, but for tomorrow’s quantum ones as well.

How can we work together to grow NB’s agricultural sector? That was the question at our roundtable on the future of agriculture in NB, where growers, government, industry, economic developers & researchers gathered to explore possibilities. Stay tuned for more on the topic!

We're happy to have welcomed NSERC president Dr. Alejandro Adem and Vice President, Discovery Research & Scholarships, Anne-Marie Thompson to UNB this past weekend, and to share in celebrating some of the people and places behind our research achievements!

A new UNB-led research project will support the increased importance of maritime trade and critical infrastructure protection. Researchers, industry partners and NB’s two commercial ports will create a platform to monitor and simulate port operations. blogs.unb.ca/newsroom/2026/…

Today, we welcomed the Government of Canada and regional partners for an announcement on Defence Industrial Strategy investments in New Brunswick. Our Maritime 3D Digital Twin project—a cutting‑edge initiative that will create real‑time digital models of port environments in New Brunswick was highlighted during the event. Led by Dr. Ian Church, and a multidisciplinary team at UNB, this project will: 🟢 Advance dual‑use technologies in AI, ocean sensing and simulation 🟢 Enhance maritime domain awareness and port security 🟢 Support critical infrastructure protection 🟢 Improve environmental performance and operational efficiency 🟢 Create exceptional training opportunities for students and emerging researchers This investment helps position New Brunswick, and UNB, as a national leader in next‑generation maritime innovation, aligned with Canada’s evolving security and economic priorities. Just as importantly, this project creates exceptional training opportunities for UNB students and emerging researchers—preparing them to contribute to Canada’s future workforce and innovation economy. With support from the Government of Canada and our partners, we are delivering meaningful impact for our region, for Canada’s maritime sector and for our national security. Read more ➡️ bit.ly/4m1d2fp

Welcome to UNB, Dr. Shannon Drouin (she/her)! Dr. Drouin joined UNB in November as an assistant professor of psychology. She uses data-intensive methods to explore the diversity of aging experiences, including neurodegenerative disease, resilience and healthier aging.

What’s the connection between hearing loss, social isolation and dementia onset? A group of doctors brought that question to @UNB DataNB institute director Dr. Ted McDonald, and together they dove into the data. Read more about what they discovered: blogs.unb.ca/newsroom/2026/…

UNB's Research & Innovation Partnerships team, along with @SBAtlantic partners and Vimy Forge, recently hosted a Dual-Use Technology Summit. Read more about the event and how UNB contributes to innovation for Canada’s defence, security and sovereignty: blogs.unb.ca/newsroom/2026/…

We're thrilled to see this story spotlighted by @NSERC_CRSNG! It's a terrific example of how curiosity, expertise, innovation and funding support can lead to important advances in our knowledge and our ability to create a more sustainable future.

Welcome to @UNB, Dr. Prince Ekoh (he/him)! Dr. Ekoh is an assistant professor of social work whose research explores areas including gerontology, forced migration and refugee life, social work practice and education, and qualitative research approaches. unb.ca/faculty-staff/…

[4/4] "By combining causal modelling and community-engaged science, I hope we can get to the core of these questions and make real change." Read about the four UNB projects supported by Research NB’s Priority Sector Development Fund: blogs.unb.ca/newsroom/2026/… / @NBHRF @UNB

"I want to use this opportunity to answer questions that matter to New Brunswickers: why valued species are struggling to recover, how climate change is reshaping our waters, and what policy actions can protect coastal ecosystems for future generations." [3/4]

How does research funding help us balance ecological and economic sustainability? @UNB’s Dr. Suchinta Arif, Canada Research Chair in Ecological Modeling, is working with both big data and community members to create a better future: [1/4]

Welcome to @UNB, Dr. James Bonar (He/him)! Dr. Bonar is an assistant professor of history whose research explores early modern Europe, particularly the Atlantic World. He is especially interested in understanding colonialism beyond direct acts of conquest.

[4/4] Read more about this project and the other three UNB projects supported by Research NB’s Priority Sector Development Fund: blogs.unb.ca/newsroom/2026/… // @NBHRF @UNB

"Together, we can create a network where we can test new ideas, learn from everyday care, and create practical, clinic-led improvements that make our healthcare system better.” [3/4]

How can research funding help our healthcare system? Dr. Shelley Doucet is leading a new project to establish a province-wide learning network: “Our hope is that this work improves primary care delivery in New Brunswick and health outcomes for all New Brunswickers. [...] [1/4]