From its earliest days, Memorial University has encouraged research activity by its faculty. From modest beginnings in the 1950s, research has grown steadily — to nearly $100 million dollars in 2010/11. As Memorial grows into an increasingly research-focused institution, it is necessary to think about how best to support researchers, engage with the wider community and continue to build a culture of research excellence.

To that end, the university has unveiled the Research Strategy Framework, an aspirational document that focuses on pursuing, supporting and celebrating excellence in all forms of research.

The League of Extraordinary Researchers is Memorial University of Newfoundland's creative retelling of the Research Strategy Framework.

Memorial University is a leading knowledge community where research excellence is valued and promoted for its contributions to the advancement of knowledge, to the professional and personal development of students and researchers, and to the well-being of Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada and the world.

We will build upon Memorial University's vibrant culture of creativity, innovation and research excellence to create, transform, interpret, share and apply knowledge with integrity, excitement, vigour and purpose.

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Guiding Principles

• Valuing and supporting the freedom of researchers to pursue research excellence that is based on their individual and collective intelligence, curiosity, ingenuity and creativity.
• Valuing and supporting all aspects of research including scholarship and creative activities, as well as the translation of knowledge into products, practices and policies, and other forms of community engagement.
• Valuing and supporting Memorial's special obligation to the people of Newfoundland and Labrador by supporting and building capacity for research excellence that:
  • Addresses needs and opportunities for our province,
  • Engages our researchers on matters of international significance,
  • Contributes to Memorial's teaching and learning environment through academic programs of international calibre.
• Valuing and supporting overarching research themes that cut across academic units and address significant opportunities and challenges for which Memorial is particularly well-positioned to build nationally and internationally recognized research capacity.

I am pleased to present the first volume of our Illustrating Memorial trilogy. Each will detail one of three new university frameworks: Research, Teaching and Learning, and Engagement.

The first, aptly titled The League of Extraordinary Researchers, highlights the specific goals and strategic themes which form the background of our research strategy. Memorial University is already home to internationally-renowned experts and respected authorities, some of whose work is featured in the pages that follow. Our researchers and scholars are also widely recognized for their active engagement with communities, both here and around the world. Indeed, it is these innovative research programs, careful stewardship and strong community that make Memorial University unique.

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Externally sponsored research has grown substantially in the last decade. These investments have enabled the growth of research excellence at this university, especially in areas of strategic importance. Our new research framework, developed using an inclusive and highly consultative process, defines the principles and goals with which we will build even greater capacity, impact and reputation in research. It identifies areas where we have clear cross-disciplinary strengths on which to build, as well as emerging themes with significant potential for growth and importance. All can and will strengthen Memorial's historic and continued contributions to the economic, social, cultural and scientific well-being of this province and the country.

The new Research Strategy Framework, along with others to appear in the Illustrating Memorial trilogy, are guiding our overall planning process, and informing the institution's decision-making and strategic direction. This will culminate in a new comprehensive, strategic plan for the future.

DR. GARY KACHANOSKI

President and Vice-Chancellor

Memorial University of Newfoundland

The Research Strategy Framework represents a major advance in Memorial University's growth and evolution.

It puts into words our vision of the future of research, and our aspirations for a university-wide culture of research excellence. It also articulates ways in which Memorial can build on its rich record of engagement with community partners and research collaborators, both here and around the world.

Our vision was developed and refined through active consultations across the university and throughout the province. Ten research themes emerged from these sessions reflecting our current strengths and emerging strategic opportunities. These themes are neither exclusive nor prescriptive in scope. On the contrary, they are titles that capture clusters of activities, many with natural connections across the diverse disciplines, academic units, and forms of scholarship at this university. And their inclusiveness and versatility are evident throughout the stories featured in this, the first volume of Illustrating Memorial.

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The development of the Research Strategy Framework was ably led by Dr. Ray Gosine. It was also aided by an external advisory committee whose thoughtful advice ensured that Research Strategy Framework remained connected to the many communities of interest with whom we partner and work. Their work has led to a framework that reflects our highest aspirations and is rooted in our unique culture.

DR. CHRISTOPHER LOOMIS

Vice-President (Research)

Memorial University of Newfoundland

Learn more about the goals of the framework through stories that feature some of the amazing scholars and projects that make Memorial unique. These stories also highlight the 10 cross-cutting strategic research themes that represent areas of existing research strength and/or emerging opportunity. Icons representing these themes will emerge as you navigate through The League of Extraordinary Researchers