campaign pillar

Turning Curiosity into Solutions

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Photo courtesy of Western University

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Solving global challenges begins with basic research—driven by questions like What if? Why not? What’s missing? This impulse to imagine differently and understand more deeply fuels many of the most important advances in science, business, technology, culture and society.

This kind of research rarely moves in a straight line. It takes time, freedom and persistence, and often, the humility to contribute to discoveries whose full impact may only be revealed to future generations. It’s how we’ve mapped the brain, decoded the human genome, reached into space and built the tools that power today’s technologies, business innovations and life-changing breakthroughs.

At Western, our researchers are advancing knowledge through fundamental research that draws on discoveries, both new and long-established, to generate real-world impact across disciplines.

They’re combining powerful imaging technologies, artificial intelligence and open science to push the boundaries of how we explore and understand the brain, building instruments to explore the origins of the solar system, and tracking migratory species to generate vital data that informs conservation and climate adaptation strategies.

With your support, we will power the next wave of innovation, enabling us to:

  • Expand research capacity and amplify impact in areas where Western leads—including artificial intelligence and machine learning, mineral exploration, biomedical engineering, philosophy of science, AI and cognitive neuroscience, business research and education, smart manufacturing and space science.
  • Open up new ways to turn ideas into real-world impact through student internships, research fellowships, cross-sector partnerships and support to move research advances into the marketplace.
  • Harness emerging technologies and interdisciplinary research to address global challenges and drive meaningful change in Canada and beyond.
We are all in on building a better future — for Canada and the world.
Featured Initiatives
Deliver low-cost medical care

Western’s Frugal Biomedical Innovation Program co-designs low-cost medical devices with communities to expand care in underserved areas.

2025-08-12
Harness AI to drive global sustainability

Western researchers are using machine learning to create a healthier, fairer and more sustainable future.

2025-08-12
Propel Canada’s space leadership

At Western Space, we’re launching research into space and bringing the benefits down to Earth.

Unlock powerful insights into the mind

Western researchers are using advanced artificial intelligence to improve how we learn, work, stay healthy and make decisions.

2025-08-12
Transform ideas into impact

Western is helping top researchers turn breakthroughs into commercial ventures that benefit Canada and the world.

2025-08-12
Quotation marks.
As an institute of higher learning, we have an obligation to prepare a generation of citizens for a world that will look very different from today and Western is perfectly positioned to lead in this area.
Mark Daley, PhD'03
Chief AI Officer, Western University

Campaign Pillars

Meeting the moment

Our campaign pillars reflect Western’s leadership in addressing today’s most urgent global challenges and the areas where support can make the greatest impact.