Research Institutes and Centres

Picture of beakers

In order to create a Constituted Research Institute or Centre, researchers must follow the process outlined in the UNB Policy Governing Research Institutes and Centres at the University of New Brunswick. The process culminates with the approval of the UNB Senate from the applicable campus and the Board of Governors.

Constituted research institutes

Atlantic Institute for Policy Research (AIPR): 
The mission of the AIPR is to  produce research, conduct outreach and contribute to the development of analytic capacity to support policy development aimed at transforming the region’s episodic gains in well-being into sustained increases in standard living, population and importance within Confederation.

Canadian Institute for Cybersecurity (CIC)The Canadian Institute for Cybersecurity is a comprehensive multidisciplinary training, research and development, and entrepreneurial unit that draws on the expertise of researchers in the social sciences, business, computer science, engineering, law and science. Based at UNB, the institution is the first of its kind to bring together researchers and practitioners from across the academic spectrum to share innovative ideas, create disruptive technology and carry out groundbreaking research into the most pressing cybersecurity challenges of our time.

Canadian Rivers Institute (CRI): (Fredericton and Saint John campuses) The Canadian Rivers Institute, founded in 2001 and hosted at the University of New Brunswick, is a network of 22 scientists at 14 institutions across Canada and internationally. CRI scientists and their networks of research associates, graduate students, and staff support governments, businesses and communities in making smart, evidence-based decisions through high-impact research.  The institute’s vision is to make every river a healthy river.

Centre for Nuclear Energy Research (CNER): CNER is devoted to conducting research and development work in the areas of nuclear energy associated with the operation and maintenance of nuclear power stations. The institute collaborates with Atomic Energy of Canada Ltd. and the NB Research and Productivity Council.

Health Research Institute (HRI):  The Health Research Institute established in 2018, supports the growth and integration of health-related research activity with institute partners Dalhousie Medicine New Brunswick (DMNB), New Brunswick Community College (NBCC) and Horizon Health Network (HHN).  The HRI seeks to be a leader in supporting research that makes New Brunswick healthier.  The Institute provides a common forum for faculty members, researchers and students at all four institutions with an interest in health-related research.  By ensuring better collaboration and removing barriers to effective partnerships, the HRI will provide a tangible health research focus.

Institute of Biomedical Engineering (IBME): 
The Institute brings together an interdisciplinary research team to investigate a broad range of topics, all related to designing systems and equipment that meet human physical requirements or medical needs.

NB Institute for Research, Data and Training (NB-IRDT): The NB-IRDT is a designated data custodian for the Province of New Brunswick. It is physically located in Keirstead Hall on the University of New Brunswick Fredericton campus. The Institute is wholly constituted within the University of New Brunswick and operates at arm’s length from its Government partners.

Research Institute in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (RIDSAI): This bi-campus institute will help multiply research in AI and Data Science, create opportunities for interdisciplinary innovation, and provide a systematic mechanism for applied research partnerships. The institute will also bring together researchers from multiple disciplines, providing shared resources for conducting research on topics of interest, to answer deep research questions and to provide solutions that address societal challenges faced by our community.

Urban and Community Studies Institute (UCSI): Based out of Saint John, UNB’s UCSI brings a small-city lens to big social issues.  Projects include smart and sustainable cities, economic and community development (understanding how digital skills are transforming the labour market, and why local economies struggle to mature startups), sustaining transportation alternatives in small cities and rural areas, as well as understanding immigration attraction and retention factors. It is increasing UNB's global presence through international publications, conferences and recruiting.

Constituted Research Centres

Centre for Criminal Justice Studies (CCJS): The Centre falls under the responsibility of the Faculty of Arts at the University of New Brunswick on the Saint John Campus. The CCJS represents a wealth of expertise on various criminal justice issues, and has the capacity to approach these issues from a theoretical, policy, and/or applied perspective.

Centre for Research in Integrated Care (CRIC): CRIC is a living laboratory that develops and evaluates patient-centred integrated models of care for individuals with complex care needs and their families. 

Dr. Jack McKenzie Limerick Pulp & Paper Research & Education Centre: 
The objectives of the Centre are to perform world-class R&D work in selected pulp and paper areas, to provide relevant education to university and industry students, to collaborate with industry and government on R&D projects, and to provide testing, technical, and library services to organizations in the Atlantic Provinces.

Emera & NB Power Research Centre for Smart Grid Technologies: Located at UNB, the Emera & NB Power Research Centre for Smart Grid Technologies will be at the forefront of this emerging industry. In collaboration with academic and private sector partners, research and innovation from the Centre will play a pivotal role in advancing the transformation of conventional power grids around the world.

Gregg Centre for the Study of War and Society: 
A leader in the field of low-intensity conflict since 1980, the Centre is the only organization in Canada that focuses exclusively on revolutionary and civil wars, political terrorism, covert operations, unconventional warfare, intelligence services, propaganda, and the role of the media in modern warfare.

IBM Centre for Advanced Studies - Atlantic (CASA): The Centre is an IBM-Research-based institution dedicated to promoting and cultivating collaborative research between IBM and the University of New Brunswick. In Partnership with IBM business units dedicated to research, development, and services, CAS Atlantic provides UNB with a window that spans a relevant cross-section of the Corporation.

Marine Additive Manufacturing Centre of Excellence (MAMCE): Our mission is to ensure the adoption of additive manufacturing in the industrial marine sector of Canada by developing methods, procedures, and effective workforce training systems. The Marine Additive Manufacturing Centre of Excellence will work with certification organizations to ensure that designs and parts developed will be certified for commercial use.

Muriel McQueen Fergusson Centre for Family Violence Research: 
The goal of the Centre is to understand family violence and generate effective action strategies to reduce and eventually eliminate it. The Muriel McQueen Fergusson Foundation and UNB established the Centre in 1992. It works in collaboration with St. Thomas University, l'Université de Moncton, numerous community organizations and government agencies.

Off-site Construction Research Centre (OCRC): UNB’s Off-site Construction Research Centre seeks to transform the construction industry by optimizing alternate solutions to conventional, ‘stick-built’, on-site construction. In partnership with builders, designers and owners of the built environment, our research investigates advanced solutions based on emerging digital technologies and design for manufacturing and assembly approaches.

SPECTRAL - Spatial Computing Research Centre: SPECTRAL's mission is to be the leading touch point for spatial computing technology in Atlantic Canada, providing immediate access to cutting-edge applied research and pioneering technological leadership. We are committed to empowering the effective implementation and maximization of Extended Reality technologies (including Virtual, Mixed, Augmented, and other 3D and spatial technologies). Through fostering robust partnerships with industry, academia, and government agencies, we aim to catalyze innovation and drive transformative progress across sectors through spatial computing technology, which has already transformed how people can and will work with technology.

Wood Science and Technology Centre: 
The Wood Science and Technology Centre at UNB is committed to helping wood products manufacturers remain competitive. Numerous Canadian firms have been assisted in meeting global market demands with innovative technologies and quality products.

Non-constituted research centres

These centres encompass the study of a group of researchers whose work is complementary but who are not necessarily physically co-located.