At Western, whether oriented purely towards discovery or to direct application in the service of the public and or private sectors, the strength of such areas is typically defined by the research excellence demonstrated by both individual scholars and research groups associated with them.

Western has identified four primary research fields which capture the breadth of work done at the University:

• Life Sciences and the Human Condition;
• Culture, Analysis and Values;
• The Human and Physical Environments;
• Social Trends, Public Policy, and Economic Activity.

Western further defines its research excellence, ensuring its place as one of the top research-intensive institutions in the country with "Western's 10 Signature Areas in Teaching and Research" as well as specific areas of strategic research strength.

• VP Research
• Publications & Media
• Staff Contacts