Victoria, CA

Research plays a vital role in solving complex problems. On January 19, 2019, Dr. Brian Belcher received appointment as the Ashoka Chair in Research Effectiveness. As an inaugural position, the Chair will support changemaking in research. “The Ashoka Research Chair in Research Effectiveness will further support our commitment to solving crucial social and environmental problems,” said Royal Roads University (RRU) President, Philip Steenkamp.

The Ashoka Chair continues work begun under a Tier 1 Canada Research Chair (2013-2020). The Chair supports the Sustainability Research Effectiveness (SRE) Program’s efforts to develop and apply concepts, tools, and methods. We aim to understand and measure how research contributes to change-making processes. Our program uses this learning to guide improved research teaching and practice.

For example, SRE evaluations of graduate research projects provide relevant learning to equip RRU with the know-how to fulfil its commitments to research impact and change-making education. In a second example, SRE’s work also shapes research policy, management, and practice more broadly to help research funders and managers support relevant, credible, legitimate, and actionable research that makes a difference.

Learn more about Dr. Belcher’s appointment through Royal Roads University’s news story. Read more news posts from the Sustainability Research Effectiveness Program.