Research

StFX researchers engage in scholarly and creative research activities that contribute to academic knowledge, enhance the student experience, collaborate with communities, and prioritize social responsibility.  

We have individuals and teams working on some of the most urgent contemporary issues, and our campus includes several collaborative research centres, institutes, labs, and networks—including the recently announced Dahdaleh Institute for Innovation in Health, which will focus on improving health and wellness for rural communities.

As a national leader in primarily undergraduate education, StFX also provides a multitude of opportunities for students to contribute to faculty research projects during their degrees.  

StFX Scholar provides access to the publications and contributions of StFX faculty and students. The database consists of books, book chapters, articles, essays, and other research outputs. Publications are accepted from all departments and across all languages and subjects as determined by the research activities of StFX Faculty.

Equity, diversity & inclusion in research

StFX is a signatory to the Dimensions initiative, which invites universities across Canada to take part in a post-secondary transformation to increase equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) and help drive deeper cultural change within the research ecosystem. The program addresses obstacles faced by, but not limited to, women, Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible minority/racialized groups, and members of LGBTQ2+ communities. It provides public recognition for institutions committed to achieving increased EDI.  

For additional information and reporting related to StFX’s plans for equity, diversity and inclusion in research, visit our Canada Research Chair page.  

View StFX's signed copy of the Dimensions Charter  which commits our University to adopting eight core principles throughout our practices and culture to achieve greater equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI).  

Read the StFX Canada Research Chairs Plan for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.

StFX is a member of the Alliance of Canadian Comprehensive Research Universities.

StFX DORA Statement on Responsible Research Assessment

At St. Francis Xavier University, we affirm our commitment to the principles outlined in the San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA) and to advancing a culture of responsible, equitable, and transparent evaluation of research. We recognize that the quality, integrity, and impact of scholarly work cannot be captured by any single metric.

Our approach to research assessment prioritizes the intrinsic value and rigor of scholarly contributions across disciplines. We support diverse forms of research output, including publications, creative works, community-engaged scholarship, outreach activities, and various forms of knowledge mobilization. Research evaluation processes at StFX are designed to consider the full breadth of a researcher’s work, including its relevance to society, contributions to accessibility, equity, and inclusion, and alignment with community needs.

StFX also values collaboration, interdisciplinarity, and open research practices. We recognize and reward efforts that promote accessibility, reproducibility, and the sharing of knowledge beyond academic audiences. Contributions to teaching, mentorship, leadership, and service are integral to our understanding of research excellence.

In alignment with the Tri-Council agencies’ commitments to accessibility, equity, diversity, and inclusion, we recognize that research careers are not always linear and may include interruptions or variations in productivity due to caregiving responsibilities, health-related leave, community obligations, or other life circumstances. Assessment processes at StFX will take these factors into account, ensuring that applicants are not disadvantaged by career interruptions or non-traditional career paths. We value the quality and impact of contributions relative to opportunity, and we support the inclusion of narrative statements that allow researchers to contextualize their records.

Through these commitments, St. Francis Xavier University seeks to foster an inclusive and supportive research environment that values integrity, diversity of thought, and meaningful impact. We will continue to review and refine our assessment practices to ensure they align with evolving best practices and uphold the highest standards of responsible research evaluation.

Dr. Erin Morton
Associate Vice-President, Research, Graduate and Professional Studies
St. Francis Xavier University