Research

Headshot of Liz Hammond-Kaarremaa.

Study sheds light on the ancestry and genetics of Coast Salish woolly dogs

December 18, 2023

VIU honorary research associate part of Smithsonian study on woolly dogs published in the journal Science. A study from researchers at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History (NMNH) sheds new light on the ancestry and genetics of woolly dogs. The now-extinct breed was a fixture of... Read more


Dr. Serene Kerpan standing outside against a backdrop of greenery and smiling at the camera.

VIU professor researching impacts of prenatal opioid exposure with First Nations communities

December 13, 2023

Dr. Serene Kerpan is the lead author of a nationally funded report. Vancouver Island University (VIU) Kinesiology Professor Dr. Serene Kerpan is studying the impact of prenatal exposure to opioids and neonatal abstinence syndrome with First Nations communities. Kerpan co-leads a research project... Read more


VIU Nursing professor Dr. Caroline Variath standing outside on a sunny day and smiling at the camera

VIU professor using patient-oriented approach to medical assistance in dying research

December 12, 2023

Dr. Caroline Variath received a Michael Smith Health Research BC award for her work. Vancouver Island University (VIU) Nursing Professor Dr. Caroline Variath is researching ways to enhance awareness of and access to end-of-life care for patients. Medical assistance in dying (MAID) has been legal in... Read more


A mountain biker takes in the views on a sunny day

VIU researcher studying social and economic impacts of trail systems in Cowichan Valley

December 7, 2023

The research includes a public survey online now until the end of December. How, when and for what purpose people use trails in the Cowichan Valley region is the subject of a Vancouver Island University (VIU) researcher’s latest project. Aggie Weighill is a VIU Tourism and Recreation Management... Read more


Three women smile, one holding a bunch of balloons, another holding a heart balloon near her face

VIU News & Experts: December 1, 2023

December 1, 2023

What can COP28 realistically achieve? 🌍 We had a soul-filling week at VIU. The VIU Foundation's Giving Tuesday campaign raised more than $350,000 for students in need and engaged with a record number of new donors. We celebrated by giving students cookies, smiles and heart balloons. Every dollar... Read more


Headshot of Dr. Andrew Loudon

VIU researcher examining how microbes could protect frogs and Pacific oysters from diseases

November 22, 2023

Dr. Andrew Loudon received a $165,000 NSERC Discovery Grant to pursue his research. Dr. Andrew Loudon is working to protect the Columbia spotted frog from a deadly disease and breed a more disease-resistant and resilient Pacific oyster. The Vancouver Island University (VIU) microbiology professor’s... Read more


Culinary arts students serve their seaweed creations to attendees during Urchin Tank, 2022.

VIU students showcase innovative seafood creations during Urchin Tank

November 20, 2023

What: Urchin Tank – Seaweed Challenge When: Friday, November 24, 5 to 7:30 pm Where: VIU’s Malaspina Theatre (Building 310), Nanaimo campus Vancouver Island University’s (VIU’s) Urchin Tank is back this fall with five new student teams competing to see who has created the best fermented seaweed... Read more


Stephen Davies sits at his computer with a digitized letter on the screen

Putting a human face to the Canadian war experience

November 7, 2023

Expert commentary with Dr. Stephen Davies, Director of the Canadian Letters and Images Project Vancouver Island University History Professor Dr. Stephen Davies is founder of the Canadian Letters and Images Project, an online, digital archive of Canadian wartime letters and related materials. He... Read more


Dr. Stephen Davies sits in front of his computer, which displays a digitized letter

VIU News & Experts: November 3, 2023

November 3, 2023

In this issue of VIU News & Experts:  Telling the stories of soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice Conflict resolution expertise President and vice-chancellor re-appointed VIU experts in the news Celebrating diversity through movement at WorldVIU Days Putting a human face to war VIU... Read more


A crowded festival scene with tents and a bouncy castle

VIU News & Experts: October 19, 2023

October 19, 2023

Supernatural tales, life-changing research and short-term rental rules 📖 VIU's Nanaimo campus is going to be a busy place this Saturday as we host our first-ever community festival. DiscoverFest includes live music, an artisan market, science demos, expert talks, campus tours, activities for kids... Read more