Western Academy for Advanced Research - Western University

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Catalyzing World-Class Research

Giving teams the time, space and support to do their best work

Catalyzing World-Class Research

Giving teams the time, space and support to do their best work

The Western Academy for Advanced Research (WAFAR)

WAFAR is Western University's home for high-impact, interdisciplinary research. We bring together ambitious scholars from Western and around the world to seek solutions to the major challenges facing humanity.

Meeting space in WIRB

More Than Funding

Dedicated support. Every WAFAR-funded team works with our research specialist from start to finish. That includes shaping the research plan, making connections across Western and beyond, preparing for large-scale funding, and sharing results with the world.

A place to work together. WAFAR’s home in the Western Interdisciplinary Research Building offers workstations, meeting rooms and open collaboration space, built for the in-person, cross-disciplinary work our programs support.

WAFAR researcher showcasing their work

Projects Funded by WAFAR

From neural networks to international law, see the major challenges WAFAR researchers have tackled.

Dr. Samantha Nutt

Western Global Impact Conversation

WAFAR Presents Dr. Samantha Nutt

Join us on February 10, 2027 for the inaugural Western Global Impact Conversation, featuring renowned physician, humanitarian, and global affairs expert Dr. Samantha Nutt. Founder and President of War Child Canada and War Child USA, Order of Canada recipient, and one of The Globe and Mail's "25 most influential" Canadians, Dr. Nutt brings more than two decades of frontline experience to some of the world's most complex crises. Don't miss this compelling noon-hour talk and Q&A, presented by the Western Academy for Advanced Research (WAFAR) at the Ronald D. Schmeichel Building for Entrepreneurship and Innovation. Details to follow — stay tuned!