𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐄𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐑𝐨𝐥𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐔𝐍𝐁 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐝𝐚’𝐬 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 New national polling shows that Canadians continue to place trust in universities and view them as essential community anchors. Research also shows an opportunity: while support is growing, the day-to-day ways universities shape people’s lives aren’t always visible. UNB, along with several Canadian universities is engaging with a national campaign produced by @univcan—Possible With U—that aims to highlight the everyday impact universities have on people, communities and Canada’s future. Learn more ➡ possiblewithu.ca/

Congratulations to Dr. Kalikinkar Mandal, NB Power Cybersecurity Research Chair and associate professor of computer science at UNB! Mandal has been awarded an NSERC Alliance International Catalyst Quantum grant to explore better privacy safeguards for AI and machine learning tools. Read more about this grant ➡️ bit.ly/4dV4KUk As the use of AI and machine learning continues to rise and diversify, concern is increasing over protecting personal data from being leaked through model learning processes or siphoned by targeted attacks. Advances in quantum computing add an extra layer of risk, as the unique properties of these computers allow them to break encryption significantly faster than before – what used to take centuries could now take hours. Mandal's research will address these privacy issues by developing new quantum-safe protocols to encrypt the data during storage in, processing by, and transfer to and from ML models – not just for today’s risks, but for tomorrow’s quantum ones as well.

Today, we welcomed the Government of Canada and regional partners for an announcement on Defence Industrial Strategy investments in New Brunswick. Our Maritime 3D Digital Twin project—a cutting‑edge initiative that will create real‑time digital models of port environments in New Brunswick was highlighted during the event. Led by Dr. Ian Church, and a multidisciplinary team at UNB, this project will: 🟢 Advance dual‑use technologies in AI, ocean sensing and simulation 🟢 Enhance maritime domain awareness and port security 🟢 Support critical infrastructure protection 🟢 Improve environmental performance and operational efficiency 🟢 Create exceptional training opportunities for students and emerging researchers This investment helps position New Brunswick, and UNB, as a national leader in next‑generation maritime innovation, aligned with Canada’s evolving security and economic priorities. Just as importantly, this project creates exceptional training opportunities for UNB students and emerging researchers—preparing them to contribute to Canada’s future workforce and innovation economy. With support from the Government of Canada and our partners, we are delivering meaningful impact for our region, for Canada’s maritime sector and for our national security. Read more ➡️ bit.ly/4m1d2fp

We wish you a joyful holiday season and a bright start to 2026 ❄️

🏠 How do you survive years of unaffordable housing? UNB researcher Dr. Julia Woodhall-Melnik is discovering the answer by working with those living it. Her team is co-designing real solutions to address housing, backed by over $250K in SSHRC funding. From mutual aid to rent banks, this project is mapping the supports that help people stay housed against the odds. Discover how lived experiences are shaping policy and why this research could change lives for generations. 👉 bit.ly/4q1vuWE #ResearchWeek #ProudlyUNB #UNBResearch

This afternoon, the Centre for Nuclear Research (CNER) at the University of New Brunswick (UNB) formally opened their new Advanced Nuclear Reactors Laboratory (ANRL)! With support from @ACOACanada and Research New Brunswick, this new infrastructure will play a significant role in growing strategic areas of research and development and addressing industry needs in the areas of workforce development and technical support. “We are grateful to the Government of Canada and the Government of New Brunswick for their continued support of innovation at UNB. The Centre for Nuclear Energy Research (CNER) plays a vital role in advancing sustainable energy solutions — not only for our province, but for Canada and the world. With this new facility, CNER is equipped to drive cutting-edge research, foster industry collaboration and prepare the skilled workforce that will help make Canada an energy superpower.” UNB President and Vice Chancellor, Dr. Paul J. Mazerolle Read more ➡️ bit.ly/4odHfZh

🌍 International Mother Language Day 🌍 Celebrating linguistic diversity with Dr. Veronica Whitford, Canada Research Chair in Cognitive Neuroscience of Bilingual Reading. Her research, supported by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council, focuses on language acquisition in young newcomers to Canada. Read more ➡️ bit.ly/411VjtW

As part of our annual Research Celebration Week, some of our newest researchers are showcasing their work through 3-minute flash presentations! These unique opportunities for our researchers are designed to introduce them to our communities, fellow researchers, and industry as well as inspire new partnerships and ideas that will continue to transform the world around us.  Learn more ➡️ unb.ca/research/research-cel…