Inspiring the Future
Word from the rector
Innovating together to transform the world
In 2024-25, Université Laval confirmed its role as a driving force for innovation and collaboration. As our community believes major issues require a collective effort, it has harnessed its intelligence, creativity, and commitment to effect a lasting impact.
Through research projects, revised teaching practices, and strong partnerships with community, economic, and scientific communities, our University has emerged as an agent of change. Our initiatives—rooted in the values of caring, integrity and inclusion—have addressed real challenges both here and elsewhere.
This report illustrates our community’s rich and diverse actions. Each of them embodies our commitment to innovate responsibly to meet our sustainable development goals.
I would like to thank everyone who helps make Université Laval a committed, bold, and forward-looking institution.
Sophie D’Amours
Rector
Success factors
To be a university that stands out for the scale of its impact, our institution must implement and reinforce six success factors. For each success factor, discover five examples of projects started or completed in 2024–2025. Each project is linked to and demonstrates our community’s commitment to one or more sustainable development goals (SDGs).
Being collaborative and innovative
That means pushing the boundaries to find new solutions and implement innovative practices through alliances and participatory projects, both internal and external, that engage communities.
Supporting the industrial park’s transition
The Mouvement Entreprises Vertes Québec, co-managed by professors Marc Journeault and Alexandre Gajevic Sayegh, mobilizes and guides businesses through their energy transition and the adoption of greener practices. Since March 2024, a team of scientists, experts, and partners has guided 35 companies in areas of expertise and empowered more than 50 companies through training activities tailored to their needs.
Music, knowledge, and community
The first edition of Festival Fono lit up the campus with some 30 shows presented on three outdoor stages, recreational zones, and a conference on the future of music festivals. This innovative project developed in collaboration with BEUFEU brought together the university community, artists, and citizens in an immersive and inclusive experience. The popularity of last year’s edition led to a second edition in September 2025, still focused on connecting the campus with the city.
Together for tomorrow’s tech entrepreneurship
Over 300 people passionate about innovation celebrated the ambition of start-ups at the first edition of FresQC, the capital’s showcase for tech businesses. Among the talent on display was Jonathan Audet, a mechanical engineering graduate and cofounder of Ferreol Technologies who captivated audiences with a flash presentation. Presented by Entrepreneuriat ULaval, LE CAMP, Quantino, and 2 Degrés, the event brought together 51 up-and-coming tech companies, unveiled future projects, and fostered networking opportunities.
Together for agile public governance
Université Laval and École nationale d’administration publique (ENAP) are joining forces to train the next generation of managers. The new graduate degree in governance and public market management features a curriculum addressing integrity, strategic performance, accountability, and the alignment of public procurement with modern administration objectives. Pierre-André Hudon, academic manager of the distance-learning program, anchors classes in current issues.
Lab-Usine: Transforming the manufacturing sector
Lab-Usine is a joint research unit exploring innovative manufacturing systems led by Professor Jonathan Gaudreault. This five-year, $4.5M project brings together government, industry, and academic partners. It aims to accelerate the digital transformation of Québec’s manufacturing sector, while providing graduate students with an immersive learning environment in cutting-edge applied research.
Supporting the industrial park’s transition
The Mouvement Entreprises Vertes Québec, co-managed by professors Marc Journeault and Alexandre Gajevic Sayegh, mobilizes and guides businesses through their energy transition and the adoption of greener practices. Since March 2024, a team of scientists, experts, and partners has guided 35 companies in areas of expertise and empowered more than 50 companies through training activities tailored to their needs.
Music, knowledge, and community
The first edition of Festival Fono lit up the campus with some 30 shows presented on three outdoor stages, recreational zones, and a conference on the future of music festivals. This innovative project developed in collaboration with BEUFEU brought together the university community, artists, and citizens in an immersive and inclusive experience. The popularity of last year’s edition led to a second edition in September 2025, still focused on connecting the campus with the city.
Together for tomorrow’s tech entrepreneurship
Over 300 people passionate about innovation celebrated the ambition of start-ups at the first edition of FresQC, the capital’s showcase for tech businesses. Among the talent on display was Jonathan Audet, a mechanical engineering graduate and cofounder of Ferreol Technologies who captivated audiences with a flash presentation. Presented by Entrepreneuriat ULaval, LE CAMP, Quantino, and 2 Degrés, the event brought together 51 up-and-coming tech companies, unveiled future projects, and fostered networking opportunities.
Together for agile public governance
Université Laval and École nationale d’administration publique (ENAP) are joining forces to train the next generation of managers. The new graduate degree in governance and public market management features a curriculum addressing integrity, strategic performance, accountability, and the alignment of public procurement with modern administration objectives. Pierre-André Hudon, academic manager of the distance-learning program, anchors classes in current issues.
Lab-Usine: Transforming the manufacturing sector
Lab-Usine is a joint research unit exploring innovative manufacturing systems led by Professor Jonathan Gaudreault. This five-year, $4.5M project brings together government, industry, and academic partners. It aims to accelerate the digital transformation of Québec’s manufacturing sector, while providing graduate students with an immersive learning environment in cutting-edge applied research.
Being agile and proactive
That means reinventing new ways of doing things, acquiring new knowledge, working together, and taking the initiative.
The rise of collaborative robots
The work of Professor Clément Gosselin, a pioneer in the robotics field and winner of the 2024 Killam Prize in engineering, has led to the creation of new collaborative robots that are transforming the manufacturing sector. A $3.5M grant from the Canada Foundation for Innovation helps his team train the next generation of highly skilled talent that will in turn push robotic systems to new heights. This approach fosters physical interaction between humans and robots to address tech issues and labour shortages across industries.
Immersive learning
Over 300 students explored a new way of learning through a virtual clinic designed by Professor François Ratté. This virtual reality simulator immersed them in realistic clinical scenarios where they conduct interviews, made diagnoses, and performed examinations in a safe and immersive environment. This pedagogical innovation integrated into the medical curriculum not only helps hone clinical skills, it earned an Award of Excellence in Teaching!
Fostering a caring culture in research
Exploratory workshops conducted with research departments and graduate students in health identified good practices fostering empathy across research teams. This collaborative approach spearheaded by staff members Marie-Josée Lavoie, Seima Souissi, and Alban Da Silva is part of the Laboratoires et groupes de recherche en santé [healthy labs and research groups] initiative. This initial phase’s results will benefit the entire research community.
A major philanthropic event
In spring 2025, Québec hosted the Canadian Council for the Advancement of Education’s national conference, a seminal event for university staff engaged in higher education, philanthropic mobilization, and graduate community development. Organizing committee chair Caroline Girard and her colleagues led practical workshops, fostered learning, and engaged with more than 250 peers to build lasting relationships with academics across the country.
A successful decade for free online training
Professor Emeritus Jean-Pierre Brun’s online course, Cultiver la reconnaissance au travail [cultivating recognition at the workplace], reached over 12,000 students, encouraging them to build a positive organizational culture. This success stems from the growing popularity of massive open online courses (MOOCs), which have attracted over 250,000 students over the past decade. It reflects our institution’s commitment to innovate to better meet society’s expectations.
The rise of collaborative robots
The work of Professor Clément Gosselin, a pioneer in the robotics field and winner of the 2024 Killam Prize in engineering, has led to the creation of new collaborative robots that are transforming the manufacturing sector. A $3.5M grant from the Canada Foundation for Innovation helps his team train the next generation of highly skilled talent that will in turn push robotic systems to new heights. This approach fosters physical interaction between humans and robots to address tech issues and labour shortages across industries.
Immersive learning
Over 300 students explored a new way of learning through a virtual clinic designed by Professor François Ratté. This virtual reality simulator immersed them in realistic clinical scenarios where they conduct interviews, made diagnoses, and performed examinations in a safe and immersive environment. This pedagogical innovation integrated into the medical curriculum not only helps hone clinical skills, it earned an Award of Excellence in Teaching!
Fostering a caring culture in research
Exploratory workshops conducted with research departments and graduate students in health identified good practices fostering empathy across research teams. This collaborative approach spearheaded by staff members Marie-Josée Lavoie, Seima Souissi, and Alban Da Silva is part of the Laboratoires et groupes de recherche en santé [healthy labs and research groups] initiative. This initial phase’s results will benefit the entire research community.
A major philanthropic event
In spring 2025, Québec hosted the Canadian Council for the Advancement of Education’s national conference, a seminal event for university staff engaged in higher education, philanthropic mobilization, and graduate community development. Organizing committee chair Caroline Girard and her colleagues led practical workshops, fostered learning, and engaged with more than 250 peers to build lasting relationships with academics across the country.
A successful decade for free online training
Professor Emeritus Jean-Pierre Brun’s online course, Cultiver la reconnaissance au travail [cultivating recognition at the workplace], reached over 12,000 students, encouraging them to build a positive organizational culture. This success stems from the growing popularity of massive open online courses (MOOCs), which have attracted over 250,000 students over the past decade. It reflects our institution’s commitment to innovate to better meet society’s expectations.
Being interdisciplinary
That means pooling our strengths and knowledge to tackle increasingly complex problems by sharing experiences and points of view.
United to accelerate climate action
In 2024, the Rendez-vous de l’action climatique [climate action conference] was a hub of climate action data and expertise that mobilized the academic community. The 2025 edition, under the scientific leadership of Professor Marc-André Bourgault, sustained this momentum with nearly 200 participants united around a common goal—turning scientific knowledge into concrete action to accelerate the climate transition. This represents a positive impetus for building a more resilient, equitable, and low-carbon society.
Preventing pandemics
World-renowned virology expert Professor Kanta Subbarao helms the new Canada Excellence Research Chair on the Biology and Control of Zoonotic and Pandemic Respiratory Viruses. Drawing on her international expertise, she leads innovative work to better understand, control, and prevent the emergence of pandemic viruses through an integrated approach combining human, animal, and environmental health. She is supported by a seasoned team and collaborates with Professor Mariana Baz Etchebarne.
Growing the sexology service offering
The bachelor’s degree in sexology introduced by Professor Geneviève Martin and teaching associate Isabelle Proulx welcomed its first cohort in fall 2024. Since then, the team has grown to include five faculty members and one medical instructor, namely Julie Beauchamp, Catherine de Pierrepont, Roxanne Guyon, Roxanne Bolduc, Stéphanie Couture, and Sara Mathieu-Chartier. This new program meets the growing demand for qualified resources, reflecting the increased emphasis on sexual health in Québec.
Showcasing the next generation of scientists
Facteurs humains is a multidisciplinary journal that provides graduate students with their first scientific publishing experience. Published annually under the direction of Professor Isabelle Clerc and coordinated by research professional Ariane Lefebvre, it features topics that foster interdisciplinary dialogue in the humanities and social sciences. The journal is one of the flagship initiatives of the Centre interfacultaire d’appui à la réussite [inter-faculty support for success centre], which aims to support the next generation’s training and academic commitment.
Marine flora: key climate allies
A multidisciplinary team led by professors Philippe Archambault, Mathieu Ardyna, and Marcel Babin has demonstrated that algae play a key role in carbon capture. Arctic seaweed and seagrass capture 77 billion kilograms of carbon per year, the equivalent of about 500,000 km2 of Amazon forests. Québec Science has ranked this research, which deepens our understanding of the seabed’s role in climate action, among the year’s top 10 discoveries.
United to accelerate climate action
In 2024, the Rendez-vous de l’action climatique [climate action conference] was a hub of climate action data and expertise that mobilized the academic community. The 2025 edition, under the scientific leadership of Professor Marc-André Bourgault, sustained this momentum with nearly 200 participants united around a common goal—turning scientific knowledge into concrete action to accelerate the climate transition. This represents a positive impetus for building a more resilient, equitable, and low-carbon society.
Preventing pandemics
World-renowned virology expert Professor Kanta Subbarao helms the new Canada Excellence Research Chair on the Biology and Control of Zoonotic and Pandemic Respiratory Viruses. Drawing on her international expertise, she leads innovative work to better understand, control, and prevent the emergence of pandemic viruses through an integrated approach combining human, animal, and environmental health. She is supported by a seasoned team and collaborates with Professor Mariana Baz Etchebarne.
Growing the sexology service offering
The bachelor’s degree in sexology introduced by Professor Geneviève Martin and teaching associate Isabelle Proulx welcomed its first cohort in fall 2024. Since then, the team has grown to include five faculty members and one medical instructor, namely Julie Beauchamp, Catherine de Pierrepont, Roxanne Guyon, Roxanne Bolduc, Stéphanie Couture, and Sara Mathieu-Chartier. This new program meets the growing demand for qualified resources, reflecting the increased emphasis on sexual health in Québec.
Showcasing the next generation of scientists
Facteurs humains is a multidisciplinary journal that provides graduate students with their first scientific publishing experience. Published annually under the direction of Professor Isabelle Clerc and coordinated by research professional Ariane Lefebvre, it features topics that foster interdisciplinary dialogue in the humanities and social sciences. The journal is one of the flagship initiatives of the Centre interfacultaire d’appui à la réussite [inter-faculty support for success centre], which aims to support the next generation’s training and academic commitment.
Marine flora: key climate allies
A multidisciplinary team led by professors Philippe Archambault, Mathieu Ardyna, and Marcel Babin has demonstrated that algae play a key role in carbon capture. Arctic seaweed and seagrass capture 77 billion kilograms of carbon per year, the equivalent of about 500,000 km2 of Amazon forests. Québec Science has ranked this research, which deepens our understanding of the seabed’s role in climate action, among the year’s top 10 discoveries.
Being civic-minded and engaged
That means working together toward social progress so that knowledge is generated and shared to meet the needs of communities.
Year-round activities for a vibrant campus
Event coordinators Alice Stoll and Sandra Tremblay organize accessible and engaging activities all year long for the university’s community and the people of Québec City. This dynamic duo keeps campus life exciting through events like the PEPS-ô-Fêtes event in winter, the family mini-golf course in summer, the giant yoga session during the Grand défi Ulaval, and the Rouge and Or teams’ fan zones, each promoting health, inclusion, and the pleasure of staying active together.
Making justice more accessible
The Clinique juridique en droit civil [civil law clinic] offers free advice to vulnerable and disadvantaged people in Québec. Staffed by law students like Arianne Barry-Boivin and Marie-Ève Thivierge and overseen by seasoned legal experts, it counts on support from the Ministère de la Justice du Québec and a grant from the Chambre des notaires du Québec. The project promotes greater access to justice and showcases the solidarity of today’s legal experts.
Optimizing energy, investing in the future
Thanks to an energy optimization strategy developed in collaboration by asset maintenance engineer Marise Vallières and four team managers, the campus reduced its power consumption by 8,035.5 kW during the cold winter months of 2024–2025. As the University is enrolled in Hydro-Québec’s Demand Response Option, this initiative generated a $473,951 credit, reflecting the institution’s commitment to sustainability.
Dental care that fuels hope
At the ACCES clinic, clients received free dental care along with food baskets to help counter food insecurity. This initiative spearheaded by practising dentist and professor Aimée Dawson, in collaboration with nutritionist and professor Élise Carbonneau and student nutritionist Justine Morand, raises awareness among future dentists about the reality of food insecurity, in addition to being an act of community solidarity.
More sustainable science labs
The Mon laboratoire responsable [My green lab] project aims to reduce labs’ environmental footprint through greener practices, such as recycling single-use gloves and plastics, as well as optimizing energy-intensive equipment. A pilot phase in summer of 2024 reduced incinerated waste by 40%. Project coordinator Pascale Desjardins hopes to see the initiative expand to a growing number of labs moving forward.
Year-round activities for a vibrant campus
Event coordinators Alice Stoll and Sandra Tremblay organize accessible and engaging activities all year long for the university’s community and the people of Québec City. This dynamic duo keeps campus life exciting through events like the PEPS-ô-Fêtes event in winter, the family mini-golf course in summer, the giant yoga session during the Grand défi Ulaval, and the Rouge and Or teams’ fan zones, each promoting health, inclusion, and the pleasure of staying active together.
Making justice more accessible
The Clinique juridique en droit civil [civil law clinic] offers free advice to vulnerable and disadvantaged people in Québec. Staffed by law students like Arianne Barry-Boivin and Marie-Ève Thivierge and overseen by seasoned legal experts, it counts on support from the Ministère de la Justice du Québec and a grant from the Chambre des notaires du Québec. The project promotes greater access to justice and showcases the solidarity of today’s legal experts.
Optimizing energy, investing in the future
Thanks to an energy optimization strategy developed in collaboration by asset maintenance engineer Marise Vallières and four team managers, the campus reduced its power consumption by 8,035.5 kW during the cold winter months of 2024–2025. As the University is enrolled in Hydro-Québec’s Demand Response Option, this initiative generated a $473,951 credit, reflecting the institution’s commitment to sustainability.
Dental care that fuels hope
At the ACCES clinic, clients received free dental care along with food baskets to help counter food insecurity. This initiative spearheaded by practising dentist and professor Aimée Dawson, in collaboration with nutritionist and professor Élise Carbonneau and student nutritionist Justine Morand, raises awareness among future dentists about the reality of food insecurity, in addition to being an act of community solidarity.
More sustainable science labs
The Mon laboratoire responsable [My green lab] project aims to reduce labs’ environmental footprint through greener practices, such as recycling single-use gloves and plastics, as well as optimizing energy-intensive equipment. A pilot phase in summer of 2024 reduced incinerated waste by 40%. Project coordinator Pascale Desjardins hopes to see the initiative expand to a growing number of labs moving forward.
Being inclusive and diversified
That means bringing talent together, fostering debate and promoting creativity by providing a fair and respectful study, work and living environment.
Better understanding aging
Geri suits provided at the Apprentiss simulation centre enable students to experience age-related limitations. Led by teaching and research technicians Sarah Meunier and Frédérique Lalande, this immersion helps participants better grasp the challenges faced by seniors, while preparing future health professionals to provide more humane and responsive care grounded in a better understanding of the physical, sensory, and social realities of aging.
Food sharing
Frigos-partage refrigerators, an Univert Laval initiative, installed in four residences and four pavilions provide healthy meals to the student body in a spirit of solidarity. Students Xavier Magny and Victoria Baer spearheaded the project, and the latter also works with student Zéon Michaud to coordinate Sacrée Bouffe, a community kitchen where volunteers prepare meals in partnership with La Baratte.
Engaging with First Nations
Many initiatives coordinated by the new Bureau des Premiers Peuples [First Nations office] and its director, Nadine Rousselot, promote greater engagement with First Nations. These include an archeology microprogram designed with communities, Innu courses to revitalize the language, and concrete measures to support Indigenous self-determination. These projects foster knowledge transfer, economic development, and cultural appreciation within the community.
A support centre for academic success
An educational support centre was established thanks to a $1 million donation from former teacher Lorraine Langevin. This community service helmed by professors Pauline Sirois and Andréanne Gagné, initially part of the Centre de services scolaire de la Capitale, provides personalized support to students with academic difficulties and the educational staff who guide them.
A drop-in childcare centre to support parent-students
This drop-in childcare centre located in the Alphonse-Marie-Parent pavilion offers flexible and affordable childcare to help parent-students balance their education and family responsibilities. A team of educators led by Myriam Auguste welcomes up to 24 children aged 0-5 per four-hour block. Each session, about 40 families benefit from this service promoting equality of opportunity, thereby contributing to a more inclusive university community.
Better understanding aging
Geri suits provided at the Apprentiss simulation centre enable students to experience age-related limitations. Led by teaching and research technicians Sarah Meunier and Frédérique Lalande, this immersion helps participants better grasp the challenges faced by seniors, while preparing future health professionals to provide more humane and responsive care grounded in a better understanding of the physical, sensory, and social realities of aging.
Food sharing
Frigos-partage refrigerators, an Univert Laval initiative, installed in four residences and four pavilions provide healthy meals to the student body in a spirit of solidarity. Students Xavier Magny and Victoria Baer spearheaded the project, and the latter also works with student Zéon Michaud to coordinate Sacrée Bouffe, a community kitchen where volunteers prepare meals in partnership with La Baratte.
Engaging with First Nations
Many initiatives coordinated by the new Bureau des Premiers Peuples [First Nations office] and its director, Nadine Rousselot, promote greater engagement with First Nations. These include an archeology microprogram designed with communities, Innu courses to revitalize the language, and concrete measures to support Indigenous self-determination. These projects foster knowledge transfer, economic development, and cultural appreciation within the community.
A support centre for academic success
An educational support centre was established thanks to a $1 million donation from former teacher Lorraine Langevin. This community service helmed by professors Pauline Sirois and Andréanne Gagné, initially part of the Centre de services scolaire de la Capitale, provides personalized support to students with academic difficulties and the educational staff who guide them.
A drop-in childcare centre to support parent-students
This drop-in childcare centre located in the Alphonse-Marie-Parent pavilion offers flexible and affordable childcare to help parent-students balance their education and family responsibilities. A team of educators led by Myriam Auguste welcomes up to 24 children aged 0-5 per four-hour block. Each session, about 40 families benefit from this service promoting equality of opportunity, thereby contributing to a more inclusive university community.
Being international
That means taking action and making an impact beyond Quebec’s borders by encouraging collaborative research and attracting and welcoming newcomers.
An eight international triumph in architecture
Student talent shone once again in the American Institute of Architects competition with Pinguatigaq, a bioclimatic and hydroponic greenhouse concept designed by Thomas Biscaro, Thomas Laprise, and Zian Charron. Their project was chosen among 1,400 proposals from around the world. Yet another success story reflecting the excellence in sustainable design and pedagogical innovation characterizing the architecture program.
A chair empowering peace leaders
The Roméo Dallaire Leadership Chair in the Teaching of Civil Conflict and Sustainable Peace aims to develop a new generation of leaders capable of responding to conflict. This chair headed by Professor Alexandre Pelletier was inaugurated alongside Lieutenant-General Roméo Dallaire. It prepares the next generation to understand conflicting dynamics and to contribute to a more peaceful world through pedagogical approaches rooted in reality.
Scientific links with France
International associated laboratories (LIA) play a key role in consolidating and structuring collaborations between Québec-based and international scientists. One practical example is the LIA: contrats, sûretés et insolvabilités des consommateurs et des entreprises [consumer and corporate contracts, security, and insolvency], co-led by professor Aurore Benadiba (Québec) and professor Christophe Albiges (Montpellier). The work carried out within this framework, focusing on security law and collective procedures, underscores the excellence of transatlantic scientific cooperation around current issues.
Africa-Québec: Building food resilience together
Led by instructor Eli Sawadogo, Climathon Afrique-Quebec promoter and manager of the Initiatives for the Future on food security, students from Québec and African universities, alongside experts, shared their creativity and knowledge to address climate and food challenges. This collaborative project promotes the emergence of innovative and sustainable entrepreneurial solutions, while strengthening intercultural ties between Africa and Québec.
Analyzing the last frozen frontier
The REFUGE-ARCTIC international multidisciplinary program is at the heart of a critical scientific mission in the Arctic last ice zone. Led by Professor Mathieu Ardyna, more than 55 researchers - including student Florence Mercier and research professional Juliette Provencher - study glaciers, sea ice, and fragile ecosystems. Their work brings the keys to understanding the effects of global warming and protecting the oceans for future generations.
An eight international triumph in architecture
Student talent shone once again in the American Institute of Architects competition with Pinguatigaq, a bioclimatic and hydroponic greenhouse concept designed by Thomas Biscaro, Thomas Laprise, and Zian Charron. Their project was chosen among 1,400 proposals from around the world. Yet another success story reflecting the excellence in sustainable design and pedagogical innovation characterizing the architecture program.
A chair empowering peace leaders
The Roméo Dallaire Leadership Chair in the Teaching of Civil Conflict and Sustainable Peace aims to develop a new generation of leaders capable of responding to conflict. This chair headed by Professor Alexandre Pelletier was inaugurated alongside Lieutenant-General Roméo Dallaire. It prepares the next generation to understand conflicting dynamics and to contribute to a more peaceful world through pedagogical approaches rooted in reality.
Scientific links with France
International associated laboratories (LIA) play a key role in consolidating and structuring collaborations between Québec-based and international scientists. One practical example is the LIA: contrats, sûretés et insolvabilités des consommateurs et des entreprises [consumer and corporate contracts, security, and insolvency], co-led by professor Aurore Benadiba (Québec) and professor Christophe Albiges (Montpellier). The work carried out within this framework, focusing on security law and collective procedures, underscores the excellence of transatlantic scientific cooperation around current issues.
Africa-Québec: Building food resilience together
Led by instructor Eli Sawadogo, Climathon Afrique-Quebec promoter and manager of the Initiatives for the Future on food security, students from Québec and African universities, alongside experts, shared their creativity and knowledge to address climate and food challenges. This collaborative project promotes the emergence of innovative and sustainable entrepreneurial solutions, while strengthening intercultural ties between Africa and Québec.
Analyzing the last frozen frontier
The REFUGE-ARCTIC international multidisciplinary program is at the heart of a critical scientific mission in the Arctic last ice zone. Led by Professor Mathieu Ardyna, more than 55 researchers - including student Florence Mercier and research professional Juliette Provencher - study glaciers, sea ice, and fragile ecosystems. Their work brings the keys to understanding the effects of global warming and protecting the oceans for future generations.
Transformational initiatives
To help address emerging challenges, Université Laval is establishing itself as a high-impact university where teaching and research serve the common good. To that end, we are deploying six transformational initiatives. Here are some examples of the 105 projects started or completed in 2024-2025.
Lifelong learning
Intensive training in digital education
In winter 2025, more than 160 faculty advisors took part in the Bootcamp numérique et IA [digital and AI bootcamp], an immersive and intensive two-day training course led by Professor Nadia Naffi. This initiative consisted in an in-depth exploration of the ethical and pedagogical issues related to artificial intelligence and virtual reality, while also taking a critical look on the integration of these technologies in higher education.
Knowledge, science, and society
Diversified research benefitting society
The first Grand Rendez-vous de la recherche, de la création et de l’innovation [symposium on research, creation, and innovation] brought together more than 650 community members and partners interested in the strengths and diversity of research. Through conferences and presentations, participants explored, created, innovated, expanded their horizons, collaborated, and dared to push the boundaries of knowledge for the benefit of society. The event concluded with and awards gala honouring 12 community members who stood out.
A vibrant campus
Beethoven party: reinventing the classics and uniting the community
A tool developed with the AI experimentation team - still in the testing phase with standing committees - facilitates the minutes and report drafting. It cuts down on document production time by 3 to 5 hours through transcription, validation, and content integration. The project coordinated by Marise Ouellet - permanent secretary of two of these commissions - aims to increase administrative efficiency and could lead to more widespread use.
Simplified, personalized outreach services
Artificial intelligence driving administrative agility
A tool developed with the AI experimentation team, still in the testing phase with standing committees, facilitates the minutes and report drafting. It cuts down on document production time by 3 to 5 hours through transcription, validation, and content integration. The project coordinated by Marise Ouellet, permanent secretary of two of these commissions, aims to increase administrative efficiency and could lead to more widespread use.
Climate ambition
Fostering climate leadership
Initiatives for a sustainable campus encourage the university community to take concrete action for the environment. Through twenty-six Climate Fresk workshops held in 11 faculties, 850 students discovered practices driving the socio-ecological transition. This initiative by the Bureau de la responsabilité sociale et environnementale [office of social and environmental responsibility], spearheaded by event coordinator Rebecca Hennigs, promotes interdisciplinarity, civic engagement, and a better understanding of climate issues through the engaged presentations of workshop leaders like students Eva Revellat and Mohamed Faraban Diakite.
The well-being of our community
Bubbles: spaces to breathe and thrive
Set up at the PEPS and the Alphonse-Marie-Parent Pavilion, the Bubbles provide the university community with an environment conducive to rest, relaxation, study, and renewal. Aromatherapy, mandalas, puzzles, and light therapy help reduce stress and create social connections. This vegetated wellness areas launched through the Mon équilibre ULaval program are staffed by recreation specialists, facilitators, outreach personnel, and interns.
Recognition
Every year, Université Laval celebrates the significant achievements of its student, faculty, and graduate community.
Through prestigious awards, it also honours exceptional people whose achievements inspire and shape the future. Here’s an overview of the awards given throughout the year.
Philanthropy, sustainable engagement and internationalization
Through key statistics, this section highlights the scope of our philanthropic and sustainable development initiatives, as well as the impact of our international collaborations.
Philanthropy and alumni relations
359 000
graduates
$49.88M
support the student community, educational innovation, research, and infrastructure upgrades
19,638
donors, foundations, organizations, and partners
5,414
philanthropic acts as part of the 2025 ULaval Community Campaign
60
outstanding philanthropists are now part of the Cent-Associates membership committed to donating $1,000,000 or more to leave a better world for future generations
Impact Report
Discover philanthropic actions, projects, and support, as well as the achievements and commitment of our graduate community.
Report available soon.
Our commitment to sustainability
7e
in the world in climate action by
the 2025 Times Higher Education Impact
83%
of undergraduates were introduced to the
values and challenges of sustainable development
60%
of recognized research bodies address an issue
related to sustainable development
49%
reduction in Scope 1 and 2
GHG emissions compared to 2006
23,000
people reached through the Ulaval
Mon Équilibre healthy living program
Contribution to sustainable development goals
Discover the strength of our sustained commitment through collective initiatives that combine innovation, respect for the environment, and a positive impact on society.
International inspiration
6,057
students from 125 countries
22%
of our faculty comes from abroad
950
students in outbound mobility
823
international agreements and partnerships
20
international structuring
research entities
Contribution to International inspiration
Discover our university community’s rich and diverse international engagement through a variety of internationalization initiatives both on and off campus.
Financial statements and benchmarks
The financial statements present the University’s financial position, the results of its operations, and its cash flows. The benchmark indicators show how our institution has progressed in its areas of activity. Here is an overview of eight of these indicators.
Financial statements
Earnings (in thousands of dollars)
Investments (in thousands of dollars)
Benchmark indicators
Total student enrolment (academic year)
Université Laval is home to one of the largest student communities in Québec. A yearly enrolment count shows that nearly 56,000 students attended Université Laval in 2024–2025, the largest count over the past five years.
Source: Ministère de l’Enseignement supérieur (MES) student enrolment data management system (GDEU) report
Number of degrees and certifications granted (university year)
Université Laval is among Canada’s leading university institutions in terms of the number of diplomas and certificates awarded.
Source: Institutional data
Proportion of course registrations by the course format (academic year)
The diversity of teaching options offered at Université Laval provides maximum flexibility for students.
Source: Institutional data
Proportion of students of international origin in the entire student body (university year)
Université Laval, like most Québec and Canadian universities, has seen its international student enrolment levels drop sharply. Various measures imposed by both levels of government have severely affected its attractiveness. Our international students come from about 125 countries, largely from France and French-speaking countries in Africa.
Source: Ministère de l’Enseignement supérieur (MES) student enrolment data management system (GDEU) report
Proportion of international collborative research publications
More than 50% of research publications under the name of Université Laval professors are the result of collaboration with international researchers.
Source: Science and Technology Observatory (Clarivate Analytics - Web of Science)
Research fund in millions of dollars
Université Laval is one of Canada's largest research universities. It ranks eighth among Canadian universities in terms of research revenue.
Source: Financial data reported annually by Université Laval for the Canadian Association of University Business Officers (CAUBO)
Student satisfaction index (%)
For many years, two North American surveys have confirmed that students’ overall satisfaction with the education offered at Université Laval is higher than average among students at Canadian universities.
Sources: NSSE (National Survey on Student Engagement) and CGPSS (Canadian Graduate and Professional Student Survey), conducted every three years.
Direct greenhous gas budget (scope 1 and 2)
For the fourth consecutive year, Université Laval ranks among the top 2% of universities for its efforts related to the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Université Laval came in seventh in the 2025 Times Higher Education Impact Ranking for the SDG on climate action. The University also holds the STARS Platinum certification, which measures the sustainable development performance of higher education institutions.
Source: Institutional data
Governance
Members of the Board, the University Council, the management team and the standing committees are committed to supporting innovation and excellence in research and teaching. enriching the student experience and promoting our institution.
Board of Directors
The Board of Directors is an independent body that ensures the University is managed in exemplary fashion. It approves and supports the University's strategic priorities and gives major projects the green light.
University Council (UC)
The UC has authority on academic issues such as grades, degrees, certificates, and programs. It is also responsible for various appointments, promotions, and awards at centres and institutes.
Management
Operating under the leadership of the rector, the University's management team is resolutely committed to fulfilling Université Laval's mission and strategic plan.
Permanent commissions
Université Laval's permanent commissions are mandated to develop, coordinate, evaluate, analyze and reflect on a wide range of issues.
