Brock University is committed to building a strong, sustained culture of research leadership based on the foundational pillars of creativity, collegiality, accountability, ethics and integrity.
Fresh, innovative approaches
A transdisciplinary approach to research provides the structure for the type of collegiality needed for breakthrough research that solves complex issues and challenges. Many of our laboratories and social areas in places such as the Cairns Complex are physically structured so that researchers from different disciplines can work and socialize side-by-side.
Our transdisciplinary research hubs, along with our research institutes and centres, bring experts with their various vantage points together to generate truly innovative, fresh, brand-new approaches to common problems. Solving complex problems requires complex approaches and Brock transdisciplinary hubs are taking innovative approaches by working cross-discipline to make this happen.
“Shape tomorrow through research, discovery and knowledge” is one of four strategic directions and priorities outlined in the Brock University Institutional Strategic Plan 2025-2030 (ISP). The Research Enterprise Plan 2025-2030 (REP) adapts core themes of the ISP to the team and infrastructure supporting Brock’s research-related priorities and directions. With a focus on “cultivating research excellence and impact through inclusivity, innovation, and integrity”, the REP outlines the goals and values for the Research Enterprise, and ensures the alignment of its Action Plan, developed separately, with the institution’s established strategic directions.
Integrity in innovation
As they pursue their lines of inquiry, the Office of the Vice-President, Research requires our researchers to abide by the Tri-Council’s policy statement, Ethical Conduct for Research Involving Humans, which recognizes the fundamental, intrinsic value of human beings and the respect and consideration that they are due. Regarding the treatment of animals, Brock adheres to the Standards and Guidance of the Canadian Council on Animal Care in Science; our facilities and procedures are state-of-the-art in animal care.
Tying everything together is integrity: ensuring that our resources are used wisely; that our services are delivered with excellence; that we continue to put the needs of our researchers, and by extension the wider community, front and centre at all times.
Responsible Conduct of Research
Brock University is committed to research integrity and the responsible and ethical conduct of research. To that end, we have created the Responsible Conduct of Research Policy, which fosters an environment that values the responsible conduct of research. The Policy promotes education about, and awareness of, the principles and practices of the responsible conduct of research and ensures that we comply with federal government requirements in this area.
Brock and the research enterprise offices take allegations of research misconduct very seriously. If you have any questions or concerns about research taking place at Brock, please contact Dr. Deborah O’Leary Associate Vice-President, Research. Written allegations may be submitted in any form; however, an optional template is available.
Please review the Responsible Conduct of Research policy for information about related polices, educational resources, and statistical records of cases handled.
“The fundamental purpose of research administration is a simple one. It is to enable all scholars and investigators to make good on their research aspirations. My job is to make sure that researchers have the support to do the things that they’re great at. It’s a matter of providing the conditions for your colleagues to be their best.” – Dr. Tim Kenyon
Dr. Tim Kenyon is Vice-President Research of Brock University. He brings more than two decades of academic leadership to the role he has held since 2018, with a secondment to the role of Interim Vice-President Academic and Provost in 2024. Dr. Kenyon has focused on building research capacity and programs across the institution, including through major research infrastructure growth and an inclusive, diverse culture of scholarly excellence. His record of external advocacy for researching includes executive roles on the Ontario Council for University Research and the Alliance of Canadian Comprehensive Research Universities, as well as appearing before the House of Commons Standing Committee for Science and Research.
As an academic, Dr. Kenyon is an expert in the Philosophy of Language, and Social Epistemology, and Critical Thinking, writing and speaking on applied issues such as testimony, coerced speech, disagreement, debiasing, and bullshitting. He holds both research and teaching awards, including the University of Waterloo Distinguished Teacher Award, and authored a critical thinking book that remains in use after near twenty years. He has lived, studied and worked in Europe, Asia and across Canada, and served as President of the Canadian Philosophical Association in 2015-16.
“Strong research systems don’t happen by accident. They are built through thoughtful processes, strong partnerships, and a shared commitment to enabling researchers to do their best work.” – Dr. Deborah O’Leary
Dr. Deborah O’Leary is Associate Vice-President, Research (AVPR) at Brock University, a role she has held since 2026. She provides strategic leadership across the Research Enterprise, strengthening the systems, partnerships, and supports that enable high-quality, impactful research. In this role, she supports the Office of the Vice-President, Research in advancing Brock’s research enterprise, fostering the vision and practice of research, scholarship, innovation, and creative activity across all stages. Her leadership emphasizes strong, responsive research infrastructure and a culture of excellence, accountability, and service – ensuring that researchers have the tools, guidance, and connections needed to pursue ambitious programs.
Dr. O’Leary brings extensive research leadership experience to the role. Prior to her appointment as AVPR, she served as Associate Dean, Research in the Faculty of Applied Health Sciences for 5-year, where she advanced faculty research capacity, supported funding success, and strengthened collaborative research initiatives. She also served as Acting Associate Vice-President, Research from summer 2023 to summer 2025. In addition, as Director of the Brock Functional Inclusive Training Centre (Bfit) from 2013 to 2026, she led the development and growth of a community-engaged research and training environment with strong external partnerships and applied impact.
As an academic, Dr. O’Leary’s research focuses on cardiovascular health across the lifespan, including the effects of childhood growth and development, adult aging, and lifestyle interventions on cardiovascular outcomes. She has secured competitive research funding to support this work and has contributed to the field through peer-reviewed publications and applied, community-engaged research. She has supervised and mentored students across undergraduate and graduate levels, and her work reflects a strong commitment to translating research into practice. For more information about Dr. O’Leary’s academic research and scholarly contributions, please visit her faculty profile.
The Office of the Vice-President, Research supports Brock’s faculty from across all disciplines to explore new research and scholarship opportunities and strengthen existing ones.
This is accomplished primarily through the Office of Research Services (ORS), the roles and functions of which include:
- advising researchers on funding opportunities
- assisting with applications for research grants
- providing direction on financial management
- liaising with national granting councils and provincial agencies in the negotiation of research contracts
- promoting our researchers’ work in the media and at public events
- connecting our researchers with industrial partners and fostering those relationships
Broad reach
In addition to overseeing ORS, the Office of the Vice-President, Research is also responsible for:
- articulating the broader vision and direction of the institution’s research
- overseeing research institues and centres such as the Niagara Community Observatory and the Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute (CCOVI)
- contributing to the larger provincial and federal research environment through involvement and leadership in such initiatives as Research Matters
The bicameral system of governance of Brock University consists of two governing bodies: the Board of Trustees and the Senate.
Generally, the Senate is responsible for the educational policy of the University, and the Board of Trustees is responsible for the administrative management of the institution. The Office of the University Secretariat provides administrative services and overall support for both governing bodies. The following provides a general overview of the bicameral system of governance.
The Vice-President, Research delivers a report at the meetings, which are generally held monthly. Visit the Secretariat website for the reports given by the VPR to the Senate. (Click on the link listed in the “Meetings Agenda” column; a link to the report is found within the meeting agenda).