Research & Innovation

As Canada's oldest, largest and leading art and design university, OCAD U offers a range of undergraduate and graduate research. The University engages in impactful art and design research through a diversity of perspectives, methods and approaches. OCAD U researchers also partner with projects outside the university from every sector and discipline to add design thinking expertise.

Research excellence

Learn about award winning researchers at OCADU

Researchers

Search our directory of OCAD U faculty members

Research centres & labs

Global Centre for Climate Action

Inclusive Design Research Centre

Health Design Studio

Research news

AI assisted tool can help farmers make better decisions

OCAD U Associate Professor Dr. Alexis Morris led the development of a new mixed reality tool that uses AI and immersive visuals to make farm data easier to understand and support better decision making.

January 21, 2026

Workshop aims to democratize AI

A workshop being held at OCAD U during DesignTO is geared to helping members of the public learn about AI and think about what an idea AI future might look like.

January 20, 2026

Industrial Design students develop tools for older adults living with dementia

Partnership between Baycrest and OCAD University pairs Industrial Design students with older adults living with dementia.

January 16, 2026

Research explores how digital tools are transforming craft

Dr. Lynne Heller says teaching at OCAD U in the Material Art and Design program has underlined the need to better comprehend the digital tools and networks that are becoming more familiar in craft studios.

January 14, 2026

Drawing-based practices can support older adults navigating dementia

OCAD U Instructor Erin Finley’s research project, The Memory Drawing, explores how drawing can support cognitive recall, emotional expression, and personal storytelling among older adults living in long-term care.

January 5, 2026

Research explores how design can reimagine civic spaces

OCAD U Assistant Professor Parantap Bhatt’s research is exploring how breath, movement and sensory perception can transform civic engagement and deepen our relationship to public spaces.

December 9, 2025

Research events

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Strategic Research Plan

Building on over 140 years of internationally recognized art and design education, professional practice in art, design and new media, innovative research, and engaged scholarship, this Strategic Research Plan (SRP) speaks directly to OCAD University’s new and ambitious Academic Plan — OCAD University: Transforming Student Experience, 2017-2022 which re-affirms the central role of knowledge creation and research across the institution.

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Research Ethics Board

All OCAD University-affiliated research involving human participants requires prior review and approval from the OCAD University Research Ethics Board (REB). The REB works in compliance with the Tri-Council Policy Statement: Ethical Conduct for Research Involving Humans and the Tri-Agency Framework: Responsible Conduct of Research.

External researchers carrying out human participant research in collaboration with members of the OCAD U community or utilizing OCAD U resources may also require prior review and approval from the REB.

Contact the Office of Research and Innovation

research@ocadu.ca

Physical Address
OCAD University 205 Richmond Street West, 5th floor, room 520 Toronto, ON

Mailing Address
Office of Research & Innovation OCAD University 100 McCaul St. Toronto, ON M5T 1W1

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