Bolder Together

Goal

To champion McMaster’s strengths, elevating our reputation and profile through meaningful impact

Actions

1. Deepen and align strategic partnerships.

• Grow collaborations across healthcare, industry, government, community and academia
• Align local and global partnerships more intentionally with McMaster’s research, teaching and innovation strengths to maximize impact
• Increase the scale and effectiveness of collaborative initiatives

2. Expand engagement with alumni and supporters.

• Grow global engagement with alumni and donors
• Build meaningful, lifelong relationships through sustained outreach, involvement and opportunities to work together
• Increase philanthropic support and strategic investment in McMaster’s priorities

3. Advance coordinated collaboration across McMaster, Hamilton, and Indigenous Nations and communities.

• Support and grow cross-Faculty collaboration and interdisciplinary work
• Listen and embed Indigenous scholarship and Ways of Knowing across teaching, research and decision-making
• Deepen the impact of McMaster’s connections with local and Indigenous communities through reciprocal engagements

4. Strengthen McMaster’s global reputation

• Elevate research, teaching and entrepreneurial spirit with clear global impact
• Increase visibility of research, partnerships and the achievements of our communities
• Share our stories with purpose

Goal

To build on our position as a globally recognized leader in foundational and applied research that transforms health, strengthens society, and drives environmental stewardship and economic prosperity.

Actions

1. Increase Societal Impact

• Drive change in policy, practice and systems
• Expand McMaster’s economic impact, including through partnerships, talent development, knowledge mobilization and start-up growth
• Ensure research leads to meaningful improvements in communities, public services, business and everyday life in Hamilton, Canada and beyond
• Advance planetary health through interdisciplinary collaborations

2. Accelerate Commercialization, Entrepreneurship, Research Translation and Innovation

• Enhance our ecosystems for a more efficient process from discovery to commercialization
• Advance education and training for innovation and entrepreneurship
• Strengthen governance and infrastructure to bring McMaster products, services and solutions to society

3. Focus and Grow McMaster’s Distinctive Research Strengths

• Advance leadership in health and health systems
• Expand impact in nuclear science and energy
• Accelerate progress in advanced manufacturing and materials
• Deepen and sustain research that enhances understanding of society, behaviour and the economy

4. Strengthen Indigenous Research and Partnerships

• Increase support for Indigenous research that respects Indigenous methodologies, protocols and Indigenous Ways of Knowing
• Ensure Indigenous data sovereignty is part of research agreements
• Expand collaborative research with Indigenous Nations and communities that produces mutually defined outcomes and impact

Goal

To ensure every learner is ready to shape their future and pursue lifelong learning, purposeful careers and civic engagement.

Actions

1. Advance Innovative Teaching and Learning Practices

• Support problem-based learning, curiosity-driven inquiry, community-engaged projects, and case-based studies within and across Faculties
• Enable interdisciplinary and flexible academic pathways
• Integrate and foster responsible AI fluency and critical engagement with AI and digital technologies, including their ethical, social, and epistemic implications Integrate and foster responsible AI fluency and digital and technology-enabled learning
• Embed Indigenous knowledge and Ways of Knowing

2. Strengthen Experiential, Community, and Work-Integrated Learning

• Increase opportunities for learners to develop in-demand professional and leadership skills
• Support educators in sustaining partnerships that elevate the learner experience
• Integrate research and global experiences in academic programs

3. Focus on The Development of Critical Thinking and Foundational Skills

• Strengthen critical thinking and agility in a time of rapid change and misinformation
• Graduate citizens who can communicate, collaborate and contribute meaningfully in civic and democratic life
• Connect knowledge to real-world applications, locally and globally

4. Expand Lifelong Learning and Community Connections

• Activate alumni engagement and mentorship to strengthen lifelong learning and community connection.
• Increase access to continuing and professional education for all learners
• Expand flexible pathways for upskilling and reskilling

Goal

To champion Inclusive Excellence through nurturing a deep sense of respect and connection across communities.

Actions

1. Foster a Culture of Well-being and Inclusion

• Embed the principles in the Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Accessibility (2026-2028) strategic plan across the university
• Foster a culture of constructive and respectful dialogue across differences and perspectives
• Cultivate a campus community where all students, staff and faculty feel they belong
• Enhance commitment to mental health and well-being, and accommodation processes and supports

2. Advance Indigenous Scholarship

• Increase Indigenous representation across the university
• Advance pathways for Indigenous leadership in governance and decision-making
• Strengthen long-term support for recruitment, retention and success of Indigenous learners, staff and faculty

3. Strengthen Community and Regional Partnerships

• Enhance connections with Hamilton and surrounding communities
• Deepen relationships with Indigenous Nations and communities grounded in reconciliation, respect and reciprocity
• Grow partnerships with healthcare, industry and community organizations to support jobs, talent development and local prosperity
• Advance shared initiatives that boost applied research and socioeconomic impact

4. Create Inclusive and Accessible Environments

• Strengthen infrastructure that promotes a culture of Inclusive Excellence
• Grow supports for equity-deserving communities
• Expand barrier-free physical and digital environments
• Advance universal design across learning, work and campus spaces