A Year of Growth Annual Report 2023-24

Transdisciplinary research was the theme of our popular annual research symposium this year. At public events hosted by our Calgary and Edmonton campuses, students, faculty and community members presented impactful research featuring an inspiring rainbow of partners, disciplines and community groups. And, as we enter the second year of advancing our Strategic Plan, A Place to Gather, this theme has stuck with me. Over the last few years, I’ve been struck by how many of our researchers and community programs have moved into the centre of transdisciplinary hubs and networks. 

None of this is particularly surprising. Many of our faculty are nationally and internationally recognized thought leaders, researchers and teachers who begin by centring their work on the needs of the community. 

In this way, social work can be thought of as transdisciplinary by nature. Listening, connecting, and ensuring all voices and perspectives are heard are foundational values of our profession. 

The people and communities we serve and advocate for don’t live in neat disciplinary boxes, and most of life occurs across these artificial boundaries. As social workers our agenda is often driven by the communities we collaborate with and serve. This focus is perhaps why social workers are often relied on to lead the collaborative work needed for solutions that are truly ahead of tomorrow.

Our promise in A Place to Gather was the creation of new collaborative spaces for our communities. I’m excited to say we are translating this promise into action with our Reciprocity Project. Reciprocity is a new collaborative approach that creates a shared agenda with the communities we serve. It an approach that we believe will lead to impactful change while benefiting both our partners and the faculty.

As you read through our progress report this year, I hope you’ll be inspired by the many ways in which we’re working to centre the community in all that we do. Thanks to all of you who have been so instrumental in our journey so far. Like you, I can’t wait to see what tomorrow will bring. 

Dr. Ellen Perrault, PhD, RSW
Dean, Faculty of Social Work
University of Calgary