Research Institutes

Athabasca University’s research institutes focus scholarly research in a specific thematic area (research cluster). They link networks of AU researchers to provincial, national and international researchers who are investigating similar topics.

Athabasca River Basin Research Institute (ARBRI)

The Athabasca River Basin Research Institute is an interdisciplinary research centre that studies the Athabasca River Basin and its people from a broad range of perspectives. The institute:

• helps identify gaps in knowledge
• highlights research opportunities
• enhances understanding of key issues
• supports the development of policies that will benefit all who have a stake in the basin

ARBRI also manages the Repository of the Athabasca River Basin.

ARBRI’s research

ARBRI’s research includes initiatives related to society, culture, the environment and other aspects of the Athabasca Basin.

Our researchers’ expertise includes:

• sociology (sustainable rural communities)
• philosophy (ethical decision-making on environmental issues)
• workplace and community studies
• business (leadership and entrepreneurship)
• science (aurora studies, remote data gathering, glaciation and water levels, and mathematical modelling)
• Indigenous studies (legal and traditional knowledge)

ARBRI is also home to AU’s two Campus Alberta Innovation Program Chairs.