The Western Interdisciplinary Research Building

In recent years, Western has emboldened its standing as a centre for world-class research and scholarship through a commitment to strengthening its research enterprise. Building upon its strong disciplinary foundations, the university continues to establish a culture that promotes scholarly activity across multiple disciplines.

The institution’s newest investment in research infrastructure is a state-of-the-art 7-storey, 120,000 sq. ft. facility. The Western Interdisciplinary Research Building (WIRB), located on Perth Drive, north of the Visual Arts Building (opposite University Hospital and the Robarts Research Institute) is the new home for BrainsCAN, the Brain and Mind Institute and the Rotman Institute of Philosophy. WIRB houses dry laboratories, teaching and research space, public amenities and a public plaza. As well, it will provide five mixed-use general classroom spaces. A portion of building costs for this signature research facility will be supported by the federal Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund.

“This new facility will have a major impact on our ability to recruit outstanding researchers, encourage new partnerships and promote new and innovative training opportunities for our students,” ~ John Capone, Vice President, Research.

“WIRB is another demonstration of our commitment to investing in interdisciplinary areas of strength, as is articulated in Western’s strategic plan as an institutional priority. The building will significantly increase our capacity to support research teams that draw on the expertise of faculty, staff and students across campus." ~ Janice Deakin, Provost and Vice-President (Academic).