Mission and Vision

As part of developing a mission statement for the new Department of Biological Sciences, membership has begun the process of writing integrated bylaws, based on ongoing discussion of the breadth, scope and challenges of research, education and service. While aiming to eliminate obsolescence and duplication, we want to avoid any diminishment of the foundations, expertise, collaborations, professional accomplishments and indeed the traditional pride-of-place that have developed for individuals, groups and the founding departments and programs. This approach, engaged integration on a foundation of strengths, will bring growth and enrichment of individual and trans-disciplinary fields within the milieu of biological sciences. The fresh outlook and perspective of the new head, reorganization of the departmental administration, and work on renewal and integration will reveal and build new strengths to enhance our reputation in teaching and research and enrich our interactions within society.

While the Department of Biological Sciences strives to integrate and create a forward-looking department with activities in research and education that span the sub-cellular, cellular, organism, community and ecosystem levels of the biological world, our mission is in development. Our mission and vision are stated as follows, and recognized to be evolving as the integration of programs in research and teaching proceeds.

The mission of the Department of Biological Sciences is to promote, foster, create, preserve, disseminate, translate and exchange knowledge and world-class research in broad areas that are central to modern biological sciences, broadly defined, for the betterment of the university, Manitoba, Canada and the world.

The vision of the Department of Biological Sciences is to be recognized as a creative leader, rich resource and innovative collaborator in biological-sciences education, research and service. We will advance knowledge by: striving for the highest scientific, ethical and pedagogical standards; valuing contributions from everyone; translating knowledge through scholarly exchange an scholarship; providing innovative applications of knowledge that benefit our students and the public; building strong and vibrant research platforms that are sustainable and attractive; fostering a welcoming environment that respects diversity, individuality and teamwork and celebrates learning and success; and contributing as full citizens to the University of Manitoba, the Province of Manitoba and broader communities.