Preparing a year in review can feel disconcerting at times, choosing to dip back into the recent past as the future continues to unfold. This can feel especially so in a year with so much change at the university and in the wider world.
Yet the chance to reflect offers a powerful reminder of the many amazing moments, incredible achievements, and visionary research that define a year at Dalhousie. Capturing the spirit of it all can be a challenge, but we think the 45 stories showcased below provide a compelling picture of some of the best 2025 had to offer.
You'll find some of our most-read articles, our biggest news, and stories that demonstrate what's possible at Dalhousie. Explore our full 2025 archives for a deeper dive into the events and milestones that defined Dal this year.
LEADERSHIP / January 8
Dal’s new provost sees power in people
Dr. Wanda Costen joined Dalhousie this year as the university's senior academic leader — focused on advancing equity, innovation, and student success across the university.
POLITICS / January 9
How the U.S. could in fact make Canada an American territory
Dalhousie's Dr. Robert Huish (International Development Studies) wrote this piece for The Conversation that explored how precisely Donald Trump could make good on his threat to annex Canada, writing that there is both potential and precedent in American history.
INNOVATION / January 15
Dal receives $32M to lead national network for innovation and entrepreneurship skills training
A major funding announcement that established Dalhousie as the national headquarters of Lab2Market and set in motion an expansion that will reach more than 50 Canadian universities, colleges, and research hospitals, helping to unlock the commercial potential of $7.8 billion in collective annual research funding.
GLOBAL RANKINGS / January 22
Dalhousie rises among world’s top 100 universities for study of law
Dal rose 11 spots to rank 89th overall in the world for the study of law in Times Higher Education’s 2025 World University Rankings by Subject.
RESEARCH/ January 28
Researchers awarded $7.5M to improve youth mental health and addictions care
UNITE and CIRCLES-NS are two of the four projects that were announced by Research Nova Scotia as part of a $27-million investment, the largest to date, and first use of the Focused Research Investment fund.
STUDENT EXPERIENCE/ Feb.6
New grad and professional program fair paints vivid picture of what Dal has to offer
Hundreds of students explored dozens of programs at this new on-campus event, where in-person conversations opened the door to serendipitous discoveries.
GLOBAL ECONOMY/ February 11
Ask an expert: How will U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminum impact Canada's economy?
Trump's tariff measures came into effect, creating economic uncertainty on both sides of the border. Two Dal experts offered their insights into the potential impacts.
COMMUNITY / February 21
Breaking ground: How Dal's Black and African Diaspora Studies program is forging new opportunities
Dalhousie’s Black and African Diaspora Studies program aims to deepen understanding of Black histories and cultures. We spoke to some of the people who helped make it possible.
RESEARCH / March 6
Dal scientists hunt climate clues on first‑ever Canadian‑led research mission to the Antarctic
A Canadian naval vessel with scientists from Dal and other Canadian government and academic institutions cruised into Antarctic waters, carrying equipment designed and built in Nova Scotia, in an unprecedented mission to conduct climate-change research at the bottom of the earth.
RESEARCH/ March 11
Dalhousie’s new Killam Memorial Chair plans to put AI to work for Nova Scotians
Dr. Frank Rudzicz aims to turn Dalhousie into a hub for applied AI that can reduce burdens and barriers in health care and a long list of other fields that benefit humanity.
STUDENT LIFE/ March 28
Excellence in action: Meet this year's Dal Board of Governors' award winners
This year's winners of Dal's top award for student leadership made their mark through caring for each other and the planet, sparking new approaches to old problems, and creating connections that have lasting power.
CURRENT AFFAIRS / April 3
New north strong and free? Reimagining Canada in the age of Trump
How should Canada reimagine itself in the age of Trump? We asked six Dalhousie experts to answer that question — offering insights into how Canadians should navigate the choices ahead.
TEACHING & LEARNING / April 4
New Dal course inspired by hit Apple TV+ comedy Ted Lasso debuts in 2026
Ted Lasso has emerged as more than just a feel-good sitcom — it’s a masterclass in coaching, teamwork and human connection. Now, a Dal prof is channeling those lessons into the classroom.
RESEARCH/ April 11
App that decodes chicken lingo offers promise of a better life for the animals
A new digital tool developed by Dal researchers offers insight into the varied meanings behind a chicken's complex chatter.
CONVOCATION/ April 28
Introducing Dal's honorary degree recipients for Spring Convocation 2025
Meet the three exceptional individuals who received honorary degrees at Spring Convocation 2025 in late May and early June.
COMMUNITY/ April 28
'I've always felt part of a family': Dal's Barley Party turns 15
A tradition since 2010, this year 92 graduates on the Agricultural Campus were presented with their Barley Rings at a special anniversary celebration.
ALUMNI/ May 6
Michelle Wang's remarkable path: From local activism to national recognition
Discover how this recent Dal grad grew from a quiet student into a McCall MacBain Scholarship winner, driven by her passion for community service and academic excellence.
COMMUNITY/ May 9
Rise together: Dalhousie and Halifax Tides FC join forces to elevate women's soccer
Halifax's first professional women's soccer team utilized Dal's top-notch training facilities this year in a partnership that promises to inspire the next generation of female athletes.
RESEARCH/ May 13
The MacEachen Institute, 10 years in: Dal's policy powerhouse caps decade with top book prize
MacEachen Institute Director Kevin Quigley and a team of former students won the Donner Prize for the best public policy book in Canada this year. Discover how the institute has empowered student researchers and shaped major policy debates over the past decade.
RESEARCH/ May 13
DalSolutions: Reinventing repair to keep Canada’s Navy mission ready
As Canada rethinks military readiness amid shifting U.S. relations, Dalhousie is partnering with Defence Research and Development Canada to strengthen operational readiness —using advanced additive manufacturing to develop both critical submarine parts and the processes needed to produce them.
LEADERSHIP/ May 20
John R. Sylliboy steps into historic role to lead Indigenous Relations at Dalhousie
The university’s first vice-provost of Indigenous Relations arrived on campus this spring, bringing decades of advocacy experience, academic insights, and a deep commitment to embedding community values.
CIVIC IMPACT/ May 23
Dal on the road: Engagement Days bridge university expertise with local needs
Dalhousie hit the road to Yarmouth, Bridgewater, Sydney and many other Nova Scotian communities this year, deepening ties through dialogue, outreach, and innovation as part of its province-wide Engagement Days initiative.
TEACHING & LEARNING/ June 5
Recognizing excellence: Meet Dal's 2025 teaching award winners
From pioneering new approaches in medical education to championing equity and inclusion in the classroom, this year's recipients of the university's teaching awards exemplify the very best of what it means to teach and lead.
RESEARCH/HEALTH CARE/ June 13
Mental health as a human right: New Dal centre champions global access and education
Dalhousie’s new Centre for Global Mental Health aims to advance equity worldwide through research, education, and innovation and bridge gaps in care while empowering communities through global collaboration.
CONVOCATION/ June 10
This spring, Dalhousie marked a historic milestone as the first graduates of its Black and African Diaspora Studies major crossed the Convocation stage. Learn more about James Dixon and Portia Wright.
CONVOCATION/ June 20
New Indigenous stole brings visibility and pride to Dal Convocation ceremonies
Spring Convocation also featured a new Indigenous stole, a red ceremonial garment symbolizing pride, academic achievement, and belonging for graduating Indigenous students.
Related: Cheers to the Class of 2025: Grad profiles
COMMUNITY/ July 2
Helping power Dal forward: Meet the 2025 DPMG Award recipients
This year’s DPMG Awards recognized eight exceptional professionals whose leadership, innovation, and service continue to strengthen Dalhousie’s mission and enrich the university community in meaningful, lasting ways.
RESEARCH/AWARDS/ July 3
An order of magnitude: Ford Doolittle named Companion of the Order of Canada
Evolutionary biologist Dr. Ford Doolittle was named a Companion of the Order of Canada — the highest honour in the Order — in recognition of a scholarly career that has upended our understanding of the natural world and helped made Canada a global leader in genome evolution.
RESEARCH/ July 15
Dal researcher Dr. Luc Cousineau is investigating how online communities radicalize young men, revealing the dangerous intersection of digital culture, masculinity, and far-right extremism.
LEADERSHIP/ July 30
Cathie O'Toole appointed as Vice‑President Finance and Administration at Dal
Cathie O’Toole, previously the chief administrative officer of the Halifax Regional Municipality, joined Dalhousie as the university’s next Vice-President Finance and Administration this year.
STUDENT LIFE/SUSTAINABILITY/ Sept.4
Dal students rescue campus essentials at expanded Free Store
More than 1,200 students scored big at Dal's Free Store at the start of fall term, taking home tens of thousands of dollars worth of goods for free and proving one person's trash can be another's treasure.
STUDENT LIFE/ Sept.16
In photos: bbno$ brings beats and bright lights at Dalfest
Canadian rapping sensation bbno$ headlined this year's campus concert extravaganza on Studley Quad. Catch the highlights in our photo recap.
ALUMNI/ Sept.18
'A beacon for us all': Honouring the life and legacy of Senator Don Oliver (1938–2025)
Senator Donald Oliver (LLB'64, LLD'03) built an extraordinary legacy as a lawyer, lifelong advocate for racial equality, and the first Black man in Canada's Senate, inspiring many in the Dalhousie community and beyond.
RESEARCH/ Oct. 23
Dalhousie celebrated new and renewed Canada Research Chairs tackling global challenges from Arctic law and anti-Black racism to climate resilience, clean energy, and pandemic preparedness.
LEADERSHIP/ Oct. 24
A focus on collaboration: Meet new Senate Chair Dr. Sachin Seth
Dalhousie Senate returned in the fall with new chair Dr. Sachin Seth, tackling academic challenges with collaboration, curiosity, and a renewed focus on inclusive, forward-thinking governance.
POLITICS/ Oct. 24
Authoritarianism rising: Stanfield Conversation probes how the rule of law is being subverted
Dalhousie’s Stanfield Conversation addressed the erosion of democratic norms, warning that trust, not just laws, is essential to safeguarding democracy amid rising authoritarian tendencies.
HEALTH CARE/ Oct. 24
New clinic set to revolutionize respiratory care in Nova Scotia
A new clinic led by Dal and community partners — with funding from GSK Canada — will offer faster, community-based respiratory care that empowers patients and trains future professionals while easing pressure on Nova Scotia’s overstretched health system.
COMMUNITY/RESEARCH/Oct. 29
Dalhousie unveils Beaty Centre for Marine Biodiversity: A new gateway to ocean discovery
Dalhousie’s new marine biodiversity centre opened to the public this December, offering guests a chance to explore the ocean through immersive exhibits, Indigenous storytelling, and Michael’s Whale — a breathtaking blue whale skeleton. We were there for a launch event earlier in the fall.
CIVIC IMPACT/ Oct.29
Dalhousie and community partners hosted Waters Flowing Together in Iona, Cape Breton this fall during the International Celtic Colours Festival. It was a three-day celebration blending Indigenous knowledge, ocean science, music, and culture on Bras d'Or Lake.
RESEARCH/ Nov.14
DalSolutions: Modeling the future of transportation in Halifax
Dalhousie research is helping the Halifax Regional Municipality plan a transportation system that’s efficient, sustainable, and ready for the city’s rapid growth.
STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT/ Nov.19
Dal student wins Rhodes Scholarship for work at the intersection of science and climate innovation
We celebrated Dalhousie's 95th Rhodes Scholar this fall. From varsity swimming to ocean-tech entrepreneurship, Isaac Bahler’s path to Oxford reflects a passion for turning climate research into real-world solutions.
HEALTH CARE/CIVIC IMPACT/ Nov.27
Dalhousie introduced its first graduates of the Master of Physician Assistant Studies program, marking a milestone in Maritime health education and expanding access to care across Nova Scotia through advanced clinical training and collaborative practice.
STUDENT LIFE/ Dec.3
Inclusive by design: How Dal is moving beyond reactive student accommodation
Dalhousie’s new Student Accommodation Policy sets in motion a shift away from reactive fixes to more proactive, inclusive design that helps ensure accessibility is built into classrooms, resources, and processes for a truly student-centered experience.
RESEARCH/ Dec.11
New research suggests two top predators have forged a co-operative rather than competitive relationship to find and feast on salmon off B.C. coast — and the findings generated international headlines.
COMMUNITY/ Dec.12
The computer scientists who saved Christmas? Thanks to the work of faculty members Hanieh Shakeri and Joseph Malloch, a beloved Dartmouth institution has been able to entertain children of all ages this holiday season.