Leadership for community engaged research
We are an interdisciplinary community of researchers committed to advancing knowledge and intercultural practices with newcomers, including immigrants, refugees and international students. We are united in our efforts to improve the lives of newcomers in areas ranging from education, to health and well-being, healthcare, service access, settlement and integration.
The network offers a space where researchers and community groups can connect and explore research ideas and topical issues from multiple perspectives. Our collaborative platform is designed to promote understanding and encourage members to explore and address the complex needs and experiences of newcomer Canadians.
Our vision
UCalgary as a world leader for research on newcomer integration and the promotion of intercultural competence.
Research that is informed and endorsed by newcomer communities and community-based partnerships.
Cultural understanding as a form of literacy for collaborative and cross-cultural communication
Recent publications
Latest publications in the health and social care, resettlement and integration, education, and community engagement by the Newcomer Research Network researchers.
Health and Social Care
Health-wellness resources on Canadian immigrant service providers' websites
Immigrant service provider organizations (SPOs) are often immigrants’ first point of contact to Canadian systems, such as job, education, health and social care, and housing. Among the 1453 SPO websites identified, only 289 (35.9%) had health-wellness information in their web-contents. Of the websites with health-wellness contents, “lifestyle and wellness resources” were present on 86.5% and “healthcare system resources” were present on 80.6% of the websites. Regarding “navigability”, zero to two mouse clicks were required to access health-wellness resources on 94.8% of the websites; however, more than one language option was very limited, available on less than a quarter of websites.
Resettlement and Integration
Highly Educated Immigrant Workers’ Perspectives of Occupational Health & Safety
A recent study examined the perspectives of newly arrived immigrant workers on health and safety issues as well as factors that make workers more likely to get sick or injured. Forty-two new immigrant workers from a variety of industries working in Calgary and Alberta were interviewed using an interpretative research method and semi-structured qualitative interviews. The study found that in many workplaces, poor job training, little worker support, lack of power in the workplace, and a poor workplace safety culture make it difficult for workers to acquire occupational health and safety information and to implement safe work practices.
Resettlement and Integration
Employment Patterns of International Medical Graduates in Alternative Jobs
Result from a nation-wide online survey of International medical graduates found that, 43.19% were employed and 56.81% were unemployed. Employed participants were more likely to be older males, have stayed longer in Canada, and had more senior-level job experience before moving to Canada. The majority of the IMGs were employed in health-related nonregulated jobs (50.45%). The results were consistent across other demographic characteristics, including different provinces, countries of origin, gender, time since graduation, and length of stay in Canada.
Find out more recent publications by NRN researchers
Publications (2022)
Publications (2021)
Publications (2020)
Multidisciplinary approach to study the newcomer experience
Scholars reach across disciplines to study the newcomer experience
Members of Newcomer Research Network inspired to make a difference for both personal and professional reasons
The lives of newcomers touch every aspect of community — from education to health care, family to work life — which is why the University of Calgary research group dedicated to studying and improving intercultural practices with newcomers takes the broadest possible approach, drawing together academics from an array of disciplines, faculties and backgrounds.
Connect with us
Are you a community organization or researcher working with newcomers? Contact the Newcomer Research Network to learn more about research activities and to connect with researchers. The network is open to faculty members university-wide who have an interest in newcomer research. Members meet regularly to explore opportunities for new research partnerships, funding and community engagement.