The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies like ChatGPT that can generate text, images and computer code has everyone asking questions about AI efficacy and ethics. At the same time, augmented reality and virtual reality have endless applications beyond design and gaming, including construction, healthcare, logistics and education.

SFU innovation and entrepreneurship professor Terri Griffith says it's best to thoughtfully embrace rather than shy away from tech that can enhance our academic and professional lives. Regarding technology, she recognises that we are all—including the AIs—learning as we go.

Deanna Reder, professor of Indigenous studies and English, collaborates with colleagues at SFU and across the country to help emerging Indigenous writers to find their voice, and help long-forgotten authors find an audience. 

Her latest work, Autobiography as Indigenous Intellectual Tradition calls attention to longstanding autobiographical practices that are engrained in Cree and Métis culture. Using examples of Indigenous life writing, including âcimisowina—sharing personal and often humorous anecdotes—Reder’s book explores over 200 years of Indigenous storytelling.  

Why was the 2021 snowmelt runoff in California 60 per cent lower than predicted? New models by SFU geography professor Jesse Hahm and postdoctoral fellow Dana Lapides show how prolonged drought can affect spring streamflow, even in years of abundant snowfall. 

Their study, Causes of Missing Snowmelt Following Drought, a collaboration between researchers at Simon Fraser University, the U.S. Forest Service Pacific Southwest Research Station and the University of Texas at Austin was published in Geophysical Research Letters.

What can be done to prevent violence in close relationships? Professor of gender, sexuality and women's studies Jennifer Marchbank works closely with communities on issues of social justice. She recently collaborated with BCIT, KPU and SFU colleagues on a book exploring the complexities of violence in relationships. Making Sense of a Global Pandemic: Relationship Violence & Working Together Towards a Violence Free Society is a free, open-access resource offering insights and tools for educators, service providers and the public.

SFU expert in community-centred climate innovation, mechatronic systems engineering professor and Canada Research Chair Erik Kjeang leads the Fuel Cell Research Laboratory. The research team is working to develop efficient, affordable and durable fuel cells that will provide reliable and sustainable clean energy options.

Sustainable energy engineering professor Taco Niet is an expert in community-centred climate innovation and studies the nexus—or interactions—between climate, land, energy and water systems (CLEWs) as a whole. His global energy systems models are designed to inform policy and ensure the most beneficial use of finite natural resources.

Throughout 2022, SFU scholars continued to make breakthrough scientific discoveries that are transforming their disciplines, benefitting our communities and broadening our understanding of the planet.

This week we highlight the scholarly works that received the most attention according to Altmetric and the most-cited academic papers—SFU's top 22 publications of 2022.

Starting in January, small amounts of some illegal substances will be decriminalized in British Columbia. SFU Criminology professor Alissa Greer says this is an excellent step forward to reframe drug use as a health issue instead of a criminal issue. As a Michael Smith Health Research B.C. Scholar, Greer will study how the new law is interpreted and used day-to-day by police officers. 

Greer recently published a study, Simple possession as a 'tool': Drug law enforcement practices among police officers in the context of depenalization in British Columbia, Canada. 

Health Sciences Professor Scott Lear studies how the neighbourhoods we live in can affect our health. His recent study finds that more urban greenspace plus higher socioeconomic status is linked to lower risk of diabetes—advice that urban planners can literally take to heart.

The COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, mass migration and other shocks have disrupted organizations across the globe. SFU Beedie School of Business professor June Francis says businesses can improve their resiliency by drawing upon the diverse range of capitals found in the wider community.

Her paper, Resources for business resilience in a COVID-19 world: A community-centric approach, co-authored with Beedie alumnus and IE Business School professor Stephanie Beninger, outlines how businesses can use the novel and actionable integrated capital framework to survive—and to thrive.