Michael Ungar

Michael Ungar, Ph.D. is the Director of the Resilience Research Centre at Dalhousie University and holds the Canada Research Chair in Child, Family and Community Resilience. Recognized as the world’s top Social Work scholar in 2022, his work bridges clinical practice, global policy, and corporate strategy to enhance resilience in marginalized populations. His research emphasizes adaptive processes during crises, influencing NGOs like Red Cross, governments, and Fortune 500 companies such as Unilever and Cigna.

Dr. Ungar’s expertise spans resilience in children, families, and workplaces, with a focus on mental health challenges and systemic inequities. His methodologies integrate interdisciplinary approaches, including participatory research with youth in high-risk environments. Over 250 peer-reviewed articles and 17 books reflect his contributions to resilience theory, including groundbreaking works like Multisystemic Resilience (2023).

Key awards include global rankings in Social Work and leadership roles in international resilience initiatives. His consulting spans sectors from disaster recovery to corporate social responsibility, emphasizing culturally sensitive solutions. Dr. Ungar’s research has driven policy changes in child welfare systems and mental health interventions worldwide.

Current projects include cross-country studies on youth resilience, resilience-building interventions for refugees, and frameworks for organizational agility during crises. His Rugged Resilience Program® offers practical tools for thriving in adversity, while collaborations with UNESCO and OECD amplify his impact on global development agendas.