Laurentian University tops the list of research income among universities in its category in rankings of Canada’s top 50 research universities compiled by Research Infosource Inc.
The rankings show Laurentian raised $23.4-million in research funds in the 2015-2016 year placing the University at the top of the country’s undergraduate research universities. Overall, Laurentian University ranks #30 out of the top 50 undergraduate, comprehensive, and doctoral/graduate institutions across the country. That is up from the #33 on the list last year.
“The quality and extent of our research are what make Laurentian University one of the premier schools for students and faculty not only in Northern Ontario, but across the country,” said Dr. Rui Wang, Vice-President, Research at Laurentian University. “Our researchers are simply the best. From mining and the environment, to Indigenous issues and medical research, Laurentian remains a great investment for the future.”
Laurentian University also out-performed many post-secondary institutions in research income growth for the year. While the national average for growth stood at 2.2%, Laurentian University saw its research income jump by 18.3%.
“Our growth should not come as a surprise to anyone aware of our focus on innovation and discovery,” said Dr. Rui Wang. “Governments, donors, and our wonderful corporate partners all know that investing in Laurentian research pays off in knowledge, discoveries, new techniques, and myriad other benefits for the economy, our communities, and our entire country.”
Laurentian University’s research success stretches across many fields of study, from award winning studies in mining, biochemistry, and environmental remediation, to ground-breaking projects including the new Maamwizing Indigenous Research Institute. Research income and impact are expected to continue to grow and prosper with the opening of the new $30-million Cliff Fielding Research Innovation and Engineering Building in 2018.
“These rankings are of course gratifying proof of the impact of all the work our faculty, researchers, and staff have put in over the years to transform Laurentian into a research powerhouse in Ontario,” said Dr. Pierre Zundel, Laurentian’s Interim President and Vice-Chancellor. “As we prepare to unveil our new five-year Strategic Plan, we will continue to build on this solid foundation to push our school to the head of the class. When it comes to the potential of our university and our people, the sky is the limit!”