UCalgary climbs into top five among research universities in Canada

Calgary, AB – The University of Calgary has rejoined the prestigious group of Canada’s top five research universities according to new data from Re$earch Infosource, the leading national source for research and development data about universities, colleges, and corporations.

This is based on 2024 external research funding that grew by eight per cent to $588.5 million. Funding for the 2025 fiscal year, basis for next year’s rankings, grew again, to $632.4 million.

“UCalgary research improves the world around us. It creates jobs, powers new economic sectors and it makes Albertans healthier – even saving lives. In just 59 years, the University of Calgary has become a research and innovation powerhouse, competing with institutions that have been around for much longer. Our research community rises to this challenge every day, fueled by bold ambitions, entrepreneurial thinking, and academic rigour.”

Dr. Ed McCauley, president and vice-chancellor, UCalgary

UCalgary is the youngest university among the top five and previously reached this rank in 2021.

“This top five ranking was achieved thanks to the brilliance and dedication of our research community. Our sponsored research income is more than just a dollar amount – it’s breakthrough discoveries, life-saving innovations, and solutions to the most pressing problems facing the communities we serve.”

Dr. William Ghali, vice-president (research), UCalgary

External research revenue attracts top talent from around the world to Calgary and in turn leads to hands-on training and work integrated learning experience to produce the next generation of leaders with the practical skills they need to succeed.

Research funding comes from governments, corporations and institutions. Most of it is from outside Alberta, helping the provincial economy diversify and grow.

And it’s been doing so for some time.

President McCauley pointed to UCalgary research in the seventies that was instrumental in helping energy companies separate oil from sand, allowing for exponential increases in oil sands development. Today, research outcomes from a state-of-the-art facility in Brooks have enabled carbon dioxide sequestration monitoring technologies. Further, research has generated new energy opportunities in hydrogen, critical minerals, and energy storage technology.

But it doesn’t only benefit traditional economic pillars such as energy. It also powers sectors like quantum computing. In large part due to UCalgary’s groundbreaking research, the global tech giant Mphasis recently made Calgary its Canadian quantum hub with plans to create 26,000 jobs across Alberta by 2040 and add $16.5 billion to the economy.

Long known for producing leading ways to prevent and treat strokes, UCalgary’s reputation in the cancer field is also recognized globally. Earlier this fall, UCalgary researchers published a proof-of-concept study that shows it may be possible to measure long-term radon gas exposure by testing toenail clippings. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking, but there’s been no accurate way to measure long term exposure.

Recognizing the alarming decline in Canada’s economic productivity compared with our major trading partners, UCalgary launched Canada’s Productivity Initiative. The School of Public Policy is leading research on productivity and engaging with leading thinkers in business, government and academia in cities across the country to develop actionable and impactful policy recommendations.

Our Centre for Military, Security and Strategic Studies is helping to shape the conversation on Arctic security and cybersecurity, ensuring Alberta has a seat at the table on emerging risk. UCalgary is also one of the founding members of the National Cybersecurity Consortium helping Canada keep pace with the digital transformation while advancing innovation and talent development.

UCalgary also ranked in the top five for six other categories ranked by Toronto-based Re$earch Infosource: research funding per faculty member, research funding per graduate student, corporate research income, and international government research income overall, as a percentage of total income, and year-over-year growth. 

 

Media inquiries

Sean Myers
Interim Manager, Media Relations
University of Calgary
403.561.7405
sean.myers2@ucalgary.ca