Oct. 26, 2018

UCalgary places sixth in Canada's Top 50 Research Universities rankings

University moves up in Re$earch Infosource results
Research is an important pillar in Energize: the Campaign for Eyes High.

Research is an important pillar in Energize: the Campaign for Eyes High.

The University of Calgary has moved up on the list of Canada’s Top 50 Research Universities 2018 based on sponsored research income, according to the latest Re$earch Infosource Inc. results. 

The University of Calgary’s sixth-place rank among Canadian universities is based on the $380.4 million of sponsored research income generated in 2016-17. This is one rank higher than its placement last year on the same list.

The university has seen a consistent increase in its research income throughout the years. Over the last five years, the university has increased its sponsored research income by 34.5 per cent — the second largest increase in the U15 universities.

“This increase in sponsored research dollars is another step towards achieving our Eyes High vision of being recognized as a top five research-intensive university in Canada,” said Dr. Ed McCauley, vice-president (research) at the University of Calgary. “This record year is due to the dedication and drive of our research community, as they pursue excellence in alignment with the priorities outlined in our renewed academic and research plans.”

Series 1 shows research income since 2012; Series 2 shows how the University of Calgary placed each year in the Re$earch Infosource ranking.

Research income versus how the University of Calgary placed in the Re$earch Infosource ran

  • Above: Series 1 shows research income since 2012; Series 2 shows how the University of Calgary placed each year in the Re$earch Infosource ranking. 

UCalgary has seen significant increases in Tri-Council funding, the support which comes from three major federal government organizations — the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC), the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), and the National Science and Engineering Council of Canada (NSERC). In UCalgary’s case this year, that funding grew by $8 million, or more than 12.7 per cent.

“This increase in Tri-Council funding demonstrates that our research is relevant and critical to solving important societal challenges,” said McCauley. “As a result of increased funding, UCalgary researchers are boosting their impact in health care, science, engineering, humanities and the social sciences, and improving quality of life for all Canadians.”

Canada’s Top 50 Research Universities List 2018 ranks universities based on their total sponsored research income. This include all funds to support research received in the form of a grant, contribution or contract from all sources external to the institution.