U of G Ranks Among Top Research Universities

October 27, 2009 - News Release

Once again, the University of Guelph is Canada's top comprehensive research institution in the annual "Top 50 Research Universities" list published today by a national consulting firm. This is the eighth year Guelph has retained the coveted spot.

The survey by Research Infosource ranks Canada's universities based on sponsored research income from both government and non-government sources. U of G was tops among comprehensive universities (those without a medical school) with research income in excess of $142 million, a 6.9 per cent increase from last year.

Compared to all Canadian universities, U of G is 14th — the highest ranking for a university without a medical school. Guelph is also among seven Ontario universities that made Research Infosource's elite “$100 Million Club,” reserved for institutions attracting $100 million or more in sponsored research income.

In a second survey also published today by Research Infosource, U of G placed second among comprehensive universities in the "Research University of the Year" ranking. For that survey, Canada’s research universities are divided into three categories: medical/doctoral, comprehensive and undergraduate.

The top three universities in each division are then ranked based on research income, research intensity of faculty and graduate students, and the number of publications in leading Canadian and international journals. U of G received No. 1 rankings for total sponsored research income and faculty research intensity in its division. Overall in the comprehensive category, the University of Waterloo was first and the University of Victoria was third.

“The fact that U of G continues to be so highly ranked is a great example of how medium-sized universities can pack a powerful research punch,” said Kevin Hall, vice-president (research).

It also illustrates the confidence that granting agencies and industry partners have in U of G’s ability to generate ideas and innovations that will make a difference, he added. “Guelph excels in the kind of research the world needs now: environmental sustainability, communities and culture, animal and human health, and food and water. These are the very issues at the root of today’s global crises."

Research Infosource is an independent national consulting firm. A division of The Impact Group, it provides information about the research activities of Canadian companies, universities and governments.

The research rankings will appear in the National Post and Ottawa Citizen in November.

For media questions, contact Communications and Public Affairs: Lori Bona Hunt, Ext. 53338 or lhunt@uguelph.ca, or Barry Gunn, Ext. 56982 or bagunn@uoguelph.ca.

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