Lethbridge College has placed 11th in the 2023 Research Infosource ranking of Canada’s top 50 research colleges, strengthening its reputation as a leader in applied research.
This is the third straight year that Lethbridge College has been recognized as one of Canada’s fastest-growing research colleges. The college’s overall ranking, which is based on 2022 research, jumped from 16th in 2021 and 29th in 2020.
The college was also named to the Research Infosource winners' circle this year, placing second for Industry Research Income Growth in the five-year period from 2018 to 2022, with an increase of more than 1,000 per cent in research funding – a total of more than $34 million – during that timeframe.
“Our trajectory on the Research Infosource rankings reflects our continued commitment to real-world solutions for our industry partners,” says Andrew Dunlop, director of applied research operations. “We are proud that our dedicated researchers and innovative applied research projects are being recognized through our escalating national standing.”
During the latest ranking period, Lethbridge College’s Centre for Applied Research, Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CARIE) garnered more than $9.34 million dollars in external research funding, which equates to a 32 per cent increase in College Research Income Growth from 2021 to 2022. The college also ranked an impressive third in the College Research Intensity Dollars-per-Researcher category for 2022.
“Through this increased investment and accelerating momentum, we foresee broadening our reach to provide even more industry partners with valuable solutions going forward,” says Dr. Kenny Corscadden, vice president research and partnerships. “Our applied research has a direct positive impact on our local community, economy and global partners. As we continue to focus on expanding our research team, facilities and capabilities, we anticipate even more growth in the years ahead.”
Some other categories where Lethbridge College leads among medium-sized colleges include:
- Paid student researchers – ranked eighth, with 47 student researchers in 2022
- Number of research partnerships – ranked 12th, with 56 active partnerships in 2022
- Completed research projects – ranked 17th, with nine projects completed in 2022
Lethbridge College’s current research focus areas include Advanced Post-Harvest Technology led by Dr. Chandra Singh; the Aquaculture Centre of Excellence (ACE) led by Dr. Nick Savidov; the Mueller Irrigation Group led by Dr. Willemijn Appels; Spatial Technologies Applied Research and Training (START) led by Mike McCready; and the Centre for Public Safety Applied Research (CPSAR) led by Dr. Kirsten Fantazir.
CARIE has a total of five research themes at Lethbridge College, including Agriculture, Food and Environment, Business and Technology, Health and Wellness, Justice and Public Safety, and Science, Social Sciences and Humanities. CARIE is a catalyst for applied research that results in real-world solutions, economic growth, sustainability and social and community development. Learn more about CARIE’s applied research projects in the 2022-23 CARIE Report.
See Research Infosource’s complete list of Canada’s top 50 research colleges.