UNBC records best-ever result in research rankings

UNBC set a new research income record in 2024, securing $19.6 million according to the latest edition of Canada’s Top 50 Research Universities produced by Research Infosoure.

That’s a 10 per cent increase from 2023 and moves the university up two spots in the overall ranking to No. 39 in Canada. The previous record of $17.8 million was set in 2010.

“Setting a new research funding record reflects the creativity, dedication and impact of UNBC’s researchers,” said UNBC Interim President Dr. Bill Owen.

“This milestone demonstrates how UNBC’s faculty, students, staff and partners are advancing knowledge that matters to northern B.C. and beyond. We are deeply grateful to the funders whose support makes this work possible.”

In addition, UNBC saw a 350 per cent increase in the research from not-for-profit sources, including foundations and community organizations. It’s the second largest percentage increase in the country, regardless of institution size.

“UNBC’s dramatic growth in funding from not-for-profit organizations highlights the trust communities and partners place in our research,” says UNBC Vice-President Research and Innovation Dr. Paula Wood-Adams. “These collaborations range from working with community-based groups to create knowledge to partnering with national organizations on solutions that address real-world challenges and deliver meaningful impact locally and globally.”

UNBC also placed first in the undergraduate category for AI research, with more than 85 per cent of publications involving international collaborations.

In climate change research, our university placed second among undergraduates both in the number of publications (201) and the share of climate change research relative to all research publications (16 per cent).

Lastly, UNBC secured a third place finish in the graduate student research intensity category for universities of its size, bringing in more than $28,000 per graduate.