Ryerson named Canadian research university of the year by Research Infosource
Ryerson University is named the top undergraduate research university of the year according to the annual ranking of Canada’s Top 50 Research Universities, released on Thursday, October 16, 2014 by Research Infosource Inc., Canada’s Source of R&D Intelligence. Research Infosource has designated three institutions as Research Universities of the Year 2014 in their respective categories: University of Toronto (Medical/Doctoral), University of Waterloo (Comprehensive), and Ryerson University (Undergraduate). These institutions stood out on a balanced scorecard of research input and output/impact measures for fiscal year 2013.
Ryerson also ranked 10th nationally in research growth, experiencing a 12.9 per cent gain in year-over-year (fiscal year 2012 to fiscal year 2013) total sponsored research income of $32.4 million. This is a sharp contrast to the national average. Total research income at the 50 leading universities expanded by only 1.1% in fiscal 2013, mirroring last year’s slow pace of growth. Total research income in Fiscal 2013 reached $6.78 billion from $6.70 billion in Fiscal 2012. Overall, in Fiscal 2013, 29 universities posted research income growth versus 21 where income dropped – an improvement over Fiscal 2012. Ryerson University is ranked 27th overall in the top 50 research universities 2014.
The ranking of undergraduate research university of the year and the major increase of research income for fiscal year 2013 is a great achievement, but even more dramatic growth is expected for this year. According to the most recent Council of Ontario Finance Officers (COFO) data, Ryerson’s research income has increased by 26 per cent, hitting $40.7 million in total sponsored research income.
“Research and innovation is growing dramatically at Ryerson University,” said Wendy Cukier, vice-president research and innovation, Ryerson University. “Our researchers, with the support of our community, industry and government partners, are helping to drive social and economic development locally, nationally and globally. Our researchers are tackling important problems related to digital media, energy and sustainability, health and wellbeing, technological and industrial innovation, city building and social justice, culture and creative industries, management and entrepreneurship, and teaching and learning. Research funding is only one measure of excellence and relevance but Ryerson's trajectory is unparalleled.”
“Universities derived 69% of their research income from government sources in Fiscal 2013 – primarily from federal and provincial governments,” said Ron Freedman, CEO of Research Infosource. “If anything, dependency on government is increasing. Whereas Federal Government sources increased funding by 2.8%, versus the overall 1.1% increase, Provincial Government funding rose by only 1.3%. Foreign Government, Corporate and Not-For-Profit/Foundation sources were all down. Slow economic growth leaves governments with little spare capacity to increase research funding, so this year’s results should come as no great surprise.”
Research income includes all internal and external government and non-government sources.
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Ryerson University Media Office 10/20/2014 |
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