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Niagara College earns No. 1 research college ranking in Canada

Research Infosource Inc. has recognized Niagara College as the top research college in Canada.

In its recent publication, Canada’s Innovation Leaders, the research and consulting firm announced the Top 50 research colleges, based on total research funding numbers for 2023, marking its tenth consecutive year in the top 10.

“We are thrilled to once again earn the No. 1 spot in Canada and Ontario as the top research college,” said Sean Kennedy, Niagara College president, in the release.

“We are exceptionally proud of our Research and Innovation team who provide real-world solutions for businesses and extraordinary experiential learning opportunities for students.”

With more than $40 million in research support, Niagara College leads in applied research working across various sectors, including advanced manufacturing, business and commercialization, food and beverage, health, horticulture and environment.

The college finished second in the category of completed research projects with 178 projects and ranked fourth with 144 research partnerships. They also claimed the top spot for industry research income, securing over $35 million.

Research funding at Niagara College provides the institution the opportunity to partner with small and medium-sized businesses in the region to conduct projects and services, which aim to provide solutions for the industry.

The college conducts applied research, technical services and business and commercialization solutions with industry partners through its four Innovation Centres: Business and Commercialization Innovation Centre, Food and Beverage Innovation Centre, Horticultural and Environmental Sciences Innovation Centre, and Walker Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre.

Across all four Innovation Centres, the college pairs industry partners with qualified and experienced staff, researchers, faculty, recent graduates, and students.

“Being recognized as the No. 1 research college in Canada for the second year in a row is a testament to our consistency and commitment to innovation excellence and groundbreaking research that drives real-world solutions for industry,” said Marc Nantel, PhD, vice president, Research, Innovation and Strategic Enterprises, in the release.

“For the College, it means access to world-class talent, resources, and facilities to shape the future of education and industry.”

Niagara College leads two multi-institution networks, the Greenhouse Technology Network and the Southern Ontario Network for Advanced Manufacturing Innovation.

These institutions address challenges in technologies related to the needs of the greenhouse industry and in advanced manufacturing.

Their recent successful partnership with Terra Optima Labs Inc. (Terra Optima), a London-Ontario based company, created a circular system using composting worms that consume food waste and produce manure output called casting, can divert food wastes from landfills and process it into natural soil amendments, fertilizers, and food.

Terra Optima created a novel vermichar product, comprised of a blend of worm castings and biochar, which has the potential to be used as a natural soil amendment.

They needed a research and development team who would validate their product. When they met members of Niagara Colleges’ Horticultural and Environmental Sciences Innovation Centre (HESIC) team at a conference, they knew they were the right ones for the job.

“As leaders in the postsecondary research and innovation landscape, we support enhanced productivity and new product development, working with industries in a wide range of sectors across Ontario and the country,” said Kennedy.

“Our reputation and funding from government and industry continues to grow, as we work together to innovate for the future.”

More information can be found here.