McMaster continues to be one of Canada’s most research-intensive universities

McMaster ranked second in faculty research intensity and third in graduate student research intensity in the 2023 Research Infosource rankings.

By Daniella Fiorentino, Office of the VP Research December 7, 2023

Two student researchers in lab coats working in a lab
Students conduct research in the Yingfu Li Lab, which focuses on developing new aptamer technologies for diagnostics and therapeutics. The 2023 Research Infosource rankings place McMaster second in faculty research intensity and third in graduate student research intensity.

McMaster continues to rank among Canada’s top research universities in the annual ranking published by Research Infosource.

McMaster placed ninth among Canada’s medical/doctoral schools, with a total sponsored research income of $369.8 million, according to the 2023 rankings released Dec. 7.

The ranking is determined by research income and intensity, as well as the number, intensity and impact of publications in leading journals.

McMaster maintains its second-place position for faculty research intensity, averaging $407,300 per faculty member, and places third among its peers for graduate student research intensity, with an average of $68,500 per graduate student.

The rankings speak to the exceptional talent and dedication of McMaster’s multi-disciplinary research community, says university President David Farrar.

“McMaster is home to some of the best and brightest minds in the country, and these rankings are a testament to the social, scientific and economic impact of their research on a local and global scale,” Farrar says.

“Thanks to the high-impact, high-quality value of their work, our faculty and graduate students continue to position McMaster as a world-leader in research and innovation,” he says.

Over the past five years, McMaster has attracted over $522 million in investments from the private sector, earning the second-highest spot for corporate research income.

The ranking reflects the confidence that industry partners place in McMaster researchers’ work, says Andy Knights, vice-president, Research (acting).

“McMaster has earned its reputation as a trusted and valued research partner,” Knights says.

“Our incredible faculty and students continue to attract significant investment from the corporate sector, in addition to government and not-for-profit organizations, which they harness to address pressing global challenges and maximize the impact of their research.”

Research Infosource figures are based on 2022 financial data obtained from Statistics Canada. The rankings are included in Canada’s Innovation Leaders 2023 publication found here.

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