The growing scope and impact of Conestoga’s applied research activity have placed the college in the top tier of Canada’s research colleges according to a new report released this week by Research Infosource Inc.
Total research income of $5.3M in Fiscal Year 2018 has earned Conestoga a top-twelve ranking among Canada’s Top 50 Research Colleges for 2019.
This is a substantial increase from 2018, when Conestoga was ranked in twenty-third place, attracting $3.1M in research income in Fiscal 2017.
“Conestoga is committed to investing in applied research to address the needs of our industry and community partners,” said President John Tibbits. “We greatly appreciate their support as we continue to build applied research capacity to propel innovation, drive collaboration and contribute to the economic and social well-being of the regions we serve.”
According to the 2019 report, Conestoga also ranked among Canada’s top five large colleges for both industry research income and industry research intensity, the percentage of total research income provided through industry sponsorship.
"Fiscal 2018 was a solid year for college research" said Ron Freedman, CEO of Research Infosource, in a news release. "Colleges excel in forging research partnerships with local groups and we are seeing growing evidence of their success. By using their expertise and facilities colleges are fulfilling their mandate of working with local organizations to promote local research and innovation."
Applied research at Conestoga also provides opportunities for students to build real-world skills and connect with future employers.
In 2018-19, more than 3,600 students and close to 270 faculty members at the college were engaged in applied research through capstone, curriculum-based and independent research projects.
Conestoga works in collaboration with industry, community and government partners to deliver innovative solutions to address real-world challenges. The college’s centres of excellence and innovation focus on applied research in a variety of areas, including Advanced Recycling Technologies, Cybersecurity, Healthy Communities, Seniors Care, Smart Manufacturing & Digital Innovation, Supply Chain Excellence and Workforce Safety, Wellness & Performance.
For more information, visit conestogac.on.ca/research