UNBC’s research funding hits $15.2 million

The University of Northern British Columbia increased its research funding for the third year in a row according to the latest edition of the Canada’s Top 50 Research Universities report, produced by Research Infosource.

UNBC’s total research income rose to $15.2 million, a 9.1 per cent increase from the previous year and the largest overall total since 2010. UNBC placed in the top 10 among universities in its tier in categories related to research intensity and research income from not-for-profit sources. Overall, UNBC finished 42nd on the national list, down one position from 2021.

UNBC is first among universities in its tier for the percentage of funding from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, according to the  report’s five-year summary. Between 2017 and 2021, $7.7 million, representing 12.6 per cent of UNBC’s research income, came from CIHR.

“From examining the impacts of climate change on glaciers to studying the transition of economies in rural communities to exploring ways to make life-changing technology available to older adults and their caregivers, UNBC researchers are making discoveries and sharing their knowledge on important topics related to our region and the world,” UNBC President Dr. Geoff Payne said. “Successful research projects involve a team effort. Thank you to all the students, faculty, staff and community partners who make it possible for UNBC research to make a difference.”

Other research highlights over the last year include the creation of the Environmental Solutions Innovation Hub, the growth of the Centre for Technology Adoption for Aging in the North and the launch of the Hearts-based Education and Anticolonial Learning (HEAL) health care project.

“The results of our research go well beyond the findings presented in journal articles and books to informing real-world change,” UNBC Interim Vice-President Research and Innovation Dr. Kathy Lewis said. “The experiences our undergraduate students, graduate students and post-doctoral fellows gain by working with our faculty in the lab and out in the field equip them with the key skills they need to succeed in the knowledge-based economy.”

This marks the fourth straight year UNBC has finished first in a category in the rankings. Last year, UNBC finished first in research growth from non-profit sources. Previously, UNBC topped the charts in corporate-sponsored research growth and overall research growth.