The University of Windsor recorded the largest year-over-year growth in research funding among all Canadian universities in the annual Canada's Innovation Leaders (CIL) report released Dec. 4.
In just one year, UWindsor's research income rose by 37 per cent, from $32.5 million to $44.5 million in 2024.
Electric and computer engineering assistant professor Dr. Shahpour Alirezaee in the mechatronics lab at the University of Windsor. (MIKE WILKINS/The University of Windsor)
This increase placed UWindsor first in Canada, and first among comprehensive universities, for percentage growth in both total research income and research intensity.
Research intensity measured as research income per full-time faculty member increased by 45.5 per cent, the highest growth rate in Canada. This rise from $66,200 to $96,300 per faculty member boosted UWindsor's national performance.
Dr. Shanthi Johnson, vice-president, research and innovation, says the milestones reflect the institution's growing research intensity and capacity, expanding global and local partnerships, and commitment to solving real-world challenges.
"With dedicated researchers and strong partnerships, our growing funding success is elevating our research, scholarship and creative activity and advancing solutions that matter, locally and globally," Johnson says.
The momentum continued in other areas of the report, highlighting UWindsor's rising reputation as a hub for research collaboration.
UWindsor science researchers Dr. Dorota Lubanska (left) and Dr. Alioune Ngom (right) collaborate on a project to improve treatment of a childhood cancer. (PETER MARVAL/University of Windsor)
The University retained its No. 1 comprehensive university ranking for the share of research income from international government sources and placed fifth overall, underscoring its growing global research footprint. The University also stood out in natural sciences and engineering, reflecting the impact of major projects such as those at the Great Lakes Institute for Environmental Research (GLIER), which tackles complex environmental issues affecting large lakes and their watersheds.
Industry collaboration also played a key role in UWindsor's performance. The University ranked seventh among comprehensive universities in both total corporate research income and corporate income as a share of overall research funding.
This result is supported by large-scale research initiatives such as Agriculture UWindsor (AgUWin), which advances technology, science and training in the greenhouse and broader agricultural sectors, as well as long-standing partnerships in automotive innovation including Dr. Narayan Kar's internationally recognized work with Magna International and the Schaeffler Group on electrified vehicle systems.
Another impactful research initiative is INSPIRE the Integrated Network for the Surveillance of Pathogens: Increasing Resilience and Capacity in Canada's Pandemic Response. Led by UWindsor, INSPIRE is a $15-million national project to help Canada prepare for future pandemics by strengthening the country's biomanufacturing sector.
Dr. Sreekanta Das and his team in the Faculty of Engineering lead a project to build a 3D-printed UWindsor residence. (MIKE WILKINS/University of Windsor)
"The numbers clearly show the University's research and innovation is in a growth trajectory positioned well for national and global leadership," says Johnson.
"These significant achievements reflect the strength of our researchers, their commitment to creating impact and the power of collaboration at local, national and international levels."
The report also highlights UWindsor's position among Canada's top 50 research universities. Overall, the University rose three places to 30 based on fiscal year 2024 data.
The CIL report is published annually by Research Infosource Inc., a research, consulting and publishing firm specializing in research and development analytics.
