For the first time, Lethbridge Polytechnic has cracked the top 10 in the 2024 Research Infosource ranking of Canada's top 50 research colleges.
The polytechnic, which ranks 10th in the nation based on 2023 research, continues to build on its reputation as a leader in applied research. It placed 11th the year previous, after it had joined the ranks of the top 20 for the first time in 2021, finishing 16th. The rankings are evidence of a swell of growth in applied research at the polytechnic, which placed 50th in 2018.
"It certainly shows the impact of the work we are doing and, as all projects have industry partnerships, demonstrates the value that industry puts on the work that we do to support our local and regional economy," says Dr. Kenny Corscadden, the polytechnic's vice-president - academic and research.
The 2024 ranking crosses another item off Lethbridge Polytechnic's to-do list. The 2021-2025 strategic plan for the Centre for Applied Research, Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CARIE) included goals of a top 10 national ranking as well as securing $10 million in external funding, the latter accomplished previously. Where the institution goes from here in the rankings will be determined largely by its partners, says Corscadden.
"Our research growth is based on industry demand and in areas of expertise that complement our programming," he says. "Our goal is to continue to provide value, and that will be driven by industry demand," he says.
Dr. Andrew Dunlop, associate vice president of applied research, says Lethbridge Polytechnic's appearance in the upper echelons of the ranking system is even more impressive given that many top-ranked institutions are found in metropolitan areas.
"It's a drum I'm always banging on that we can do this outside of major centres," he says. "We are a regional polytechnic, meeting the research needs of our regional industry and regional economic development."
Dunlop says the institution's seventh-place standing in industry research income is indicative of its strength.
"It shows our connection to industry and how we take that seriously," he says. "If industry says, yes, you provide us with value,' that's the big affirmation for us. We have to be flexible enough that if industry priorities change, we change with them."
Lethbridge Polytechnic realized $812,000 through fee-for-service arrangements in 2023, highlighting the institution's capacity to support local industry outside of long-term research projects. Some companies are looking for answers right now to change their outcomes, rather than searching for ways to change their industry in five or 10 years, says Dunlop. Lethbridge Polytechnic can provide those "one-off or very quick turnaround supports" through consultation, technical help or training that isn't available elsewhere.
Lethbridge Polytechnic increased the total number of paid student researchers to 87, from 47 the year previous, and that is significant given the value-added education that applied research opportunities provide.
"You've finished your program, and you've learned some basic skills," says Dunlop. "Now you're really going to learn on this real-life project for this real-life company with real outcomes and real risks. How valuable is that to put on your resume?"
Other areas of note for Lethbridge Polytechnic in the 2024 rankings for medium-sized colleges:
- Federal research dollars secured - ranked fourth
- Research partnerships - ranked ninth
- Completed research partnerships - ranked 11th
Lethbridge Polytechnic's current research focus areas include Advanced Post-Harvest Technology led by Dr. Chandra Singh; the Integrated Agriculture Technology Centre (IATC), led by John Derksen and Dr. Nick Savidov; the Mueller Irrigation Group led by Dr. Willemijn Appels; Spatial Technologies Applied Research and Training (START) led by Tyler Heaton; and the Centre for Public Safety Applied Research (CPSAR) led by Dr. Kirsten Fantazir.
CARIE has a total of five research themes, including Agriculture, Food and Environment, Business and Technology, Health and Wellness, Justice and Public Safety, and Science, Social Sciences and Humanities. CARIE is a catalyst for applied research that results in real-world solutions, economic growth, sustainability and social and community development. Learn more about CARIE's applied research projects in the 2023-24 CARIE Report.
