The University of Waterloo has marked a significant achievement by being named Canada’s leading research university for the 18th consecutive year. This recognition, awarded by Research Infosource Inc., highlights Waterloo’s long-term commitment to addressing critical global challenges through research and collaboration.
Research Excellence and Innovation
Dr. Charmaine Dean, Waterloo’s Vice-President of Research and International, stated, “Eighteen years as Canada’s top comprehensive research university reflects our sustained excellence in research.” She emphasized that Waterloo’s research capabilities thrive through effective connections across disciplines and borders.
Key Metrics of Success
Research Infosource Inc. evaluates Canadian research universities based on several factors, including:
- Sponsored research income
- Research intensity per faculty
- Publication impact
Waterloo excels in these areas, leading the comprehensive category in research income. It is also prominent in not-for-profit research income and international government research funding.
Outstanding Publication Performance
The university has achieved the highest ranking in the comprehensive category for its publication performance in:
- Natural sciences and engineering
- Health sciences
- Cross-sector AI collaboration
- International AI collaboration
- Climate change initiatives
Significant Research Funding
From 2024 to 2025, Waterloo secured $286 million in research funding. This investment will fuel transformative projects aimed at fostering societies built on trust, inclusion, and evidence-based decision-making.
Commercialization of Ideas
Waterloo’s unique creator-owned policy and strong commercialization efforts enable ideas, such as HeadFirst, to transition swiftly from lab settings to market applications. These initiatives are designed to create significant societal and economic benefits.
Pathways to Discovery and Innovation
The University of Waterloo actively connects disciplines, people, and ideas to generate pathways for impactful discoveries. Researchers at Waterloo continue to gain recognition for innovative approaches that contribute to advancements across various fields, including health, technology, and environmental sustainability.
