Dr. Willemijn Appels, Mueller Applied Research Chair, (second from right) working with students in an irrigated field. (Photo: Lethbridge College)

By David Opinko

Lethbridge College rises in ranking of Canada’s top research colleges

Jan 25, 2023 | 12:30 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – Lethbridge College says it has achieved its highest-ever ranking in a national list of research colleges.

Research Infosource has released its annual ranking of Canada’s Top 50 Research Colleges of 2022.

The list compares colleges in relation to their research incomes.

Lethbridge College was listed at 16th place, improving from 29th last year.

In the 2021 fiscal year, Lethbridge College had a total sponsored research income of $7,078,000, a little more than double of the amount in the previous year.

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Per researcher, that works out to $108,900.

Lethbridge College Vice President Research and Partnerships Dr. Kenny Corscadden says it is great to see the school recognized for its efforts.

“Our ranking is a testament to the need for this vital support for our local industry and to the hard work of our entire research team,” says Corscadden. “Our community has been supportive of our ambitious growth goals as we have expanded our work in a variety of areas. Applied research leads directly to innovative solutions for the businesses we work with, and we are proud of the support we provide to our industry partners.”

Megan Shapka, Director of Applied Research Operations, says, as the college continues to grow its applied research portfolio and adding more expertise and state-of-the-art facilities, she anticipates even more growth in the future.

“It is gratifying to be recognized as a top 50 research college in Canada and to see our team rising in the rankings each year alongside other prestigious research colleges and polytechnics,” says Shapka.

Among medium-sized colleges, Lethbridge College was ranked ninth in paid student researchers, 10th in research partnerships, and 13th in completed research projects.

According to a media release from Lethbridge College, the main areas of research at the post-secondary include:

• Advanced Post-Harvest Technology led by Dr. Chandra Singh
• The Aquaculture Centre of Excellence (ACE) led by Dr. Nick Savidov
• The Mueller Irrigation Group led by Dr. Willemijn Appels
• Spatial Technologies Applied Research and Training (START) led by Mike McCready
• The newly created Centre for Public Safety Applied Research (CPSAR) led by Dr. Kirsten Fantazir

The full list of Canada’s Top 50 Research Colleges of 2022 can be viewed on the Research Infosource website.

In a separate Research Infosource ranking, the University of Lethbridge was named one of the top 50 research universities.

READ MORE: University of Lethbridge named one of Canada’s top research universities