Lethbridge Polytechnic and the University of Lethbridge are being recognized among the best research schools in Canada. (Photos: Lethbridge News Now)

By David Opinko

Lethbridge Polytechnic & U of L named top research schools

Dec 5, 2025 | 2:55 PM

Lethbridge’s two largest post-secondary schools are being recognized.

Research Infosource Inc. has released its annual lists of the country’s Top 50 Research Colleges and the Top Research Universities.

Schools across Canada are ranked based on how much money they bring in for sponsored research income, number of researchers, and dollars per researcher.

Lethbridge Polytechnic

Lethbridge Polytechnic was ranked ninth on the top colleges list, raking in $9.44 million in 2024 and moving up one spot on the list.

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They had 50 researchers in the 2023-24 fiscal year for a per-researcher average of $188,800.

Dr. Kenny Corscadden, vice-president of academics and research, says being recognized for their applied research, especially when compared to so many other institutions, is a “remarkable win.”

“Over the past three years, we have consistently demonstrated our ability to compete at the national level,” says Corscadden. “By offering applied learning and research opportunities for students and researchers in a growing number of industry and community-based sectors, Lethbridge Polytechnic is becoming an institution of choice for those interested in making a difference and taking their education and research to the next level.”

Other key indicators from the Polytechnic in the Infosource rankings include:

• Fourth in Artificial Intelligence Research Partnerships and AI Completed Research Projects
• Second in College Research Intensity Dollars per Researcher, at nearly $190,000 per
• Third in College Research Income, at nearly $9.5 million
• Ninth in Research Partnerships, of which the polytechnic has 62

Applied research first began at Lethbridge Polytechnic’s Aquaculture Centre of Excellence in 1999.

They have since opened the Centre for Applied Research, Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CARIE), which has expanded into agriculture, food and environment, business and technology, health and wellness, justice and public safety, and sciences, social sciences and humanities.

In 2025, researchers have been working on or completing research projects in fields such as:

• greenhouse lighting trials with Dr. Seyed Hashemi, research scientist, CARIE;
• development of youth-focused virtual reality (VR) public safety exploration experiences with Dean Kolebaba, principal researcher, Centre for Public Safety Applied Research (CPSAR);
• collaboration on non-destructive crop testing methods with Dr. Chandra Singh, Results Driven Agriculture Research chair and director of the Advanced Post-harvest Technology Centre (APHTC); and
• completion of VR training scenarios for an industry partner with Tyler Heaton, industry liaison and research advisor, Spatial Technologies Applied Research and Training Centre.

To learn more about applied research activities and projects at Lethbridge Polytechnic, visit: lethpolytech.ca/CARIE.

Use this link to see Canada’s Top 50 Research Colleges 2025

University of Lethbridge

The U of L was ranked ninth amongst undergraduate tier universities in the 2024 ranking, and 40th when you include medical and comprehensive universities.

More than $18.8 million was spent on research at the U of L in 2024.

That averages out to $58,900 per research faculty member and $26,500 per graduate student.

Dr. Dena McMartin, vice-president of research, says this year’s ranking is a testament to their focus on creating research opportunities for all students on campus across education levels.

“Our commitment to experiential learning enables critical insight and curiosity from our students, who are supported by world-renowned faculty members from across the institution,” says McMartin. “Coupled with our focus on facilitating interdisciplinary research partnerships, we are challenging norms and creating new perspectives to face the key challenges in today’s society.”

The U of L made significant gains in some of the Research Infosource categories. They include:

• Sixth overall for both intensity and growth
• Fifth for not-for-profit research income growth, which increased 61.6 per cent

During the five years from 2019-2023, the U of L had been second among undergraduate schools in total Health Sciences Publications, third in Social Sciences and Humanities Publications, and was the top undergraduate school in the country in Health Sciences Publications as a percent of Total Publications.

A release from the university states, “This highlights the University’s commitment to cultivating relationships with industry partners in southern Alberta and beyond to solve their most pressing challenges.”

Use this link to see Canada’s Top 50 Research Universities 2025