Ontario Tech’s research strategy delivers No. 1 national ranking for the third year in a row

Ontario Tech University’s research performance continues to accelerate with new national results that firmly position the university as one of Canada’s fastest-rising research powerhouses.

For the third year in a row, Ontario Tech has been named No. 1 Research University of the Year among Canada’s undergraduate universities by Research Infosource, Canada’s leading source of research intelligence for business and higher education. This sustained recognition reflects national leadership in research output, intensity and impact. Very few universities achieve this level of continued excellence.

Ontario Tech has also risen to No. 34 among Canada’s Top 50 Research Universities, a 10-spot climb since 2019.

National research strength

A recent analysis of Leiden-based scholarly output* rankings further confirms Ontario Tech’s momentum:

• 32nd in Canada for overall number of scholarly publications.
• 18th in Canada for research intensity**, outperforming several long-established research universities.
• 107 per cent growth in scholarly publications when comparing output in 2010-2013 to that of 2020-2023; this was the highest increase among universities analyzed.

These results demonstrate the strength of Ontario Tech’s academic community and its growing influence in Canada’s research landscape.

*  Published academic research such as journal articles and conference papers.
** A measure of how much research a university produces compared to its size.

What’s driving Ontario Tech’s national momentum?

Ontario Tech’s rise reflects strategic investments and a commitment to research that benefits Canadians. The university continues to recruit research-active faculty, expand graduate programs and develop facilities that support interdisciplinary work.

“Our growth is not accidental,” says Dr. Les Jacobs, Vice-President, Research and Innovation. “Ontario Tech has built a research enterprise where faculty and students thrive, and where partnerships with industry and community accelerate innovation that strengthens Canada’s social and economic future.”

Ontario Tech is also becoming a national clean-energy leader. Researchers advance work in nuclear, hydrogen, battery storage, electrification, wind, solar and geothermal technologies, supported by initiatives like the Brilliant Energy Institute and the proposed Subcritical Assembly.

The university hosts Canada’s first International Atomic Energy Agency Collaborating Centre, which focuses on small modular reactors. Researchers also study future technologies such as nano reactors: small, portable, semi-permanent nuclear reactors that could make access to nuclear energy simpler and more affordable for communities nationwide.

Attracting top students and strengthening research talent

Ontario Tech’s growing research strength is evident in the rising number of graduate students. Talented students from across Canada and around the world choose the university for its research intensity and hands-on opportunities.

Graduate studies growth highlights:

• Overall graduate enrolment increased 47 per cent in five years (from 947 to 1,393).
• Full-time graduate enrolment grew 69 per cent (from 680 to 1,151).
• International students now make up 45 per cent of all graduate learners.

This momentum strengthens the university’s research capacity and contributes to innovation across areas that matter to Canadians, including clean energy, artificial intelligence, health technology, and advanced manufacturing.