McMaster earns top spot for graduate student research intensity in annual rankings

McMaster University remains one of Canada’s top research universities, based on the annual rankings published by Research Infosource.

According to the 2024 rankings released recently, McMaster’s total sponsored research income was $465.9 million — a 26-per-cent increase from the previous year, earning McMaster the top spot for research income growth.

The university scored second for corporate research income, attracting nearly $100 million in investments from the private sector.

McMaster placed first in graduate student research intensity, averaging $83,300 per graduate student, and maintained its second-place position in faculty research intensity, averaging $489,000 per faculty member.

Based on key measures of success, McMaster was recognized among the Research Universities of the Year, placing third among those with medical schools.

The ranking is determined by research income and intensity, as well as the number, intensity and impact of publications in leading journals.

The rankings speak to McMaster’s continued excellence in leading multidisciplinary research with real-world impact, President David Farrar says.

“Our faculty and student researchers continue to attract significant investment from our industry and government partners, positioning McMaster as a national and global leader in research and innovation,” he says.

“It’s all thanks to the outstanding quality and powerful impact of their research.”

In the five-year University Spotlight, Research Infosource tracked the number of Artificial Intelligence publications by Canadian universities from 2018-2022. McMaster placed fourth for publication growth in this area.

Andy Knights, vice-president, Research (acting), says the ranking reflects McMaster’s commitment to bolstering research on AI that advances global health, well-being and understanding of emerging digital technologies.

“Across faculties and disciplines, McMaster researchers work diligently to address pressing global challenges and to translate their work into impactful solutions. These rankings highlight their talent, dedication and prominent standing on Canada’s research stage,” he says.

Research Infosource figures are based on 2023 financial data obtained from Statistics Canada. The rankings are included in Canada’s Innovation Leaders 2024 publication.