The University of Northern British Columbia placed first in its category for corporate research income growth in the latest edition of the Canada’s Top 50 Research Universities ranking produced by Research Infosource Inc.

UNBC’s corporate research income grew by an astounding 177.3 per cent in fiscal year 2018 to $452,000. It was the largest increase of any university in the undergraduate tier.

“By partnering with industry, the work our researchers do in the field and the discoveries they make in the lab can be applied directly by companies who are looking to address complex challenges and make a difference in the lives of people in British Columbia and around the world,” says UNBC President Dr. Daniel Weeks. “The knowledge our researchers possess in a wide variety of disciplines makes UNBC an ideal partner for many industries who are seeking answers to questions that our experts can answer.”

Overall, UNBC received more than $9 million in research funding in 2018, a slight decrease from the previous year. UNBC ranks 46th in the country for total research income.

Some of the research highlights from the past year include:

• Dr. Stephen Déry is the named the new NSERC/Rio Tinto Senior Industrial Research Chair in Climate Change and Water Security. Déry is exploring the impacts of climate change and human activity on the long-term water security of the Nechako watershed.
• The opening of the Hakai Cryosphere Node, part of a $2.4 million joint research project between UNBC and Vancouver Island University focusing on the role that seasonal snow cover and glaciers play in the hydrology of key watersheds in British Columbia.
• The appointment of two new Canada Research Chairs and the re-appointment of two others.
• A $1.3 million five-year project to transform health service delivery in Northern British Columbia.
• UNBC and Carrier Sekani Family Services are partnering on a $1.5 million project to strengthen mental wellness and suicide prevention for Elders in the Northern Interior region of British Columbia.

“As an engaged University, we are always looking for new ways to look beyond the traditional ‘four walls’ of the academy and elevate the great work that we do through partnerships,” says UNBC Vice-President, Research Dr. Geoffrey Payne. “The partnerships that we continue to forge are integral to our research mission.”

-30-