Prince George, B.C. – The University of Northern British Columbia set a new research income record in 2024, securing $19.6 million according to the latest edition of Canada’s Top 50 Research Universities produced by Research Infosoure.

This 10 per cent increase from 2023 moves UNBC up two spots in the overall ranking to No. 39 in Canada. The previous record of $17.8 million was set in 2010.

“Setting a new research funding record reflects the creativity, dedication and impact of UNBC’s researchers,” says UNBC Interim President Dr. Bill Owen. “This milestone demonstrates how UNBC’s faculty, students, staff and partners are advancing knowledge that matters to northern B.C. and beyond. We are deeply grateful to the funders whose support makes this work possible.”

Notably, UNBC saw a 350 per cent increase in the research from not-for-profit sources, including foundations and community organizations. It's the second largest percentage increase in the country, regardless of institution size. 

UNBC’s growth is particularly notable in funding from not-for-profit organizations, which increased by 350 per cent. Ecosystem Science and Management Associate Professor Dr. Heather Bryan received funding from the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation to study habitat variables that affect moose health, including parasite transmission and key trace nutrients for immune function, survival, and pregnancy. Engineering Assistant Professor Dr. June Garcia-Becerra received a grant from the Pacific Institute for Climate Solutions to engage communities through the Water and Sanitation Holistic Technologies Group.

Other examples of not-for-profit partnerships include UNBC’s Community Development Institute collaborating with Carrier Sekani Family Services on a Child and Family Community Needs Assessment Report, Mitacs supporting projects such as Dr. Thomas Tannert’s research on tall timber structures; Michael Smith Health Research BC funding Nursing Professor Dr. Caroline Sanders’ work on pathways for internationally educated nurses to careers in B.C.

“UNBC’s dramatic growth in funding from not-for-profit organizations highlights the trust communities and partners place in our research,” says UNBC Vice-President Research and Innovation Dr. Paula Wood-Adams. “These collaborations range from working with community-based groups to create knowledge to partnering with national organizations on solutions that address real-world challenges and deliver meaningful impact locally and globally.”

The rankings also spotlighted artificial intelligence (AI) and climate change research from 2019–2023. UNBC placed first in the undergraduate category for AI research, with more than 85 per cent of publications involving international collaborations. In climate change research, UNBC placed second among undergraduates both in the number of publications (201) and the share of climate change research relative to all research publications (16 per cent).

In addition, UNBC placed third in the graduate student research intensity category for universities of its size, with UNBC bringing in more than $28,000 per graduate student.