NAIT ranks third among top 50 Canadian research colleges, polytechnics

(Edmonton) NAIT has been recognized as one of Canada’s top research colleges and polytechnics.

NAIT ranked third on Canada’s Top 50 Research Colleges list for 2020. The annual ranking by Research Infosource Inc. tracks research income in the form of grants, contracts and contributions from partner organizations.

NAIT received $11.8 million for the 2019 fiscal year – an increase of 112% from the previous year.

The polytechnic also ranked first for “research intensity,” meaning the amount of research income per researcher, and placed seventh among larger institutions for both research income from industry ($1.9 million) and the number of research partnerships (108).

The rankings reflect NAIT’s success at building strong relationships with industry and in delivering results for its partners in applied research, especially in the areas of energy, environmental protection and resource sustainability.

NAIT’s 10-year, $10-million partnership with Inter Pipeline to reduce waste plastics through the Plastics Research In Action (PRIA) initiative is a recent example of a research partnership that could help industry innovate for the benefit of all Canadians. The partnership recently marked its one-year anniversary.

Quick Facts

• NAIT’s applied research centres align with the needs of the economy, providing relevant and timely solutions for new technologies, systems and products.
• NAIT’s applied research centres are:
•  Centre for Oil Sands Sustainability
• Centre for Sensors and System Integration
• Centre for Innovative Media
• Centre for Boreal Research
• Centre for Culinary Innovation
• Centre for Grid Innovation

Quotes

“NAIT’s deep connections to Alberta’s industry is foundational to everything we do. Industry comes to NAIT knowing they have a trusted partner capable of developing solutions to important problems. These relationships will be even more critical as we address the challenges of the pandemic and work together to ensure Alberta’s continued prosperity.”

— Sandra Marocco, NAIT’s Vice-President of Industry Partnerships and Chief Marketing Officer

“The rankings are a credit to the unique operating model, growth and success of NAIT’s applied research centres, which are working with our partners to develop practical, impactful solutions that benefit industry and the communities where they invest.” 

— Olle Lagerquist, Associate Vice-President of NAIT Industry Solutions