Published on December 07, 2023
NAIT has been recognized as one of Canada’s top research colleges and polytechnics. NAIT ranked eighth on Canada’s Top 50 Research Colleges list for 2023. The annual ranking by Canada’s Innovation Leaders tracks research income in the form of grants, contracts and contributions from partner organizations.
NAIT received $11.92 million in research funding for the 2022 fiscal year. The polytechnic also ranked sixth for research intensity, meaning the amount of research income per researcher, third in industry research income and fourth among Canadian institutions for the number of research partnerships (129).
“NAIT’s Applied Research division takes pride in our achievements, securing us a spot within the top 10 research institutions in Canada,” says Olle Lagerquist, associate vice-president, NAIT Industry Solutions. “We put innovation to work for our industry partners, our students, and our communities making us a trusted source of technological development and process improvements.”
The rankings reflect the collaborative efforts between NAIT’s eight research centres, industry and community partners using innovative approaches to advance clean technology and sustainable development.
“Our strategic focus on cleaner energy and environmental sustainability, coupled with the deep relationships we’ve formed with both communities and industries are critical as we continue to support Alberta’s economic development and environmental sustainability initiatives,” adds Lagerquist. “With our strong recent growth, we aim to see ourselves within the top 3 as we continue making meaningful strides in our partnerships and our impact with companies and communities.”
From tackling microplastics in the North Saskatchewan River, to revitalizing boreal forests alongside Indigenous communities, and crafting cutting-edge virtual training grounds for enhanced safety, NAIT and their partners are applying their expertise to make positive impacts on communities, industry sectors, the environment and the economy.
"Congratulations to our friends at NAIT on ranking eighth among the top Canadian research colleges,” said Lorraine Royer, GM, Government, Stakeholder & Indigenous Relations, Inter Pipeline. “Since 2019, Heartland Polymers, Inter Pipeline’s polypropylene business, has been proud to work closely alongside NAIT through our ten-year applied research contribution known as Plastics Research in Action. This partnership brings industry, academia, governments and communities together to develop solutions to ensure plastic waste is reused as a valued resource. This important work towards a circular economy would not be possible without NAIT's talented researchers and leading technology."
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About NAIT
The Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) is a leading Canadian polytechnic, delivering education in science, technology and the environment; business; health and skilled trades. With over 34,000 credit and non-credit students and a 98 per cent employer satisfaction rate, NAIT grads help fuel the economic engine of the province. NAIT also contributes to Alberta's prosperity by helping businesses and communities become more competitive through industry-driven research and corporate training. Recognized as one of Alberta's top employers, NAIT provides outstanding returns on investment for its graduates, industry partners, the provincial government and the people of Alberta.
Media inquiries
Nicole Graham
NAIT Media Relations
C 780.916.8307 E media@nait.ca
NAIT ranks 8th among top 50 Canadian research colleges, polytechnics
NAIT ranks 8th overall, 6th in research intensity and 3rd in industry research income
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