Laurentian University continues to establish itself as a leading research institution and emphasize collaboration by partnering with educational organizations.
The Sudbury university has been named first in the country for research income and growth for undergraduate universities by a national ranking firm.
Research Infosource Inc. named Laurentian in the top spot in this category for the last two years running. The university has also been ranked 27th overall across Canada. (Lakehead University in Thunder Bay took the top spot nationally.)
During the most recent fiscal year, Laurentian posted a research income of $44 million. This represents a growth rate of 37.2 per cent.
In addition, Laurentian ranked number one in graduate student research intensity, up from second place last year.
The university said in a press release that several things have contributed to their success. In particular, they cited their Strategic Research Plan which emphasizes collaboration, openness, and interdisciplinary cooperation.
“As far as research rankings go, Laurentian has been moving in the right direction. This is a reflection of the commitment and hard work of our faculty, staff, and students who are making a difference locally, nationally and internationally,” said Rizwan Haq, interim vice-president of research at Laurentian University, in the release.
The university has also recently announced that they will be partnering with Shad Canada, a Waterloo-based charity which runs education programs in science and entrepreneurship for Grade 10 and 11 students.
In July 2020, the university will play host to a month-long summer program that will reflect Northern Ontario's unique linguistic landscape – they will become the first place in the country where the program is offered both in English and French.
While on campus, participants will be involved in a real-world design challenge.
“Part of Shad is getting high-functioning students to realize that you can work together. You don’t always have to work alone. Co-operation and collaboration is possible. We’re hoping to do that on another level as well, that being language-wise,” said Christian LaForge, program co-director at Shad Laurentian.
Directors of the program are working with Laurentian's Indigenous Sharing and Learning Centre to incorporate Indigenous perspectives into the program as well.
Join the university from Nov. 18 to 20 for their annual International Education Week where they will showcase the benefits of studying abroad.