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Canada's Top 50 Research Universities List 2005
Sponsored Research Income Declines in Manitoba and Saskatchewan


Toronto - October 25, 2005 - Sponsored research income fell in Manitoba by -2.7%, a departure from Manitoba's large increase of 27.3% in Fiscal 2003, while Saskatchewan universities continued their downward trend in research income by again reporting a decline (-3.3%) in Fiscal 2004 according to Canada's Top 50 Research Universities List 2005 released today by Research Infosource Inc. Canada's top 50 research universities posted $5.04 billion in sponsored research income, a 17.7% increase over Fiscal 2003. Sponsored research income includes both government and non-government sources. The lion's share of sponsored research income at Canadian universities continued to come from Government sources, accounting for 70% in 2004. Corporate sources made up 13%, while Non-corporate sources (individuals, foundations, etc.) contributed 12% of the total. Investments and endowments made up the remainder.

The University of Toronto remained in top position on Canada's Top 50 Research Universities List 2005 with $624 million in sponsored research income in Fiscal 2004, an increase of 16.8% over Fiscal 2003. The University of Manitoba maintained their 12th place spot, although their income decreased by -2.7% between Fiscal 2003 and 2004 to $126.5 million, down from $130 million in 2003. The University of Saskatchewan again lost ground this year, slipping to 15th from 13th last year. Their sponsored research income fell by -7.9% to $107.6 million from $116.8 million in 2003. However, the University of Regina moved up 1 spot to #27, from 28th position last year with a large increase of 25.8% with $23.2 million, up from $18.5 million.

"Year to year variations are par for the course in this business. I expect that Manitoba and Saskatchewan universities will be back on track next year", said Ron Freedman, CEO of Research Infosource Inc.

Regionally, for Fiscal 2004, Ontario's 17 universities accounted for 37% of the total sponsored research income with $1.9 billion in Fiscal 2004. Québec with 13 institutions with $1.6 billion, represented 31% of total income. Alberta's 3 institutions accounted for $621.2 million, or 12% of the Top 50 total income. The 4 British Columbia-based universities received $486.8 million, represented 10% of the total income. Saskatchewan with 2 universities and $130.8 million and Manitoba with 1 university with $126.5 million, each accounted for 3% of the total. Nova Scotia with 6 institutions and $120.1 million, represented 2%, and New Brunswick with 2 universities and Newfoundland with 1, each accounted for 1%. Prince Edward Island with one university accounted for less than 1%.

Sponsored income research grew in almost all the provinces between Fiscal 2003 and 2004: Alberta (39.3%), New Brunswick (37.7%), Prince Edward Island (35.7%), Québec (23.0%), Nova Scotia (18.1%), Newfoundland (17.6%), Ontario (14.5%) and British Columbia (4.2%). Research income declined in Saskatchewan (-3.3%) and Manitoba (-2.7%).

Research intensity (sponsored research income per full-time faculty) grew by 14.6% between Fiscal 2003 and 2004, reaching an average of $149,900 per faculty position. Québec universities posted the highest research intensity with $191,700, followed closely by Alberta with a research intensity of $190,000 per faculty. British Columbia was 3rd with $151,000, Ontario was 4th with $148,500, Manitoba was 5th at $108,300, Saskatchewan came 6th with $93,300, Nova Scotia was 7th with $68,000, Newfoundland was 8th with $60,100, New Brunswick was 9th at $47,400 and PEI was 10th with $44,700.

Canada's Top 50 Research Universities 2005 and Research Universities of the Year 2005 and analysis are available on the Research Infosource website, www.researchinfosource.com. The data were obtained from Statistics Canada and the Research Infosource Canadian University R&D database. An in-depth Canada's Top Research Universities Report 2005, based on 68 universities is slated for publication later this year. Research Infosource Inc., a division of The Impact Group, is Canada's source of R&D intelligence. Drawing from an extensive database, Research Infosource Inc. publishes Canada's Top 100 Corporate R&D Spenders List, Canada's Top 50 Research Universities List, and specialized reports.

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Information: Ron Freedman, CEO, Research Infosource Inc. (416) 481-7070 ext. 31
Janet Sandor, Director of Communications (416) 481-7070 ext. 25