Improving lives through discovery

Two students wearing protective gear in a laboratory looking at a pitri dish

Our position

University research drives Canadian innovation and growth, bolstering communities, businesses and industries.

Advanced research training is the foundation of a post-secondary education system that delivers the highly skilled talent we need for a knowledge-driven and innovative economy.

Background and context

For decades, Canada’s universities have been national assets that deliver talent, anchor communities and drive economic growth. Much of this is due to basic research, the kind of research that explores how things work and helps us understand the world. While this type of research doesn’t aim to solve a specific problem right away, it has led us to some of the most commercially successful and life-saving discoveries, including the COVID-19 mRNA vaccine, insulin therapy, the internet’s first search engine, telemedicine and more.

With creativity, tenacity and passion, Canada’s researchers are tackling and solving the world’s biggest challenges including climate change, food insecurity, life-threatening diseases and ensuring safe and responsible use of artificial intelligence.

Advanced research also cultivates an innovative and highly skilled workforce. Labs across the country provide practical training and experience to undergraduate and graduate students, allowing them to develop invaluable skills they then bring to future roles and workplaces.

News

By the numbers

  • $17B

    in R&D

    Universities performed $17 billion in research and development in 2023, accounting for 35 percent of total Canadian research and development.

  • 300

    patents in 2022

    University research institutes issued over 300 patents in 2022 alone.

  • 875

    startups founded

    875 startup companies dedicated to commercializing technologies developed at Canadian universities and research institutions.

  • $1.1B

    in research for business

    Canada’s universities conduct $1.1 billion in research for businesses and help build their competitive advantage.

  • $1.7B

    in research for not-for-profit sector

    Universities conduct $1.7 billion in research annually for the not-for-profit sector, which has more than tripled since 2000.

  • 35%

    of R&D by universities

    35% of Canada’s research and development is conducted by universities.

Publications

News from our universities