Loyalist College Rises in Canada’s Top 50 Research Colleges Rankings

Loyalist College has been named one of Canada's top 50 Research Colleges for the fourth consecutive year.

For the fourth consecutive year, Loyalist College has been named one of Canada’s Top 50 Research Colleges, according to the annual report released today by Research Infosource Inc.

Climbing eight spots to the 36th position in the national rankings, Loyalist has demonstrated significant post-pandemic growth as it continues to leverage applied research as a tool for driving positive social, economic, and environmental impact in the Eastern Ontario region.

Applied research at Loyalist continues to grow

Loyalist’s leap in ranking is complemented by 57.8% growth in Loyalist’s research income, a substantial increase that reflects government and industry investment in the college’s expanding research capabilities.

“Loyalist College takes great pride in being consistently recognized among Canada’s top research colleges,” says Loyalist College President and CEO Mark Kirkpatrick. “Over the past six years, our dedicated team of staff, faculty, researchers, and students have cultivated a thriving research environment that not only fosters innovation but also champions applied research as a catalyst for positive change. Together, we will continue to build our research capacity in service of a shared vision to advance sustainability, foster economic growth and meet community needs.”

Loyalist receives federal endorsement for psilocybin research

The Applied Research and Innovation Office (ARIO) is the home of applied research at Loyalist, connecting industry and community partners with the college’s expertise, talent, and facilities. ARIO’s support for startups, community services, and small and medium-sized enterprises has solidified Loyalist’s position as a regional destination for innovation.

Most recently, Loyalist announced that its Centre for Natural Products and Medical Cannabis (CNPMC) secured a Controlled Drugs and Substances Licence from Health Canada for psilocybin research, placing the college among a select group in Canada with federal endorsement for psilocybin-related studies.

Applied research provides students with skills for workforce

President and CEO Mark Kirkpatrick also highlights the importance of applied research in providing students with opportunities to solve real-world industry and community challenges.

“For Loyalist students, applied research serves as a springboard into the workforce,” he explains. “By engaging with real-world challenges across diverse sectors — from health care and justice studies to business, culinary arts, and biosciences — we’re equipping learners with the skills and experiences necessary for tomorrow’s world. Our vision is to embed this innovative, problem-solving mindset into every aspect of a Loyalist College education, setting our students on a path to make meaningful contributions in their fields.”