Yukon Research Centre makes Canada’s top 10 for college research

Yukon College research remains in the national eye. Yukon Research Centre (YRC) made the top ten for both research funding and intensity for the second year in a row in Canada’s Top 50 Research Colleges list.

The Yukon Research Centre’s 2013 research income totals $4,256,000, according to Research Infosource Inc. More impressive is that the YRC ranked second in the entire country for research intensity with $472,900 per faculty member compared to $138,500 per faculty member at the British Columbia Institute of Technology, who ranked first for research funding.

“Our researchers are continuing to lead the country in northern research and innovation”, said Dr. Karen Barnes, president, Yukon College. “Our funding success is a testament to our commitment to solve northern problems with northern expertise in our journey to becoming a university”, said Barnes.

As the research arm of Yukon College, YRC focuses on collaborative research and innovation with students, communities, First Nations, industry, entrepreneurs and local government. YRC research has grown in the areas of climate change, cold climate innovation, environmental science, society and culture, and technology innovation.

In 2013, YRC continued to receive funding from a number of federal agencies including the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency, Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Corporation, Transport Canada, the Canadian High Arctic Research Station, Natural Resources Canada, and the National Research Council IRAP program. 

“In just five years, the Yukon Research Centre has established itself at the forefront of northern research and innovation, which is why Yukon government recently announced $6.3 million to support the continuation and extension of the Centre’s activities,” Premier Darrell Pasloski said. “The centre’s ability to attract research funding demonstrates the dedication of the talented individuals and partners involved in the Centre’s innovative work.”

One of Yukon College’s strategic directions is to expand northern research and innovation opportunities to which student involvement is key. YRC staff are committed to building student positions into research funding applications. The previous summer field season had a considerable increase in student employment with a total of 17 students. Students will continue to see employment and training opportunities at the YRC throughout the school year.

Core funding for the Yukon Research Centre is provided by Government of Yukon’s Department of Education and Yukon Economic Development.