Yukon College ranked 2nd for number of paid student researchers

WHITEHORSE—Yukon College ranked 2nd out of comparable smaller colleges in Canada for the number of paid student researchers according to the newly released Canada’s Top 50 Research Colleges by Research Infosource Inc.

In 2016, Yukon College employed 30 students in paid research positions. The students assisted research in climate change adaptation, Northern Energy Innovation, Cold Climate Innovation, biodiversity monitoring, and Mine Life Cycle.

In the overall Top 50 research colleges Yukon College placed 16th, more than holding its own against larger Ontario and Quebec colleges. In 2016, Yukon College took in $4.8 million in research income; an increase of 2.3 per cent over 2015.

In a media release last week, Research Infosource Inc. noted that combined research income of Canada’s leading research colleges climbed 20 per cent to $201.7 million. However, much of this increase is due to a number of one-time federal grants to primarily Ontario institutions which have skewed overall results.

“Once again Yukon College is punching above its weight in regards to the amount and diversity of applied research being conducted,” said Clint Sawicki, Associate Vice President Research Operations at Yukon College.

Expanding northern research and innovation is one of Yukon College’s strategic directions and an important element in its transition to Yukon University. Through research and innovation Yukon can improve the lives of northerners by solving northern problems with northern expertise. Yukon College works throughout the territory with First Nations and local governments, industry, and communities to address northern challenges.