College of the North Atlantic (CNA) has reached a milestone, securing eighth place in a national ranking of research colleges, according to a new report by Research Infosource Inc.
This is the first time CNA has entered the top 10 on Research Infosource’s annual “Canada’s Top 50 Research Colleges” list, marking a major achievement for the public college and its applied research efforts across Newfoundland and Labrador.
Significant Growth in Research Funding
CNA’s rise is driven by rapid growth in research funding and activity. The college ranked:
- Third in Canada among medium-sized colleges for total research income, reporting $12.3 million.
- Second for research income growth, up 93.6 percent compared to the previous year.
- Second for research intensity, measured as funding per researcher.
- First nationwide in Granting Council Research Income Growth among medium-sized colleges, with an increase of 1,440.5 percent since 2019.
Elizabeth Kidd, President and CEO of CNA, said the recognition highlights the college’s commitment to research that benefits students, industry partners, and communities.
“This ranking demonstrates the impact of our collaborative approach,” Kidd said. “It reflects the dedication of our staff and students who are driving innovation across Newfoundland and Labrador.”
Innovation That Engages Students and Industry
CNA’s Office of Applied Research and Innovation (OARI), led by Dr. Michael Long, and the NL Workforce Innovation Centre (NLWIC), directed by Sharon McLennon, have been central to this success.
Together, these teams oversee projects that pair students with industry and community organizations to tackle challenges ranging from technology adoption to workforce development.
Dr. Long noted that applied research at CNA is not just about academic progress but about creating solutions that can be put into practice.
“The competitive nature of research funding means we must consistently demonstrate impact,” he said. “This ranking shows we are doing just that.”
Supporting Economic Development in the Province
CNA, which operates 17 campuses across Newfoundland and Labrador, has steadily expanded its research capacity over the past decade. The latest figures confirm that the college is playing an increasingly important role in the province’s innovation economy.
Sharon McLennon said the results reflect a strategic effort to ensure research contributes directly to economic and workforce growth.
“Our partnerships are built on relevance and impact,” she said. “We’re proud to see that recognized at the national level.”
About the Rankings
Research Infosource Inc. is a leading Canadian firm that tracks research performance across post-secondary institutions. Its rankings measure funding, growth, and intensity to provide an annual snapshot of research activity in colleges and universities.
The full list of Canada’s Top 50 Research Colleges is available at researchinfosource.com.
