STEPHENVILLE, NL – College of the North Atlantic (CNA) has once again secured its place among the country’s research elite, ranking eighth in Canada on Research Infosource’s Top 50 Research Colleges list for the second year in a row.
This national recognition cements CNA as a powerhouse of applied research, driven by the work of the Office of Applied Research and Innovation (OARI) and the NL Workforce Innovation Centre (NLWIC). The college continues to outperform in both scope and impact, delivering research that strengthens industries, drives economic growth, and prepares a future-ready workforce.
“These results underscore why applied research matters,” said Fergus O’Brien, Vice President, Academic and Applied Research, at CNA. “Research at CNA benefits our students through richer learning experiences, hands-on innovation, and direct exposure to the partners and technologies shaping the future workforce. CNA’s research success is more than just rankings; it is about creating opportunities that strengthen our province today and for years to come.”
CNA ranks among the top in Canada for the second consecutive year, including:
- #8 in Canada among the nation’s research colleges.
- #1 in Canada in research intensity (funding per researcher).
- #2 in Canada in total research income.
- Top 10 in Canada for research partnerships, completed research projects, and paid student researchers.
Dr. Michael Long, Dean of OARI, said the results reflect a college that is not only keeping pace with innovation, it is helping shape it.
“Being named one of Canada’s Top 10 research colleges for the second year in a row speaks volumes about who we are and what we value,” Dr. Long said. “These rankings show that CNA is a national leader in applied research because of our people: researchers, partners, employees, and students. Their drive to solve real problems and create real opportunities is what sets us apart. This is CNA at its boldest, and I could not be prouder.”
Dr. Long explained CNA’s approach ensures every project is connected to a real need, with industry partners engaged from day one and students actively applying their skills.
Sharon McLennon, Director of the NL Workforce Innovation Centre, agreed the rankings spotlight the accelerating momentum behind applied research in Newfoundland and Labrador.
“We are dedicated to contributing to CNA’s applied research and innovation initiatives jointly with our CNA colleagues in the Office of Applied Research and Innovation to ensure that the College remains a leader in addressing the evolving needs of the labor market in Newfoundland and Labrador,” McLennon said. “Being recognized in the Research Infosource Canada’s Top 50 Research Colleges rankings is a testament to our collective efforts to drive meaningful change in workforce development in Newfoundland and Labrador.”
For more information about research at CNA, visit
www.cna.nl.ca/research-and-innovation and
www.nlwic.ca.
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Media Contact
Ryan Crocker
Manager of Communications
P: (709) 699-8981
E:
ryan.crocker@cna.nl.ca