Excellence in research: the University of Ottawa remains at the top of the rankings

By University of Ottawa

Office of the Vice-President, Research and Innovation, OVPRI

Researchers monitor a treadmill exercise in a lab.
Once again, the University of Ottawa has confirmed its stellar reputation for research, placing within the top five research-intensive universities in Canada according to Research Infosource Inc.

On December 4, 2025, Research Infosource Inc., the main source for data on research and development in Canada, revealed its annual ranking of the top 50 research universities in Canada. This annual list, which considers total research revenues, research revenue sources and research intensity, has again highlighted the University of Ottawa.

A ranking that reflects the strength of our research intensity

The University of Ottawa is ranked among the top five universities for research intensity, which measures research revenue generated per faculty position. 

Over the past year, uOttawa researchers have received over half a billion dollars ($512M) in research revenue. This allowed the University to remain in seventh place overall in the Research Infosource Inc. ranking for the second consecutive year.  

“Our constant position among the top-performing universities in the country demonstrates the extent to which our research community is determined to advance knowledge,” said University of Ottawa Vice-President, Research and Innovation Julie St-Pierre. “We are proud of this national ranking, and especially proud of the practical impact of our research on society.” 

In terms of scholarly publication between 2019 and 2023, the University concentrated much of its research effort in health sciences, which accounted for 65% of its scholarly output — one of the highest proportions among Canadian research universities. This focus complements strong performance in other priority areas: climate change (second in growth), artificial intelligence collaborations, and social sciences and humanities.

The University also demonstrated exceptional momentum in attracting international government research funding, ranking second in growth nationally with an increase of 123.3%.

If the University is ranked among the best in health sciences, it’s because of its engagement and partnerships with its affiliated hospitals and research institutes. Together they form the Ottawa Academic Health Network (OAHN), making the Ottawa region a premium destination in terms of health care and life sciences research.

Thanks to projects such as the Advanced Medical Research Centre, the new Ottawa Hospital campus and the Brain-Heart Interconnectome, the University of Ottawa is raising the level of research excellence, right here in the National Capital Region. 
  
See the entire Research Infosource Inc. ranking