Assiniboine College Achieves Milestone, Ranks 47th Among Research Colleges

Assiniboine College has made a significant leap in the realm of applied research by securing the 47th spot on Canada’s Top 50 Research Colleges list. This recognition, achieved for the first time, arrives five years ahead of the college’s ambitious goal set in its 2030 strategic plan.

Mark Frison, the college president, emphasized the importance of this milestone, stating, “If you went back more than a decade, we weren’t really a big factor in terms of applied research.” He attributed this success to a focused growth strategy, enhanced partnerships, and strategic hiring, all of which have contributed to establishing a solid track record for both researchers and the institution.

Investment in Research and Infrastructure

Frison noted that while fluctuations in rankings are common, reaching the top 50 ahead of schedule validates the college’s deliberate approach to faculty recruitment, research support, and infrastructure expansion. A key element in this development is the $5 million research greenhouse, funded by the college’s first grant from the Canada Foundation for Innovation, which was matched by the provincial government.

According to Poonam Singh, a faculty researcher, the new facility will significantly enhance opportunities for both faculty and students, particularly in the area of sustainable horticulture. Singh’s research focuses on developing sustainable growing media while reducing reliance on peat.

“The new facility is transformational,” she remarked. “One of the biggest challenges is the lack of facilities. Once we have this new space, I’ll be able to do so many more trials simultaneously and work with more industries in their commercialization journey.” Singh’s projects involve collaborations with numerous industry partners, including Manitoba Agriculture and various national research organizations.

Recognition and Future Prospects

The recognition from Research Infosource Inc., a credible national research and consulting organization, elevates Assiniboine College’s profile within Canada’s research community. Singh expressed pride in the college’s contributions, stating, “We are a small number of researchers, but our contributions are large… It’s nice to see that being recognized.”

Frison agreed, noting that this ranking could unlock new partnerships and funding opportunities. “Profile like this does help,” he said. “When somebody is thinking about doing a project, they think, ‘Maybe there’s somebody at Assiniboine who could be part of our team.’”

The announcement was also praised by Manitoba’s Advanced Education Minister, René Cable, who noted, “We are proud of the leadership our colleges in Manitoba are showing on the national stage when it comes to applied research. They contribute to both strong student learning outcomes and industry competitiveness.”

Assiniboine College’s ascent into the top tier of research colleges not only reflects its commitment to innovation but also underscores the vital role it plays in shaping the future of applied research in Canada.