NSAC tops at research intensity

BIBLE HILL - The Nova Scotia Agricultural College (NSAC) continues to be a leader in research intensity, ranking number one in the Atlantic provinces.
Research Infosource Inc. released its Top 50 research university list on Oct. 29, showing the Bible Hill-based facility had gained two positions during the past year, moving up from 47 to 45.
While it shares the prestige of being included on the list with only nine other Atlantic Canadian universities, it sets the pace with a 31 per cent increase in sponsored research income.
"Six out of nine universities in Atlantic Canada reported increases in sponsored research income for fiscal 2008, all above the national average of six per cent," said Ron Freedman, CEO of Research Infosource. "The universities are to be applauded for maintaining and growing their research income in these difficult economic times."
The NSAC had more than $8.9 million in sponsored research income in 2008, up from $6.8 million in 2007.
When the research dollars are spread among the college's 66 full-time faculty members, the college ranks 17th in research in the country and first in the Atlantic region.
"Agricultural research and innovation play a vital role in the ongoing profitability, competitiveness, sustainability and self-sufficiency of the agriculture, agri-food and agri-product sectors in our province," said Agricultural Minister John MacDonell.
"If we are going to move our economy forward, research and innovation are the foundation that will grow Nova Scotia's agriculture sector. I am pleased that others have recognized the significant role NSAC plays in the agricultural community of our province and the Atlantic region."
The University of Toronto held the list's top position with $844.9 million sponsored research income, which was slightly down by 1.2 per cent from 2007.
Other Nova Scotia universities making the Top 50 list were Dalhousie University (16), St. Francis Xavier University (43), St. Mary's University (44) and Acadia (48). Overall, the five institutions in this province earned $162.9 million in research income representing an 11.7 per cent increase from the previous year. The complete list is available online at www.researchinfosource.com.

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