Canada ranked fourth in world for scientific research: study

Canada has taken the fourth spot in the world for scientific research according to a study released Thursday.

The Council of Canadian Academies, an independent, not-for-profit corporation, conducted the study and found science and technology in the country is growing. The 18-member panel looked at research performed in higher educated sectors as well as in the not-for-profit and government sectors.

The United States took the top spot out of the more than 5,000 international scientists included in the study followed by the United Kingdom and Germany.

The study showed Canada excelled in clinical medicine, historical studies, information and communication technologies, physics and astronomy, psychology and cognitive sciences, and visual and performing arts.

Ontario, Quebec, British Columbia and Alberta were ranked as the powerhouses of Canada’s science and technology field.

Rui Wang, Vice-President of Research, Economic Development and Innovation at Lakehead University, said Canada is doing well according to the study having the fourth spot in the world in the opinion survey and sixth in data mining.

“We’re leading in science and technology in the world and we should be very proud of our success,” Wang said.

He said Lakehead University is a major contributor in making Ontario a powerhouse in science and technology because of the extensive researching being done in areas such as bio-refining, mining and natural resource.

“Lakehead University is certainly a powerhouse for research and innovation for Northern Ontario,” he said. “Over the last five to seven years, which is what this report covered, Lakehead has seen a significant growth and makes a significant contribution to our current success in the country.”

Wang said it’s important to capitalize on this success and keep the momentum moving in order to push the agenda of scientific research forward.