Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ

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Performance & Excellence

Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ (SFU) is ranked as Canada's top university for innovation. As a leading research university with global impact, Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµconsistently places among the top 15 universities in Canada by major global ranking systems.

Research Income

Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµis among Canada's fastest growing research intensive universities measured by growth of research income. Our sponsored research income has grown by 144% over the past 10 years, reaching $286 million in fiscal 2024/25.

Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµResearch Income

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Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµResearch Income 

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Research Output

Research at Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµspans eight faculties, covering a broad range of fundamental, interdisciplinary and applied research topics, as outlined in our Strategic Research Plan. On average, Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµresearchers publish 2,700 journal articles per year, over 40% of which appear in the world's top 10% journals (Source: Scopus). 

Research Output

University Research Rankings

Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµis consistently ranked among Canada's top research intensive universities in major national and global ranking systems.

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Collaborations

SFU's research is guided by a strategy for wide-reaching collaborations at the local, national and international levels. This strategy supports knowledge generation and transfer across many sectors. Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµhas a number of international partnerships in countries spanning the globe.

Community-Centred Climate Innovation

Community-centred Climate Innovation is a critical research priority at Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµfocused on engaging our researchers with all levels of government, industry and community members.

Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµInternational

 (SFUi) is the university's hub of international relationships, knowledge and resources to mobilize the global reach of SFU’s teaching, research and community engagement.

Partnerships Hub

SFU's Partnerships Hub advances SFU’s vision of Canada’s engaged university by facilitating and supporting external partnerships. We help connect you to the right expertise and resources at the university to build and grow impactful relationships.

B.C. Centre for Agritech Innovation

The B.C. Centre for Agritech Innovation powers British Columbia's agritech businesses to grow the economy and feed the world by accelerating research and development of new food production and processing technologies.

Economic Impact

Since opening its doors in 1965, Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµresearch has become an invaluable economic and innovative hub in BC, contributing $1.9 billion to B.C.'s GDP. Innovative research, spin-off companies, co-operative education, procurement, and student and visitor spending, all contribute to SFU’s economic impact, strengthening B.C.’s economy and competitiveness.

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1.9 Billion 

Contributed to the BC GDP (1965-2005)

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1,200 Jobs

Created by SFU-supported ventures

paid

75% of Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµSpending

Reinvested into the B.C. economy (2020-2025)

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500+ Ventures

Created and supported by SFU's innovation ecosystem

Researcher Excellence

Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµdelivers excellence in research, innovation and sustainability, around the world. Building on a solid foundation of fundamental research, our researchers are committed to challenging conventions, celebrating new ideas and embracing unconventional partnerships.

Fellows and College Members of the Royal Society of Canada

Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµis home to over 80 active Royal Society of Canada (RSC) members. Membership in the RSC is Canada’s highest academic honour. Visit the to see the full list of Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµfaculty that have been named Fellows and College Members.

Canada 150 Research Chairs

The Canada 150 Research Chairs Program, announced invests $117.6 million to enhance Canada's reputation as a global centre for science, research and innovation excellence, in celebration of Canada’s 150th anniversary. It provides Canadian institutions with a one-time investment to attract top-tier, internationally based scholars and researchers to Canada.

Caroline Colijn, Imperial College mathematician, holds the Chair in Mathematics for Infection, Evolution and Public Health, in the Department of Mathematics. Wendy Hui Kyong Chun holds the Chair in New Media.

Canada Excellence Research Chairs

The CERCs program supports world renowned researchers to establish ambitious research programs that build on Canada’s contributions as a global leader in research and innovation. The CERCs are among the most prestigious research positions available globally, designed to foster innovation, promote knowledge mobilization and attract top talent to Canada’s research universities.

SFU's Canada Excellence Research Chairs

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Canada Research Chairs

The Canada Research Chairs Program invests up to $311 million per year to attract and retain some of the world’s most accomplished and promising minds. Chairholders aim to achieve research excellence in engineering and the natural sciences, health sciences, humanities and social sciences.

See the full list of SFU's current chairholders on the .

See SFU's Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Action Plan for the Canada Research Chair Program.

Distinguished Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµProfessors

As a joint initiative of SFU’s Vice-President, Academic and Provost and the Vice-President, Research and Innovation, the Distinguished Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµProfessor program recognizes Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµresearch faculty members of distinction who have achieved exceptional performance and distinguished accomplishments relative to their rank and years of service.

Learn more and see the list of our Distinguished Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµProfessors.

SFU's Scholarly Impact of the Week

SFU's Scholarly Impact of the Week is selected by the Office of the Vice-President, Research and Innovation to celebrate scholarly milestones and raise the profile of research impacts from across the Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµresearch community. 

Learn more