Fleming College has made a remarkable leap in national standings, climbing to 17th place in the annual ranking of Canada's Top 50 Research Colleges. The new position, announced on December 4, 2025, represents a significant jump from its previous rank of 31st, according to data released by Research Infosource Inc.
Driven by Industry Trust and Explosive Growth
The college's impressive ascent is directly linked to a dramatic increase in collaboration with the private sector. Fleming College ranked first in Industry Research Income Growth among medium-sized colleges in Canada, with industry funding surging by an extraordinary 300 percent compared to the previous year.
This type of income is distinct from traditional grants. It represents companies choosing to invest their own capital to partner with the college's researchers, signaling strong confidence in the practical value and expertise found at Fleming.
"Our rise in the national rankings underscores the growing trust industry partners place in Fleming's expertise," said Dr. Theresa Knott, Acting Co-President of Fleming College. "This is a testament to the strength of our research teams, the innovation happening across our campuses, and the value our partners see in collaborating with us."
Centres Tackling Pressing Provincial Challenges
Fleming's research impact is channeled through three specialized applied research centres, each focused on critical areas for Ontario and beyond:
- The Centre for Advancement of Water and Wastewater Technologies (CAWT): Works with companies to develop innovative solutions for water sustainability and environmental protection.
- The Centre for Applied Machine Intelligence and Integration Technologies (CAMIIT): Drives advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), embedded systems, and printed circuit board (PCB) manufacturing.
- The Centre for Innovative Aquaculture Production (CIAP): Supports the growth of sustainable aquaculture to enhance national food security.
Beyond these centres, faculty-led research initiatives extend into diverse fields including healthcare, environmental conservation, policing, and community services.
Creating Real-World Opportunities for Students
A key outcome of this expanded research activity is a direct benefit to students. Over the past two years, the number of paid student researcher positions at Fleming has doubled. This provides learners with invaluable hands-on experience working on actual industry projects, equipping them with in-demand skills and practical knowledge that prepare them for the workforce immediately upon graduation.
With robust government support and rapidly growing industry investment, Fleming College demonstrates that research impact is not solely determined by institutional size. Instead, it is built on strong partnerships, tangible innovation, and measurable results that benefit both the economy and the community.
About Fleming College: The college is situated on Michi Saagiig Anishinaabeg lands in Central Ontario, with campuses in Peterborough, Lindsay, Cobourg, and Haliburton. Named for inventor Sir Sandford Fleming, it offers over 85 full-time programs and serves more than 6,800 full-time students.
