Selkirk College is gaining national attention for its research excellence, driven by Selkirk Innovates, the college’s applied research arm.
In the 2025 edition of Canada’s Top 50 Research Colleges—which reports on results from the 2024 fiscal year—the college placed 29, rising from 36 in the previous rankings. This makes Selkirk College the highest-ranked research college in British Columbia and one of only three colleges in the province to earn a place on the list.
“Selkirk College’s rise in the national research rankings reflects our growing impact,” says Dr. Terri MacDonald, director of applied research and innovation. “We’re advancing innovation, creating opportunities for students and strengthening local communities through applied research.”
Among Canada’s small colleges, Selkirk College stands out. It ranked second in both the number of paid student researchers—employing 84 students in research roles—and in research intensity. The college also performed strongly beyond the small-college category, placing third in research intensity across institutions of all sizes.
These rankings are supported by strong research activity. During the 2024 fiscal year, Selkirk College had 134 partnerships, resulting in 101 completed research projects.
Together, these results demonstrate Selkirk College’s dedication to strengthening regional innovation through hands-on learning and meaningful student involvement in applied research.