By William Crooks
Local Journalism Initiative
The Université de Sherbrooke (UdeS) has reaffirmed its standing as a research powerhouse, securing the 11th position in the latest rankings of Canada’s Top 50 Research Universities. With a research revenue of $240.3 million in 2022-23, UdeS is a shining example of how strategic partnerships, interdisciplinary collaboration, and efficient resource-sharing can drive excellence in research and innovation.
“This achievement reflects the dedication of our entire research community,” said Jean-Pierre Perreault, Vice-President, Research and Graduate Studies at UdeS, in a recent interview. “Our progress has been remarkable, with research revenues increasing more than 100 per cent over the past few years. In 2017, we generated $130 million; today, we’re at $240 million, and we project $285 million for next year.”
A legacy of growth and innovation
The steady rise in research revenues over the past decade underscores UdeS’s commitment to excellence. In just a few years, the university has not only doubled its funding but also maintained its momentum despite competition from institutions in larger urban centres such as Montreal and Toronto.
“What sets us apart is our strong culture of partnerships and our focus on aligning research with societal needs,” Perreault explained. This approach has enabled UdeS to secure significant grants and contracts from diverse funding sources, including government agencies, private organizations, and non-profits.
UdeS’s ability to innovate and collaborate has also been recognized nationally. For instance, the university has been the top institution in Canada for research revenue growth four times in recent years, a feat Perreault attributes to its interdisciplinary approach and unique structure.
From small city to research leader
Despite being located in Sherbrooke, a smaller city in the Eastern Townships, UdeS consistently competes with—and often outperforms—universities in Canada’s major metropolitan areas. Perreault noted that this success stems from the university’s integration into its local and regional communities.
“We conduct over 20,000 interviews and engage in 6,000 co-op training sessions annually,” he said. “This interaction helps us understand societal needs and translates into more significant grant success.”
UdeS’s interdisciplinary model has been another key factor. By encouraging collaboration across fields such as quantum science, climate research, and healthcare, the university has created an environment where innovative solutions to complex problems flourish. This strategy is supported by six areas of excellence, 19 research centres, and 105 research chairs, including two Canada Excellence Research Chairs.
Perreault highlighted how breaking down traditional academic silos has led to groundbreaking advances. “Our structure encourages collaboration, whether it’s between researchers or with external partners,” he said. “This model not only advances knowledge but also creates a dynamic environment for students.”
