Research – and the excellent teaching it supports – is the heart of a quality university experience.

However, research at Ontario’s universities is threatened by two trends: the emphasis on commercialization or “applied” research, and the erosion of federal government support.

Commercialization of research is important. But over-emphasis on applied research diverts needed funding from more fundamental research projects. Basic research in science, the social sciences, and humanities is the cornerstone of a successful research and development system. A province, or nation, cannot be on the cutting edge of innovation without an excellent basic research infrastructure. It is important that Ontario strike an effective balance between commercialized research and the basic research to ensure our economic competitiveness.

Traditionally, a great deal of basic research was funded through Canada’s research granting councils. Stephen Harper’s government, demonstrating a distinct lack of vision, has recently cut funding to these important organizations. These cuts – alongside measures to exert greater government control over research funding allocation – threaten Canada’s competitiveness and the integrity of peer-reviewed research critical to the advancement of knowledge.

The Government of Ontario has stepped up to help mitigate the damaging effects of cuts to our granting councils. However, more funding is needed. Provincial government support for basic research is more important than ever, and universities must be sufficiently funded to ensure the resources are in place for a world class research system.

Research is essential in the creation of new knowledge. But this knowledge must be effectively transmitted to our students to ensure a high quality educational experience. Unfortunately, chronic under-funding of Ontario’s universities makes meaningful teaching difficult. Classes are too large. The number of full-time professors is shrinking. As a result, students can’t get the access to their professors they need. To find out more about teaching at Ontario universities, go here. 

• The Government of Ontario must provide greater support to basic research at Ontario universities.
• The Government of Ontario’s research policy must strike an effective balance between commercialization and basic research
• An additional $1 billion must be invested in Ontario universities every year. This will ensure institutions have the resources to support world-class research. 

TAKE ACTION  

For more information, please see:

The Quality of University Research: Innovation Policy and Funding

Quality in the Balance: Undergraduate Education in Ontario at Risk