Performance & Excellence
Simon Fraser University (SFU) is ranked as Canada's top university for innovation. As a leading research university with global impact, SFU consistently places among the top 15 universities in Canada by major global ranking systems.
Research Income
SFU is among Canada's fastest growing research intensive universities measured by growth of research income. Our sponsored research income has grown by nearly 50% over the past 10 years, reaching $150.2 million in 2023.
Sponsored Research Income by Source
2003-2023
Research Output
Research at SFU spans eight faculties, covering a broad range of fundamental, interdisciplinary and applied research topics, as outlined in our Strategic Research Plan. On average, SFU researchers publish 2,700 journal articles per year, over 40% of which appear in the world's top 10% journals (Source: Scopus).
Research Output
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. SFU has a number of international partnerships in countries spanning the globe.
Community-Centred Climate Innovation
Community-centred Climate Innovation is a critical research priority at SFU focused on engaging our researchers with all levels of government, industry and community members.
SFU International
SFU International (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.
Researcher Excellence
SFU delivers 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
SFU is home to over 80 active Royal Society of Canada (RSC) members. Membership in the RSC is Canada’s highest academic honour. Visit the Royal Society of Canada website to see the full list of SFU faculty that have been named Fellows and College Members.
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September 05, 2023
Three Simon Fraser University (SFU) scholars have been named to the Royal Society of Canada (RSC)—two of them as Fellows and one as a member of the society’s College of New Scholars, Artists and Scientists—bringing SFU's total number of active RSC members to more than 80 researchers.
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September 06, 2022
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September 07, 2021
Eleven Simon Fraser University scholars have been named to the Royal Society of Canada (RSC)—nine of them as fellows of the society and two as members of the society’s College of New Scholars, Scientists and Artists.
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
- Professor Darren Grant, CERC in Astroparticle Physics
- Professor Thomas Jennewein, CERC in Global Quantum Internet Systems
- Professor Nicholas Reo, CERC in Coastal Relationalities and Regeneration
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 CRC website.
See SFU's Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Action Plan for the Canada Research Chair Program.
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June 27, 2024
SFU neuroscientist John McDonald, archaeological scientist Michael Richards and computational chemist Samira Siahrostami are among the country’s new and renewed Canada Research Chairs.
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August 29, 2023
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June 02, 2022
A trio of SFU researchers who are making an impact in diverse fields—from how exercise affects cancer patient outcomes, to transforming healthcare and cybersecurity through quantum computing advances—will further their research excellence as new and renewed Canada Research Chairs (CRC).
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January 12, 2022
Four Simon Fraser University researchers are among the country’s new and renewed Canada Research Chairs (CRC). SFU’s chairholders are advancing research excellence in a wide range of fields, from improving sensors for autonomous vehicle safety using quantum technology, to better understanding how changes in sleep and circadian rhythms contribute to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.
Distinguished SFU Professors
As a joint initiative of SFU’s Vice-President, Academic and Provost and the Vice-President, Research and Innovation, the Distinguished SFU Professor program recognizes SFU research 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 SFU Professors.