For the second year in a row, McMaster University has been named the most innovative university in Canada.

Maclean's magazine's annual rankings measures and compares universities in three peer groupings. McMaster is ranked in the intensively competitive medical doctoral category, a category of those universities that offer a broad range of PhD programs and research in addition to having a medical school. In the reputational survey section of the rankings, McMaster University was listed in the top five in Leaders of Tomorrow, and Best Overall.

“Our main focus is always on the student,” says Peter George, president of McMaster University. “We excel in student retention, attracting out-of-province first-years, student services, and student awards, and that's reflected in the Maclean's rankings. Being the most innovative university in the country, which we've been two years in a row, is not just about being innovative in terms of research, but in the way we teach. For a school of our size to compete in a category with schools that are among the largest in the country is a testament to our accomplishments, and to our success in attracting the best students and faculty.”

“We're disappointed in the overall rankings,” adds George, “It would be interesting if Maclean's included input from current students as the Globe and Mail survey does. That said, we recognize that all rankings are but one snapshot of the University. It's important for students to look at the whole picture when they choose a university.”

McMaster, which is listed 11th overall in the medical doctoral category, also showed gains in library acquisitions, and in the number of classes taught by tenured faculty.

Recent surveys measuring student satisfaction confirm McMaster's position as a university of innovation and excellence:

1. McMaster earned an A+ in academic excellence, and an overall A in education in the Globe and Mail's most recent University Report Card.

2. McMaster is one of only four Canadian universities listed in the Top 100 universities in the world (Survey conducted by China's Shanghai Jiao Tong University)

3. The National Survey on Student Engagement (NSSE) ranked McMaster higher than its Canadian peers in all categories (academic challenge, active and collaborative learning, enriching education experiences, and supportive campus environment). In a few of those categories, McMaster scored higher than its American peers.

4. McMaster is ranked third, in the country for research intensity and eight overall for university research-sponsored income of more than $100-million, accord to Research Infosource. McMaster had more than $246-million in sponsored research in 2005.