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University of Victoria

UVic ranked Canada's top university for oceanography and atmospheric science

September 15, 2026

Brad Buckham on boat with buoy
Brad Buckham, director of the Pacific Regional Institute for Marine Energy Discovery (PRIMED) at UVic, with a wind-measurement buoy used in offshore renewable energy research.

For the third consecutive year, the University of Victoria (UVic) has been recognized as a global leader in ocean and climate research by the ShanghaiRanking Global Ranking of Academic Subjects, ranking first in Canada and 35th globally for oceanography, and first in Canada and among the world's top 75 universities for atmospheric science.

A leader in ocean and climate research

The ranking reflects UVic's longstanding strength in ocean, climate and Earth science research, supported by researchers across disciplines and faculties including UVic's School of Earth and Ocean Sciences, Department of Biology, School of Environmental Studies and many other academic units across the university.

This success is supported by globally recognized research infrastructure, interdisciplinary collaboration and strong partnerships. From ocean observing systems and climate modelling to clean energy and climate adaptation, UVic researchers are generating knowledge and solutions that help communities respond to environmental change.

Many research institutes, centres and partnerships play a role in UVic’s high-impact research in these fields, including Ocean Networks Canada (ONC), the Pacific Climate Impacts Consortium (PCIC) and the Pacific Institute for Climate Solutions (PICS).

ShanghaiRanking highlights

  • #1 in Canada, 35th globally for oceanography
  • #1 in Canada and among the world's top 75 for atmospheric science
  • #3 in Canada, 40th globally for automation and control
  • Tied for #3 in Canada and among the world's top 100 for earth sciences

"Being recognized as Canada's top-ranked university in both oceanography and atmospheric science reflects the exceptional work taking place across UVic. Our researchers are generating knowledge and solutions with global impact, from ocean observing systems and climate resilience to emerging technologies that support sustainable development."

Lisa Kalynchuk, vice-president research and innovation.

UVic’s leadership in ocean and climate research is further strengthened by its ability to attract world-leading scholars. Recent appointments include Adrian Marchetti, UVic’s newest BC leadership Chair, whose research focuses on phytoplankton, climate change and ocean health, and Elliott Hazen, who will join UVic as one of the new Eddie Goldenberg Research Chairs. Hazen’s work advances climate-ready ocean stewardship through real-time data and partnerships with government and Indigenous communities.

The rankings also highlight UVic's breadth of research excellence, with top Canadian standings in automation and control and earth sciences. These strengths complement UVic's leadership in ocean and climate research by advancing the technologies, data systems and scientific understanding needed to address complex environmental challenges.