Skip to McMaster Navigation Skip to Site Navigation Skip to main content
McMaster logo

Research Centres, Institutes and Core Platforms

Complex societal challenges require a multi-dimensional approach.

And that’s why many of our research centres and institutes cross traditional boundaries and disciplines. They allow us to advance basic research, increase our capacity to compete globally and bring our researchers and students together to apply cutting-edge methods to impact their respective fields of study. And our facilities and platforms – whether they stand-alone or are housed within one of our 60-plus centres and institutes – are pivotal to our research infrastructure; providing the requisite equipment and resources to enhance our ground-breaking research and to keep our industry partners competitive.

Headshot of Andy Knights.
Andy Knights
Associate Vice-President, Research

A message from the Associate Vice-President, Research

The success of McMaster’s Research Centres and Institutes (RCIs) is dependent upon the people – the directors, faculty, staff and students – who work with them. I’m happy to share some of those successes with you, in this RCI annual report.

What are Research Centres, Institutes and Core Platforms?

McMaster’s research centres, institutes and core platforms bring researchers together to solve complex problems. Research centres and institutes that house significant research infrastructure may also be core research platforms, though core research platforms may stand alone.

Research Institutes support the strategic interest of the University or a Faculty. Designation as an Institute is determined by one or more criteria which may include: comparative size, breadth of research, and the national and international impact of their work.

Research Centres, like Institutes, support the strategic interests of the University. Designation as a Centre is determined by their focus, which may be less broad.

Core Research Platforms contain the University’s specialized equipment and/or technical expertise essential for advancing basic research and competing on the world’s research stage. They foster and facilitate interdisciplinary research, provide opportunities for new research, and ensure the development and sustainability of equipment and facilities.

Information Box Group

Research Centres & Institutes Full RCIs List

Search McMaster’s research centres and institutes.

Core Research Platforms Full CRPs List

Search McMaster’s core research platforms.

Resources for Researchers Browse Resources

Find policies and guidelines for establishing a research centre, institute or core platform.

In the News

More News