SNOLAB and the High Performance Computing Virtual Laboratory (HPCVL) have been named two of the top ten research laboratories in Canada by Backbone Magazine, a business publication distributed by The Globe and Mail.

“The fact that two key platform laboratories associated with world-class research programs at Queen’s have been recognized as leading facilities in the country is a great honour for Queen’s and for our partners institutions,” says Steven Liss, Vice-Principal (Research). "We are pleased to have played a significant leadership role in the establishment of these facilities.  Both SNOLAB and HPVCL have unique infrastructures that provide the enriched environments necessary for leading-edge research, attracting outstanding faculty and students, and for supporting collaborative initiatives across Canada and globally.”

The list of Canada’s top 10 labs is part of the Backbone200, a list of the best Canada has to offer in the technology and business world including organizations, people, events and products that keep Canada on the leading edge. HPCVL, a group of high-speed computers housed at seven universities and colleges in Ontario, provides support for over 130 Canadian research groups involving 800 researchers.

“HPCVL is proud to be one of the top 10 research facilities in Canada,” says Ken Edgecombe, HPCVL executive director. “We have focused on providing a secure flexible environment that enables researchers to do work that will positively impact the health of Canadians and the economic well-being of Canada.”

Also named a top research facility is SNOLAB, an underground neutrino and dark matter laboratory located in Creighton Mine near Sudbury. Being located two kilometers underground gives this laboratory a unique advantage – it’s one of the deepest and cleanest laboratories in the world.

“Being cited as one of Canada's top ten research facilities is a great recognition of the tremendous efforts that have gone into the development of SNOLAB and its science program, through the work of many people including our research and facility teams in the Universities,” says Nigel Smith (Physics), SNOLAB director. “The list of the research facilities clearly demonstrates the vibrant and strong research platforms that exist in Canada, which allow our researchers to compete successfully on the global platform.”

Read the latest issue of Backbone here.