Université de Montréal Top 10 Worldwide in AI Research

The Université de Montréal (UdeM) and its affiliated institutions — HEC Montréal and Polytechnique Montréal — have secured a position among the top 10 universities worldwide for Artificial Intelligence research.

First AI Ranking in Shanghai Global Subject Evaluation

The distinction comes from the Shanghai Academic Ranking of World Universities – Global Ranking of Academic Subjects (GRAS), which evaluates universities across 57 disciplines worldwide.

Notably, Artificial Intelligence was assessed as a standalone discipline for the first time in 2025, highlighting the growing global importance of AI research and innovation.

The ranking methodology is based on several key indicators:

• Volume of academic publications

• Research quality and citation impact

• International research collaborations

• Prestigious academic awards and distinctions

• Faculty leadership positions in global academic communities

By combining research excellence across three complementary institutions, the Université de Montréal ecosystem demonstrates sustained leadership in AI scholarship and scientific output.

A Strategic AI Ecosystem in Montreal

Montreal has established itself as one of the world’s leading hubs for Artificial Intelligence research. The collaboration between UdeM, HEC Montréal, and Polytechnique Montréal reflects a multidisciplinary model that integrates:

• Fundamental AI research

• Applied engineering and technology

• Business and management applications of AI

This integrated approach strengthens the global competitiveness of the institutions and enhances Canada’s position within the international AI landscape.

The recognition also confirms Montreal’s long-standing investment in data science, machine learning, and responsible AI development.

Strong Performance in Business and Management

Beyond Artificial Intelligence, HEC Montréal also demonstrated strong performance in the fields of Business Administration and Management, positioning itself among the leading institutions in Canada and maintaining a solid global presence in both disciplines.

These results further strengthen HEC Montréal’s reputation in management education and research excellence. The combined achievements in AI and business highlight the close connection between technological innovation and managerial expertise within Montreal’s academic ecosystem, reinforcing its role as a multidisciplinary hub of excellence.

International Visibility and Research Impact

The Shanghai Ranking is widely regarded as one of the most influential global university rankings. Its subject-based evaluation focuses exclusively on research performance indicators, offering an objective measurement of academic impact.

The entry of Artificial Intelligence into the ranking framework signals the discipline’s strategic importance across higher education systems worldwide. Securing a top 10 global position in the first year of evaluation underscores the strength and maturity of Montreal’s AI research ecosystem.

By combining interdisciplinary expertise and international collaboration, the Université de Montréal and its affiliated schools continue to enhance their global academic visibility and influence.

Strengthening Canada’s Position in AI Research

Canada has long been recognised as a pioneer in Artificial Intelligence, and this ranking further consolidates its leadership. The performance of UdeM, HEC Montréal, and Polytechnique Montréal highlights the country’s capacity to compete with major global research institutions.

The top 10 global ranking also reinforces Montreal’s attractiveness for researchers, doctoral candidates, and international partnerships in advanced technologies and AI-driven innovation.

As Artificial Intelligence continues to transform industries and economies, academic institutions with strong research output and interdisciplinary integration will play a decisive role in shaping future global developments.