The leaders of the Université du Québec network recently published a letter arguing against the use of the term “research universities” in an open letter by the rectors of McGill University, Université Laval, Université de Montréal, and Université de Sherbrooke. The original letter, published on September 6, discusses the challenges with research funding and argues that establishing research universities will strengthen Québec’s prosperity, resilience, and autonomy. In the response published on September 13, Université du Québec President Alexandre Cloutier and the 10 leaders of the UQuébec network institutions argued that the term “research universities” is redundant as all universities engage in research. They emphasize the importance of university research and assert that the diversity in size, areas of expertise, and infrastructure of the universities within QC is a strength.
