The University of Guelph offers programming in the physical and biological sciences, social sciences, arts and business. With roots in three founding colleges—including an agricultural college and a veterinary college—Guelph has long-time expertise in food, the environment and communities. Through its Arrell Food Institute and the Food from Thought research program, Guelph works to find sustainable ways to feed the world’s growing population. Guelph is also home to a global DNA barcoding project aimed at ensuring food security and protecting endangered species.

“Improving life at home and abroad informs everything that we do at U of G,” says president Charlotte Yates. “Through research, teaching and community engagement, we’re tackling some of the most pressing issues facing our world today.” Arts students also benefit from innovative programming. English and theatre studies faculty include award-winning poets, authors and playwrights. Renovations to the MacKinnon Building include the new Arts Research Centre, slated to open this year. ARC is a multi-use performance and research facility, housing the ImprovLab, a theatre and a recital hall. The campus is centred on Johnston Green, which is ringed by mature oaks and beautiful century-old buildings. It has its share of brutalist architecture, which flourished in the ’60s and ’70s, but the welcoming green space of the Guelph Arboretum is a boon for the whole community.