[1] Together, they contribute upwards of C$36 billion to the Canadian economy every year, and produce more than 70 per cent of all doctorates awarded in Canada.

This group of five Ontario-based universities formed an association in the mid-1980s to advance the interests of their research-intensive institutions.

[3] The executive heads of the member universities govern the U15, supported by their respective chief academic officers and vice-presidents of research.

The committee is charged with acting on behalf of the U15 concerning operational matters related to the Secretariat.

The Academic Affairs Committee advances collaborative initiatives and attempts to maximize cooperation among the member institutions.

[4] The U15 Group of Canadian Research Universities currently has 15 members, of which six are from Ontario, three from Quebec, two from Alberta, and one from British Columbia, Manitoba, Nova Scotia and Saskatchewan.