As of 2023, the number of higher education researchers in Canada is the baseline for the forecast. From 2024 to 2028, there is a consistent but slight annual decline, reflecting a reduction from 33.88 to 33.73, a notable trend indicating potential challenges in the sector. The average annual decrease (CAGR) is modest over the span of five years.

Future trends to watch for include:

Potential shifts in government funding and policies impacting research positions.
Emerging areas of research influencing workforce demand.
International collaboration trends and immigration policies affecting researcher numbers.