December 4, 2015

UOW’s world-class standing confirmed in national research report

UOW’s standing as a world class research intensive university has been confirmed today with the Australian Research Council’s 2015 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA) report revealing a marked increase in the number of disciplines delivering research rated as well above world standard.

The 2015 results, announced today by Minister for Education and Training Senator Simon Birmingham, found 21 research areas at UOW were delivering research that was well above world standard, which is a significant increase from seven research areas in 2012 and three research areas when the first-ever stocktake of Australia’s national research was undertaken in 2010.

97 percent of all UOW research was assessed as being ‘at world standard’ or better, with 78 percent rated as ‘above world standard’ and more than half, 51 percent, receiving the highest possible rating of ‘well above world standard’.

The ERA report is based on an independent evaluation of all Australian university research against national and international benchmarks by expert panels. It confirmed UOW’s long standing research strengths including engineering, mathematical sciences, chemical sciences and earth sciences, with 16 research areas in these groupings receiving the highest possible national rating.

Archaeology also stood out among UOW’s top performers, as did its emerging strengths of nursing, neurosciences and human movement and sports science.

Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research) Professor Judy Raper attributed the excellent results to a focused effort by the University’s enthusiastic researchers.

“We have deliberately focused our research in areas where we have long standing or emerging strengths.

“By drawing together talented, enthusiastic researchers and concentrating their efforts in key research areas, we have improved the quality of our research and increased the impact our academics are having in their disciplines around the world,” Professor Raper said.

UOW Vice Chancellor, Professor Paul Wellings CBE, said the Australian Research Council’s positive evaluation of UOW’s research reflects the consistent trend of improvement and success seen in many different national and international rankings during 2015.

“Throughout UOW’s 40th year as an independent institution, we have consistently seen one positive evaluation after another across all areas of our research and teaching.

“This terrific result for UOW demonstrates our commitment to generating outstanding research and world class results as we continue to pursue a place in the top 1% of the world’s universities,” Professor Wellings said.