June 8, 2018

UOW ranked in top 10 in Australia for scientific research

Nature Index 2018 Annual Tables track research published in high-quality natural science journals

The University of Wollongong (UOW) has been ranked as one of the top 10 institutions in Australia for scientific research in the Nature Index 2018 Annual Tables.

The Nature Index tracks the author affiliations for scientific research published each year in 82 high-quality natural science journals, counting both the total number of papers and the share of authorship of each paper. An independent panel of active scientists selects the journals that are included in the index.

The index measures research outputs in the natural sciences, organised into the subject areas of chemistry, physical sciences, earth and environmental sciences, and life sciences.

In the journals analysed for the index UOW researchers contributed to 54 chemistry, 62 physical science, 11 earth and environmental science, and 15 life science research articles published between 1 January and 31 December 2017.

Globally, the index ranked UOW at 436 (up from 452 in 2017) out of the more than 9,000 institutions included. In the Asia Pacific region, it ranked UOW at 121.

UOW Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation) Professor Judy Raper welcomed the strong results, and said they reflected University’s research focus on finding solutions to the world’s challenges.

“Our research priorities are working tirelessly to solve complex, real-world problems,” Professor Raper said.

“At UOW we recognise that the search for solutions to the world’s challenges must be a global one. Whether addressing climate change, illuminating how life works at a molecular level, or uncovering our human origins, we form alliances with the best minds across the globe.

“We acknowledge that in order to solve these problems, we must be outstanding at the fundamental scientific research that is published in the Nature suite of journals.

“Research at UOW crosses international and disciplinary boundaries to deliver results. The results of our overseas partnerships underpin the University’s international reputation for research excellence.”

The Nature Index includes institutions from the academic, corporate, government, healthcare and NGO sectors. Nature Research, part of the academic publishing company Springer Nature, compiles the index.