May 21, 2019

UOW leads Australian universities in productivity boost

Change in culture creates research output boom at UOW

The Australian university sector is becoming more productive every year, and the University of Wollongong has emerged ahead of the pack according to a newly-released study.

The study, featured in the Australian Financial review on Monday, found UOW has simultaneously increased its research output and student base substantially, while keeping costs to a minimum over a 15-year period.

The study commissioned by the Higher Education and Research Group found almost all of Australia’s 37 major public universities have at least doubled their research productivity since 2002.

UOW has surged ahead of the norm, more than tripling its research productivity. In 2017, the Institution produced 3.2 publications for every million dollars spent compared to less than one publication in 2002.

Of universities on par with UOW’s research productivity gains, none matched its improvements in the classroom. For every million dollars spent at the University, 43 students were taught in 2017, compared to 32 in 2002.

UOW has pursued a deliberate strategy of lifting research capability.

By rewarding performance in research, and focusing on this outcome as a priority, the Institution has facilitated a change in culture.

University of Wollongong Vice-Chancellor Paul Wellings said the findings reflect the hard work of all staff members and position UOW as a young and vibrant university that is emerging as the benchmark for Australian universities.

“I am proud of our talented, motivated and dedicated staff, I thank them the University’s significant rise in productivity. It is their achievement,” Professor Wellings said.

“Not only does the University of Wollongong lead the charge in terms of research output but the quality of our research is outstanding, addressing the critical social, environmental and economic challenges that communities face now and into the future.

“At the same time we have increased our student numbers while improving quality, achieving excellent results for student satisfaction in the Quality Indicators for Teaching Learning rankings and also receiving a Global Teaching Excellence spotlight award.

“This is further testament to the importance of our personalised approach to the student experience.”

The University of Wollongong surges ahead in productivity gains over 15-years.
(Source: Higher Education Research Group / Australian Financial Review)