UQ on top in national research quality assessment

The University of Queensland has more specialised fields of research “well above world standard” than any other Australian university, according to the landmark Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA) assessment released today.

Thirty-five fields of research at UQ in the “four-digit” category received the highest possible score of five.

One hundred per cent of UQ’s research— evaluated across all 22 broad “two-digit” categories and 96 specialised “four-digit” categories — is at world standard or above, ERA shows.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Peter Høj said the results emphatically showed that UQ offers the opportunity for excellent research-led education across all fields.

“This shows the University has the capability to address complex global challenges — through multidisciplinary approaches,” he said.

“There are no weak links in UQ’s deep research excellence, in its interdisciplinary fabric, or in its ability to translate research results into wider societal good.

“It is no wonder that industry is investing almost $100 million each year into research at UQ.”

Professor Høj said that compared to 2010, UQ had lifted its results even further and moved to higher rating bands in six broad categories.

“I congratulate all our researchers, support staff and students whose hard work and dedication to make the world a better place is reflected in these results,” he said.

Professor Høj said UQ was continuing to consolidate its position as a top-tier, globally renowned, research-intensive institution producing real benefits for the world.

“Furthermore, the Excellence in Innovation for Australia trial released last month showed that a number of our projects had delivered outstanding economic, social and environmental impact,” he said.

Professor Høj — a former chief executive officer of the Australian Research Council — said the ERA results more broadly indicated Australian university researchers’ continuing productivity increases.

“Australia’s universities are putting in very strong performances in all the major global higher education rankings assessments,” he said.

“This strong showing and detailed mapping should encourage both governments and business to boost investment in research and to benefit further from this widely distributed national pillar of strength.”

Professor Høj said a diversity of strength was clearly emerging in the sector.

“Although not all universities are comprehensive; they have significant strengths in individual areas,” he said.

“This is neatly illustrated by LaTrobe University in biological sciences (one of three institutions to score five in the two-digit assessments along with ANU and UQ) and by UniSA in chemical sciences (one of six universities to score a 5 in the two-digit assessment along with Deakin, Monash, UNSW, UQ and Wollongong).

Media: Professor Peter Høj, UQ Vice-Chancellor, +61 7 3365 1300
Fiona Cameron, UQ Communications, ph +61 7 3346 7086, +61 407 113 342