UQ remains a front-runner on international scale

The University of Queensland has maintained a position within the top echelons of research institutions in the world, according to the latest Times Higher Education University Ranking.

Despite a slight dip, UQ was ranked 65 of 1102 institutions assessed globally, and remains the fourth-ranked university in Australia.

UQ Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Peter Høj said UQ had consistently been inside the top 70 in the Times Higher Education Rankings in recent years, but there was cause to warn against complacency.

“We’re delighted to again be recognised at the global forefront of providing quality research, education and industry collaboration,” Professor Høj said.

“From last year we have ranked five places lower, and I note a similar trend for several other leading Australian research universities.

“This is a timely reminder that ill-conceived cuts to higher education and the possibility of growing complacent and negligent towards scientific research will have very real effects.

“Higher education is vital to a progressive Australian society and economy and, to maintain our standing, it takes focus and funding from a federal perspective.”

UQ ranked 60^th worldwide the past two years in the Times Higher Education University Ranking, having ranked 65^th in 2014-15, 63^rd in 2013-14 and 65^th in 2012-13.

Research institutions were measured on five ‘pillars’ – teaching, research, citations, industry income and international outlook.

UQ’s best-performing pillar was international outlook, adjudged on percentage of international staff, international co-authorship and percentage of international students.

Last week UQ was ranked first in Australia by the Nature Index for life sciences, and 78^th overall in the world.

The tables are based on data from 1 January 2016 to 31 December 2016.

Media: UQ Communications, communications@uq.edu.au, + 61 7 3365 3439.