UNSW joins leading network of Pacific Rim research universities

UNSW's standing as one of the region’s leading research universities has been highlighted with its election to the prestigious Association of Pacific Rim Universities network (APRU).

Membership of this important network will enable UNSW to engage with 44 leading research-intensive universities in the Asia-Pacific region including Stanford, UCLA, University of Hong Kong, University of Tokyo, National University of Singapore and Seoul National University.

“I am delighted with our election to the APRU network,” said UNSW President and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Fred Hilmer.

“It will open doors to research forums and workshops and leadership programs focusing on areas of mutual interest.”

UNSW was one of three new members elected, along with Yonsei University and the University of Hawaii.

Announcing the membership, APRU Chair, Chancellor Henry Yang of UC Santa Barbara, said APRU looked forward to engaging with UNSW in the “critical areas of shaping higher education and research, creating global leaders and partnering on solutions to Asia-Pacific challenges”. APRU’s key collaborative research themes include global health; sustainability and climate change; multi-hazards; ageing in Asia; and brain and mind research – all research strengths of UNSW. In June, UNSW was recognised as one of the world’s top science and technology universities with an invitation to join GlobalTech, the Global Alliance of Technological Universities. The first new member admitted to the exclusive network since its inception in 2009, UNSW is the only Australian university in the alliance, which includes Caltech, Imperial College London and Shanghai Jiao Tong. “UNSW is now a member of three prestigious international networks of leading research-intensive universities: Universitas 21, GlobalTech, and APRU,” said Professor Hilmer. “These networks have unique priorities and objectives and will enable UNSW to connect with our peers in the region and around the world.” Media contact: Denise Knight, UNSW Media Office + 61 2 9385 3249 | 0405 207 685 | d.knight@unsw.edu.au