Top research performer

UNSW is the state's top ranked university based on the Excellence in Research for Australia report, which evaluated research activity and quality in the country's 41 higher education institutions.

The analysis, produced by the Australian Research Council, assessed performance across eight broad discipline groups, broken down into 22 fields and 157 specific subject areas. Results are based on a range of indicators including publications and citations, expert review and international benchmarks.

Nationally, UNSW received the fourth highest rating - 4.04 of a maximum five - measuring its performances in all broad fields of research as "at, above or well above" world standard.

"The ERA results confirm UNSW as one of Australia's leading research-intensive universities performing above world standard, and in many areas, well above international benchmarks," Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research), Professor Les Field, said.

"Our researchers should be extremely proud of the quality of their work."

In 33 subject areas, UNSW received the top or equal top rating, scoring five out of five in 19 of those areas:

Launching the report yesterday, the Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, Kim Carr, said the ERA results would inform government decisions about resource allocation. They would also highlight areas where improvement was needed, he said.

The ERA national report is available at the ARC website.

Media contact: Denise Knight, UNSW Media Office |02 9385 8920