100% world-class rating for Uni of Adelaide research

Wednesday, 27 March 2019

The University of Adelaide has reaffirmed its standing as the leading research and innovation university in South Australia.

The University is playing a world-leading role in 41 research fields, and 100% of its 67 assessed research disciplines have been rated at world class or above, according to the latest results of the national Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA) process.

A record number of research outputs from the University of Adelaide were assessed as part of the latest ERA: more than 22,500 individual research outputs by 3,195 academic staff and affiliates, building on more than $633 million in research income attracted to the State. This included journal papers, books and creative works.

ERA has rated all of the University of Adelaide’s 67 assessed discipline areas at world class or above:


• 41 research fields rated 5 – well above world standard – the maximum rating
• 16 research fields rated 4 – above world standard
• 10 research fields rated 3 – at world standard.

The maximum rating has been achieved in research fields in key areas of priority for the State, such as engineering, mathematics, science, medical and health sciences, agriculture, and artificial intelligence.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) Professor Mike Brooks says today’s ERA announcement is an outstanding result for the University of Adelaide and for the State.

“Today’s results are further confirmation that the University of Adelaide is the State’s nationally and globally recognised leader in research, and a clear world leader across 41 separate disciplines. Our global leadership brings unique opportunities to drive international partnerships that will produce economic and social benefits for South Australia,” Professor Brooks says.

“Our research leadership spans fields that underpin innovation across industries critical to our State’s and our community’s future, and in areas that translate to benefits for society. These include many STEM fields, such as: science, engineering and technology, important for industries such as defence, cyber security, space, energy, mining and resources, as well as agriculture, food and wine; health sciences and biotechology; and creative and cultural industries.

“Importantly, the high quality of our research also impacts on the quality of the learning and teaching experience at the University of Adelaide – our students are taught by world leaders in their fields across the University,” he says.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Peter Rathjen says today’s ERA announcement comes at a time when the University is further realigning its research priorities to meet the needs of the State, under its new strategic plan, Future Making.

“Future Making signals an even brighter research future for the University of Adelaide and the State,” Professor Rathjen says.

“Under our new strategic direction, we will pursue aggressive growth in research income and expenditure, aligning ourselves with industry and community need. Already we are adopting five Industry Engagement Priorities to ensure our world-class expertise is helping to meet the future social, economic and technological development needs of our State and the nation.”

A London Economics report commissioned by the Group of Eight (Go8) universities last year showed the University of Adelaide has a total economic impact on South Australia of more than $4.23 billion and nearly 10,000 jobs. Of that impact, $1.45 billion arose from the University’s research programs.

A full list of the University of Adelaide’s 67 discipline areas rated at world class or above can be found here.

Image: University of Adelaide researchers.

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Update (Friday 29 March 2019):

Following on from the University's outstanding ERA results, the inaugural Engagement and Impact (EI) assessment has further demonstrated the real-world impact of the University of Adelaide's research, with results well above the national average for High scores.

In total, 25 of the University's broad discipline areas were assessed. Four discipline areas achieved the maximum High score across all three measures. These were:

Mathematical Sciences – the development of software for high-speed, reliable mobile communications networks, in partnership with industry.

Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences – plant breeding that contributed to the release of 17 new cereal crop varieties, producing billions of dollars’ worth of grain from 2011 to 2016.

Engineering – the development of a real-time water pipe assessment technology, enabling accurate and targeted responses to damaged pipelines, with savings on cost and time.

Law and Legal Studies – research that has been instrumental to legislative reform, removing discrimination against individuals and families on the grounds of gender and sex identity.

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