September 7, 2016
The Group of Eight (Go8), which comprises Australia’s leading research intensive Universities, has maintained it strong global performance in the Academic Ranking of World Universities Subject Rankings – providing 11% of globally top performing institutions.
“These rankings measure research excellence across Science, Engineering, Life Sciences, Medicine and Social Sciences,” says Vicki Thomson Chief Executive of the Go8. “These rankings are a respected international assessment of the breadth and depth of research excellence and inform international student choice – a market worth nearly $20 billion to Australia. They also tell domestic and international industry partners where the best research is, and importantly where to invest.”
This year the Go8 has confirmed its position as a leading international group and as the backbone of Australia’s reputation in the global university marketplace.
All Go8 universities appeared in the top 200 for at least three fields – with five appearing in all subject fields. Only 46 universities globally achieved this benchmark of complete coverage across all subject fields, meaning the Go8 provides 11% of the world’s best performing research universities.
The Go8 also increased its number of Top 50 subject fields from seven to nine including three in both Life Sciences and Medicine. No other Australian university appeared in the global Top 50 for any subject.
“The take-away for both the Government and the Australian community is the same as that out of the QS rankings results earlier this week. The research performance of Australian universities is currently strong in an increasingly contested environment – where competition is increasing from nations that are providing high evels of targeted research funding to universities.
“Australia depends on universities more than other advanced economies to supply high quality research and researchers for industry and the nation more broadly. This is why it is critical to protect the performance of our universities by sustainable investment in research.”
Ms Thomson said that she was pleased that today’s results confirm the breadth of research quality across the Go8. They also reflect the ongoing Go8 commitment to delivering a return on public investment by leading a globally top tier Higher Education sector in Australia.
Contact: Vicki Thomson Group of Eight Chief Executive on +61 438 047 155
