Melbourne tops research excellence report

The University of Melbourne has established itself as the leading research university in Australia, topping the key indicators in the Excellence in Research for Australia report. The report by the Australian Research Council (ARC), released today, shows Melbourne had the highest number of research disciplines ranked at the maximum possible - well above world standard. Of just over 100 research areas assessed by the ARC over a six-year period, 42 at Melbourne had the highest rating. Another 40 were rated above world standard and 20 at world standard; overall, 88 were above the national average. Those areas achieving the maximum world rating included: Mathematical, Physical, Earth and Biological Sciences; Engineering and Technology; Medical and Health Sciences; Economics and Commerce; Law; Language; and History and Archaeology. The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) Professor Peter Rathjen said the results were a very strong endorsement of the University's research program and affirmed its mission to be a globally engaged, comprehensive research-intensive university. "ERA confirms that we have both the breadth and quality that justifies our claim to be comprehensive. "It is a credit to our researchers that the University has performed so admirably across a broad range of disciplines. "The results are particularly pleasing given they do not include the past two years activity, in which the University has achieved a marked increase in research grants from the Federal Government. "This welcome recognition of our outstanding research accomplishments underscores our ability to contribute meaningfully to society and to provide world-class education at undergraduate and postgraduate levels,??