In summary

  • Swinburne achieved an estimated rank of 242 in the Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU), up from 258 in 2021
  • Swinburne has climbed 125 places since 2019
  • The rankings further solidifies Swinburne’s spot in the top 1% of universities worldwide

Swinburne has entered the top 250 global universities for the first time in the Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU), confirming its place in the top 1% of universities worldwide.

This year, Swinburne achieved an estimated rank of 242, up 16 places from 258 in 2021 and up 125 places from 367 in 2019.

The announcement follows Swinburne achieving a global ranking in 20 subjects in the latest ARWU Global Ranking of Academic Subjects, including a top 50 ranking for Automation and Control.

“This result demonstrates the impact our researchers are having in their chosen fields and in the community, as they work to create solutions for a better world,” says Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research), Professor Karen Hapgood.

The ARWU rankings assess publication output, the number of highly-cited researchers, and publications in high-profile journals Nature and Science, such as recently published work on an ultra-stable light-based computer chip inspired by Netflix series Snowpiercer that might one day replace GPS.

“Our talented researchers continue to show how Swinburne is building a prototype of a new and different type of university, bringing people and technology together,” says Professor Hapgood.

Swinburne research making an impact

Swinburne has continued its ascent in international rankings in 2022, being named in the top 50 in the Times Higher Education Young University Rankings and as one of the world’s top 300 universities in the QS University Rankings, placing Swinburne in the top 1% of universities worldwide.

“These rankings successes show that our industry-engaged, innovative and tech-based approach is putting Swinburne at the forefront of research excellence around the world, not just in our flagship areas of Space and Aerospace Technology, Innovative Planet and Medical Technology, but across the board,” says Professor Hapgood.

As Swinburne celebrates being 30 years young this year, renowned international scientific journal, Nature, highlighted 30 years of innovation at Swinburne, from bushfire-proof skylights to pioneering telehealth services.

Recent research highlights include a Swinburne-led trial into VR-powered avatar therapy to treat schizophrenia, a metallurgical process to turn air, dirt and sunlight on Mars into iron, and game-changing exercise recommendations for those recovering from heart surgery.

Academic Ranking of World Universities

Since their first release in 2003, ARWU has become one of the most influential and authoritative global university rankings. It ranks universities on several indicators of academic or research performance, including quality of education, highly-cited researchers, research output and per capita performance.

Find out more about the 2022 rankings.

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