Taking the team to new heights

Flinders newest stars in research together with outstanding stalwarts have led the University’s exceptional results in the 2018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA) assessment.

Medicinal & Biomolecular Chemistry, Evolutionary Biology, Plant Biology, Condensed Matter Physics, Oncology & Carcinogenesis, Physical Chemistry and Material Engineering have all debuted or risen to the highest ranking of 5, “well above world standard” research. While other areas scaled new heights, including the College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences with both Psychology and Performing Arts moving to Rating 4, “above world standard” – an impressive accomplishment given these rankings rely on peer reviews rather than citations.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Colin Stirling commended the University community for its achievements, attaining ten fields of research at Rating 5, up from five fields in the 2015 assessment.

“In addition, twelve fields were scored at 4, while 22 fields have achieved Rating 3 (world standard). This means that 44 of 49 Fields of Research have been assessed as world standard or above,” he said.

“I would like to express my congratulations to those who have risen in the ratings, and my encouragement to those who have the opportunity to yet do so.

“Thank you to all of the researchers whose individual contributions are reflected in these ERA outcomes. The entire University community takes pride in your achievements – well done!”

Professor Stirling voiced his confidence that Flinders’ performance will be further bolstered by its recently announced investment of an additional $100 million into research over the next five years.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research Professor Robert Saint also praised Flinders researchers for their commitment to making a positive difference through high quality research.

“I congratulate all our dedicated researchers, and especially those who have moved up the four-digit specific research field rankings and are working at levels which are equal to or better than the rest of the world.

“I’m particularly delighted with our newcomers to outstanding performance – the discipline of shifted from Rating 4 up to Rating 5 too.

“These results reflect our leadership in innovation and groundbreaking research that extends beyond our campuses to engage business, industry and the community” Professor Saint said.

Highest possible Rating 5 ranking achieved in:

  • Cardiovascular Medicine and Haematology
  • Condensed Matter Physics
  • Evolutionary Biology
  • Materials Engineering
  • Medicinal & Biomolecular Chemistry
  • Nanotechnology
  • Oncology & Carcinogenesis
  • Ophthalmology and Optometry
  • Physical Chemistry
  • Plant Biology

Above World Class Rating 4 ranking achieved in:

  • Clinical Sciences
  • Criminology
  • Ecology
  • Nursing
  • Nutrition and Dietetics
  • Paediatrics and Reproductive Medicine
  • Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences
  • Physical Geography and Environmental Geoscience
  • Policy and Administration
  • Psychology
  • Performing Arts and Creative Writing
  • Zoology

World Class Rating 3 ranking achieved in:

  • Archaeology
  • Atomic, Molecular, Nuclear, Particle and Plasma Physics
  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Civil Engineering
  • Cultural Studies
  • Curriculum and Pedagogy
  • Film, Television and Digital Media
  • Fisheries Sciences
  • Historical Studies
  • Human Geography
  • Human Movement and Sports Science
  • Industrial Biotechnology
  • Law
  • Literary Studies
  • Neurosciences
  • Philosophy
  • Physical Geography and Environmental Geoscience
  • Political Science
  • Public Health and Health Services
  • Social Work
  • Sociology
  • Specialist Studies in Education

The 2018 ERA evaluation, led by the Australian Research Council, assessed research performance conducted in Australia’s higher education sector using a combination of indicators and review by internationally recognised experts

It provides a broad overview referred to as a two digit analysis and a more comprehensive four digit assessment, on which Flinders University has focused to detail results in specific fields. Based on our four digit code results, some 90% of Flinders University research is at or above world standard.

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