The University of Western Australia has moved a significant step closer to its goal of becoming one of the top 100 universities in the world with the official release today of the foremost international ranking of Universities.

UWA has achieved a rank of 113 in the world in the Shanghai Jiao Tong University's Academic Ranking of World Universities.  This is a move up 14 places from 127 in 2008 in the internationally recognised rankings.

UWA Acting Vice-Chancellor Professor Bill Louden said this pleasing climb up the rankings was particularly significant because the University has set itself a target of being counted among the top 100 universities by its centenary years (2011 - 2013).

"This major international ranking is confirmation of the University's progress towards achieving its bold vision on behalf of the entire state of Western Australia," Professor Louden said.

"A world-class university is recognisable by its research-intensive culture, its ability to engage actively in the international process of learning and discovery and its partnerships with the wider community."

Professor Louden said it had been calculated that in the next 40 years UWA would contribute more than $60 billion value to the Western Australian community through its research programs, educational functions, capabilities, relationships and investments.

"Research intensive universities - such as UWA - are the primary source of scientific knowledge and creative talent on which government and private industry depend.  They deliver the basic ideas and applied research that generates new industries and supports existing industries," Professor Louden said.

Media references

Professor Bill Louden  (+61 8)  6488 2802
Janine MacDonald (UWA Public Affairs)  (+61 8)  6488 5563  /  (+61 4) 32 637 716