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The disciplines of Life and Agricultural Sciences at The University of Western Australia have been ranked the highest in Australia and 34 ^th in the world according to the prestigious Shanghai Jiao Tong World University Rankings in 2010.

The University has moved into 112 ^th place overall in the international rankings, cementing its place as one of Australia's leading universities.

In the field of Clinical Medicine and Pharmacology, the University was ranked in the top 51-75 Universities in the world.  And in the individual subject area of Chemistry, UWA ranked in the 76-100 percentile (2 ^nd in Australia).

UWA Vice-Chancellor, Professor Alan Robson, said that the University was held in high regard in many fields of research and in particular for its agricultural expertise.

"Our University has been supporting agricultural industries across Australia since its establishment nearly 100 years ago," Professor Robson, himself a leading agricultural scientist, said.  "Our high standing is an important reflection of the significance of agricultural teaching and research at UWA.  We also punch above our weight in a number of the life sciences."

"UWA's medical faculty is also highly-regarded and consistently ranks among the world's top 100.  Our University aims to be among the Top 50 universities in the world by 2050 and it is continuing to build its expertise and reputation in support of that goal," Professor Robson said.

The Life and Agricultural Sciences category includes Biology and Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Genetics, Microbiology, Immunology, Neuroscience, Agricultural Sciences, Plant and Animal Science and Ecology/Environment.

Dean of the Faculties of Science, Winthrop Professor Tony O'Donnell, said: "The Faculties of Natural and Agricultural Sciences and Life and Physical Sciences at UWA are contributing to vital research in fields of science that have significant impacts on our daily lives and our future - including microbiology, immunology, neuroscience and genetics."

"And UWA's contribution to international efforts to combat climate change, in identifying and dealing with land and water management, herbicide resistance, the development of drought-resistant and salt-tolerant plants, in sustainability and the efficiency of agricultural and animal production and in plant energy biology are fundamental to feeding the world and the survival of our planet."

Media references

Winthrop Professor Tony O'Donnell (Dean, Faculties of Science, UWA)  (+61 8)  6488 8703
Janine MacDonald (UWA Public Affairs)  (+61 8)  6488 5563  /  (+61 4) 32 637 716