Outstanding research results for SCU in ERA 2015

Southern Cross University’s research in nine key areas has been given the highest possible classification of ‘well above world standard’ in the Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA) 2015 national report released today.

The University also received the classification of ‘above world standard’ and ‘at world standard’ in an additional 15 research areas.

The top rating of five for ‘well above world standard’ was given in the specific research fields of Geochemistry, Oceanography, Environmental Science and Management, Zoology, Crop and Pasture Production, Forestry Sciences, Complementary and Alternative Medicine, and Nursing.

In the broader research fields, the University received the top rating of ‘well above world standard’ in Agricultural and Veterinary sciences.

Vice Chancellor Professor Peter Lee welcomed the results which demonstrated the University’s commitment to research excellence.

“This is an outstanding achievement for our researchers and support staff. The results are a clear indication of our expertise across a range of research areas. It is particularly pleasing to see new areas of research being recognised in this year’s ratings,” Professor Lee said.

The University has received the rating of ‘above world standard’ in the specific research field of Civil Engineering and ‘at world standard’ for the broader field of Engineering for the first time.

Professor Geraldine Mackenzie, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research), said the results placed Southern Cross University as one of the top performing regional universities.

“It is particularly pleasing to see the improvement over the past five years. In 2010, SCU achieved ‘at world standard’ or above in five research fields; and in 2012, in 10 research fields. Today this number stands at 24. Our improvement includes areas such as Nursing where we have achieved a rating of 5, ‘well above world standard’. Across the board our improvement is testament to the dedication and excellence of our staff.

“We continue to place a strong emphasis on research excellence and are proud of the contributions we make regionally and globally. We have outstanding researchers working across a range of fields, from the environment to tourism and policy administration,” Professor Mackenzie said.

The ERA 2015 National Report is a comprehensive overview of the quality of research undertaken in higher education institutions across the country. It is the third national report, following reports released in 2012 and 2010.

The assessment is conducted through the Australian Research Council, measuring performance within each discipline at each university.

Southern Cross University’s results in detail:

WELL ABOVE WORLD STANDARD
(0402) Geochemistry
(0405) Oceanography
(0502) Environmental Science and Management
(0608) Zoology
(07) Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences
(0703) Crop and Pasture Production
(0705) Forestry Sciences
(1104) Complementary and Alternative Medicine
(1110) Nursing

ABOVE WORLD STANDARD
(04) Earth Sciences
(05) Environmental Sciences
(0503) Soil Sciences
(0602) Ecology
(0704) Fisheries Sciences
(0905) Civil Engineering
(0914) Resources Engineering and Extractive Metallurgy
(11) Medical and Health Sciences
(1106) Human Movement and Sports Science

AT WORLD STANDARD
(06) Biological Sciences
(09) Engineering
(13) Education
(1506) Tourism
(16) Studies in Human Society
(1605) Policy and Administration

Photo: Vice Chancellor Professor Peter Lee and Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research) Professor Geraldine Mackenzie.