Our research

Shaping a better future through world-leading research
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      Regarded as one of Australia's top research institutions, The University of Western Australia’s international reputation for excellence and enterprise attracts researchers of global standing and prominence in a wide variety of fields.

      With significant investment into our major infrastructure, the university continues to establish a network of world-class platforms and technologies that build new partnerships and support research collaborations. This underpins our research efforts, attracting the brightest minds to tackle global, regional and local issues.

      Our research achievements and accolades

      UWA's national and global industry connections, world class courses, high impact research, and excellent student experience ratings underpin us as a leading destination for research that will drive positive change.

      RANKED

      77

      IN THE WORLD TOP 100 UNIVERSITIES

      (QS 2025)

      ONLY WORLD

      TOP 100

      UNIVERSITY IN WA

      2

      NOBEL PRIZE LAUREATES (MEDICINE)

      (Prof Barry Marshall & late Emeritus Prof Robin Warren, 2005)

      HOSTING

      13

      OF THE WORLD'S HIGHLY CITED RESEARCHERS

      Finding solutions to our world's biggest challenges

      UWA is home to highly acclaimed researchers, and numerous research centres and institutes that produce significant impact through cross-disciplinary research. Our research strengths are dedicated to creating innovative solutions and delivering better outcomes for communities in Western Australia and beyond.

      Clean energy

      Clean energy transition and sustainable resources

      Our advanced knowledge of how air, water, terrestrial and marine systems can improve environmental quality through practical innovations will power the transition to a sustainable, and emission-free energy future.

      Learn more

      Health and biotechnology

      Health and biotechnology

      Our collaborative, interdisciplinary approach, backed by the latest technologies as well as partnerships with industry enable us to tackle complex challenges and drive innovation in healthcare.

      Learn more

      Frontier technology

      Frontier technologies

      From AI, data science and cyber security to space innovation, our work not only pushes the boundaries of what's possible but also addresses the pressing challenges of our time.

      Learn more

      Our place - culture and heritage

      Our place - culture and heritage

      At UWA we are unravelling the threads of history, exploring cultural diversity and building stronger, more resilient communities.

      Learn more

      recc

      Resilient environment and climate change

      UWA is at the forefront of research in ecology, evolution, genetics, plant biology, zoology, fisheries science, agriculture and environmental science and management.

      Learn more

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      Indigenous research at UWA

      The University of Western Australia is proud to be represented by our Indigenous and non-Indigenous researchers who are committed to progressing the welfare of Indigenous people, to preserving culture and history, and who look to promoting a greater level of understanding amongst all Australians.

      Discover our research

      Research news

      • 3 drugs that went from legal, to illegal, then back again

        3 drugs that went from legal, to illegal, then back again

        06/01/2025

        Cannabis, cocaine and heroin have interesting life stories and long rap sheets. We might know them today as illicit drugs, but each was once legal.

      • The strange tale of a 19th-century polymath who left a trail of controversy across colonial Australia

        The strange tale of a 19th-century polymath who left a trail of controversy across colonial Australia

        06/01/2025

        About 20 minutes’ drive north of Geraldton, on Australia’s west coast, lies a hill named Mount Sommer. The little peak is one of the few relics left behind by the enigmatic nineteenth-century polymath Dr Ferdinand von Sommer, Western Australia’s first government geologist.

      • UWA scientists help secure future of faba bean farming in Ethiopia

        UWA scientists help secure future of faba bean farming in Ethiopia

        19/12/2024
        When faba bean gall disease arrived in Ethiopia about a decade ago, the disease quickly took over smallholder farmer Desta Woldearegay’s fields – destroying the precious harvest that her family relied on for food and income. 

      Podcasts

      • Podcasts
        Science and environment
        Our people
        Space
        Research

        Research on the Record: meet Bhagya Dissanayake

        15/05/2024

        Dr Bhagya Dissanayake joins the podcast to discuss her research to detect plant and human diseases, focusing on improving crop resilience and addressing challenges of long-term space exploration.

      • Podcasts
        Engineering and technology

        Research on the Record: meet Michael Small

        17/04/2024

        The UWA Data Institute director researches modern mathematical techniques and data science innovations to solve real world problems.

      • Podcasts
        Our people
        Research
        Science and environment
        Our community

        Research on the Record: meet Anna Faber

        19/03/2024

        Anna Faber is a science all-rounder with three majors in biology, chemistry, and high school teacher training, she is also a passionate science communicator.

      Uniview

      • Health and medicine
        Our community
        Research
        Summer 2024: Smart ideas

        Yarning for change

        25/11/2024

        A trailblazing language partnership is bridging cultures to help save lives

         

      • Our community
        Our people
        Uniview
        Summer 2024: Smart ideas

        Reshaping Citizenship

        25/11/2024

        The McCusker Centre for Citizenship at UWA was established in late 2015 with a generous endowment from the McCusker Charitable Foundation and a mission to provide opportunities for students to make practical contributions to addressing challenges in the wider community.

         

      • Summer 2024: Smart ideas

        UWA's beloved 'Cathedral of Trees' gets a facelift

        21/11/2024

        Nestled within the picturesque grounds of UWA, the Somerville Auditorium – affectionately dubbed the ‘Cathedral of Trees’ – has stood for nearly 80 years as a tribute to both nature and the visionary spirit of its namesake, William Somerville. 

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      Partner with UWA

      UWA actively partners with business, industry and research institutes to solve challenges, advance knowledge and create an impact.

      No matter the size and scale of your organisation, we can connect you with leading academics and experts, renowned researchers, and talented students.

      We also provide access to world class equipment and advanced facilities with state-of-the-art technology to support your research and development projects. Look to UWA’s research strengths to transform business, bolster growth, and achieve breakthroughs.

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      Study a research degree

      A postgraduate research degree, or Higher Degree by Research (HDR), provides a unique opportunity for in-depth exploration in your field of interest, supported by a team of internationally recognised researchers. Expand your critical understanding and make a significant contribution to your field.

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      Institute of Advanced Studies

      The Institute of Advanced Studies brings researchers from all over the world to The University of Western Australia, with the aim of further enhancing UWA's global research profile.
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