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
ONLY WORLD
TOP 100
UNIVERSITY IN WA
2
NOBEL PRIZE LAUREATES (MEDICINE)
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 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.
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.
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.
Our place - culture and heritage
At UWA we are unravelling the threads of history, exploring cultural diversity and building stronger, more resilient communities.
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.
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
06/01/2025Cannabis, 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
06/01/2025About 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
19/12/2024When 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
- PodcastsScience and environmentOur peopleSpaceResearch
Research on the Record: meet Bhagya Dissanayake
15/05/2024Dr 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.
- PodcastsEngineering and technology
Research on the Record: meet Michael Small
17/04/2024The UWA Data Institute director researches modern mathematical techniques and data science innovations to solve real world problems.
- PodcastsOur peopleResearchScience and environmentOur community
Research on the Record: meet Anna Faber
19/03/2024Anna 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 medicineOur communityResearchSummer 2024: Smart ideas
Yarning for change
25/11/2024A trailblazing language partnership is bridging cultures to help save lives
- Our communityOur peopleUniviewSummer 2024: Smart ideas
Reshaping Citizenship
25/11/2024The 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
21/11/2024Nestled 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.
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.
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.