Our universities deliver outstanding research and excel across a range of research fields. They provide vibrant research environments in regional Australia that attracts world-class academics and enhances the experience for both undergraduate and postgraduate students.
Much of the research conducted by our universities is regionally significant and characterised by being high-quality, innovative and socially connected. It is complemented by world-standard research capabilities.
Priority areas for RUN research
Our universities collaborate on research under the following three research themes:
- Crops and Food for the Future
- Health & Wellbeing in the Regions
- New Industries
Partnering with industry
Our universities play a key role in supporting regional innovation, which is reflected in their capacity to attract a relatively high proportion of their research funding from industry.
Research excellence
Our universities undertake world-class and innovative research that benefits regional communities and the nation, particularly in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and health.
The network has experienced remarkable growth in the excellence of the research conducted by our members. Compared to Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA) 2015, ERA 2018 showed about a two and a half-fold increase in disciplines rated well above world standard.