Outstanding RMIT research rewarded with 13 top ERA ratings

RMIT was rated “well above world standard” in 13 fields and “above world standard” in a further 9.

The results show RMIT research has advanced strongly since the 2012 ERA round, in which the University had three fields rated at “well above world standard” and 16 rated “above world standard”.

RMIT Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research and Innovation and Vice-President, Professor Calum Drummond, said the outstanding results reflected the University’s focused investment in research.

“Our research in 11 areas of applied science (including medical science), applied mathematics and engineering, as well as in architecture, and media and communications is ranked among the best in Australia,” Drummond said.

“These impressive results have not been achieved by accident – rather they demonstrate that our strategy to further develop as a research institution that creates impact through collaboration is paying dividends.

“ERA 2015 demonstrates the return we are seeing on our investment in research and innovation. 

“We have complemented the work of RMIT academics by continuing to attract more of the best and brightest from around the world and recruiting them to strengthen our high quality academic teams.

“Our people are supported by our prioritised investment in infrastructure including the equipment they need to undertake their world-class work in research facilities of the future like the Advanced Manufacturing Precinct, the MicroNano Research Facility, the RMIT/NICTA Analytics Lab and the Ian Potter NanoBioSensing Facility.

“Our focus is on research that is applied, inter-disciplinary and makes an impact. We strive to understand and find solutions to the challenges faced by industry and the community.

“We don’t just aim for excellence but, just as importantly, aim to ensure that what we discover and develop benefits those outside the walls of RMIT.”

The ERA 2015 results underpin RMIT’s strategy for future research as set out in the University’s new strategic plan to 2020 Ready for Life and Work.

The ERA initiative assesses research quality in Australia's higher education institutions based on expert review by committees comprising experienced, internationally-recognised experts. 

Research is assessed by discipline, identifying the research strengths of individual universities and of the sector as a whole.

ERA outcomes also highlight disciplines where there are opportunities to develop research capacity.  The 2015 round of ERA reports on research outputs for the period of 2008 to 2013.

In the ERA 2015 round, RMIT’s research was rated:

5 - “well above world standard”

Architecture
Clinical Sciences
Applied Mathematics
Condensed Matter Physics
Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Materials Engineering
Physical Chemistry, including Structural
Aerospace Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Medical Physiology
Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences
Communication and Media Studies
Environmental Science and Management

4 – “above world standard”

Urban and Regional Planning
Cultural Studies
Artificial Intelligence and Image Processing
Building
Design Practice and Management
Information Systems
Visual Arts and Crafts
Analytical Chemistry
Civil Engineering 

3 – “at world standard”

Film, Television and Digital Media
Food Sciences
Marketing
Law
Policy and Administration
Sociology
Specialist Studies in Education
Applied Economics
Banking, Finance and Investment
Education Systems
Complementary Medicine and Alternative Medicine
Performing Arts and Creative Writing

Story: Petra Van Nieuwenhoven/Gosia Kaszubska