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University of Tasmania ranks in global top ten in three key subjects

International rankings released today have rated the University of Tasmania amongst the top ten in the world in three key subjects.

The University was ranked fourth in the world for Marine and Freshwater Biology, and seventh for both Fisheries and for Oceanography, according to the Centre for World University Rankings’ inaugural subjects ranking.

Out of a field of approximately 26,000 institutions, these results mean the University of Tasmania ranks at 142 in terms of universities with the most top ten placements.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) Professor Brigid Heywood welcomed the results, which she said confirmed the University as a global leader in the broad elements of marine research.

“We are uniquely placed here in Tasmania; surrounded by the Indian and Pacific Oceans, we are a gateway to the Southern Ocean and Antarctica,” Professor Heywood said.

“Our island home has shaped us as an institution, and Tasmanians can be proud that their university has seized the natural advantages we have and delivered important, respected, globally impactful research.

“These rankings are testament to the quality and effort of our research and teaching staff, particularly at the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies. They provide a clear statement about the excellence of our research to partners around the world.

“This kind of recognition also justifies the investment of the University, in partnership with State and Federal Governments in creating this unique centre of research excellence.

“Already world class, these capabilities will be further amplified if the vision of the proposed $400 million STEM precinct in central Hobart is realised.”

IMAS Executive Director Professor Richard Coleman said the rankings come on the heels of the QS World University Rankings, which last month rated the University among the top 50 in the world for Earth and Marine Science, and the Australian Research Council’s 2015 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA) ratings, which listed the University as being well above world standard across all of IMAS’s research areas.

“IMAS researchers in fisheries and oceanography are internationally competitive and line up with the very best, and the understanding of marine biology at a fundamental level is a strength across the Institute,” Professor Coleman said.

“Our research is informing global, national and local policy and having a positive impact on the urgent and emerging environmental challenges that the world faces, from climate change to global food security.”

The Centre for World University Rankings by Subject 2017 rates universities in the sciences and social sciences based on research articles. Visit the Centre’s website for more information.

Authorised by the Executive Director, Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies
13 January, 2023