With large investments in infrastructure and technology, including the $7 million Innovation Precinct redevelopment and establishment of the Swinburne–Siemens Mindsphere Application and Demonstration Centre, Swinburne attracts renowned researchers, high profile industry partnerships and government grants that drive innovation.

Swinburne has also featured in the Victoria's Research Excellence - ERA Case Studies publication produced by Victoria's Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions. The publication showcases Victoria's world leading research and development capabilities, organisations, cutting-edge facilities and world-class universities delivering industry-ready graduates. 

Across disciplines

A stellar performance in the 2018 ERA ratings demonstrates that Swinburne has risen rapidly to become a renowned research institution in Australia.

Our 2018 ERA ratings

The ERA rating system is administered by the Australian Research Council. University research is categorised into eight evaluation units, called Fields of Research (FoR). The council measures each university’s research programs against national and international benchmarks and then committees made up of renowned local and international researchers agree ratings. 

The five ERA ratings are: 

  • 5 = Well above world standard 
  • 4 = Above world standard 
  • 3 = At world standard 
  • 2 = Below world standard 
  • 1= Well below world standard 

Research in the 5-star category is considered to be ‘well above world standard’.

  • Mathematical Sciences 

  • Applied Mathematics 

  • Physical Sciences 

  • Astronomical and Space Sciences  

  • Atomic, Molecular, Nuclear, Particle and Plasma Physics 

  • Optical Physics 

  • Medicinal and Biomolecular Chemistry 

  • Physical Chemistry (Incl. Structural)  

  • Engineering 

  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering 

  • Neurosciences 

  • Nursing  

  • Medical Physiology 

  • Public Health and Health Services 

  • Psychology 

  • Psychology and Cognitive Sciences  

Research in the 4-star category is considered to be ‘above world standard’.

  • Quantum Physics 

  • Chemical Sciences 

  • Analytical Chemistry 

  • Macromolecular and Materials Chemistry  

  • Biomedical Engineering 

  • Civil Engineering 

  • Materials Engineering 

  • Mechanical Engineering  

  • Nanotechnology

  • Theoretical and Computational Chemistry 

  • Computer Software 

  • Technology 

  • Communications Technologies 

  • Medical and Health Sciences  

  • Microbiology 

  • Information and Computing Sciences 

  • Artificial Intelligence and Image Processing 

  • Urban and Regional Planning  

  • Film, Television and Digital Media 

  • Communication and Media Studies 

Research in the 3-star category is considered to be ‘at world standard’.

  • Distributed Computing 

  • Clinical Sciences 

  • Applied Economics 

  • Business and Management   

  • Marketing 

  • Sociology  

  • Biological Sciences 

  • Information Systems  

  • Built Environment and Design 

  • Design Practice and Management 

  • Specialist Studies in Education 

  • Economics 

  • Commerce, Management, Tourism and Services  

  • Studies in Human Society 

  • Law and Legal Studies 

  • Law 

  • Studies in Creative Arts and Writing  

  • Performing Arts and Creative Writing 

  • Language, Communication and Culture 

  • Education 

Our partnerships and collaborations

Our partnerships have been instrumental in effecting change with industry, government, community organisations, not-for-profits, start-ups and entrepreneurs. Learn more about these inspiring stories that were submitted in the 2018 Engagement and Impact Assessment (EI 2018) in parallel to ERA 2018. 

Our latest research news 

Contact Swinburne Research

Whatever your query please direct your general enquiry to the research team on +61 3 9214 4859 or via research@swinburne.edu.au.

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