An exciting new ERA in engineering research at VU Tuesday, 22 December 2015

Image: VU aims for real-world research applications. Johanis Bay, PhD researcher in electrical and electronic engineering, works on a fibre optic project.

Sponsored editorial piece written by Victoria University, Principal Partner of Engineers Australia, Victoria Division.

Victoria University (VU) has been rated at the top of Australian universities in key engineering research areas.

In the most recent Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA) rankings, conducted triennially by Australian Research Council, VU received ratings of at or above world standard in eight engineering-related fields.

The report, released in December 2015, confirmed VU’s research as ‘well above world standard’ with the highest possible ERA rating of 5 in the area of electrical and electronic engineering.

VU also received ERA ratings of 4 (‘above world standard’) in:

  • mathematical sciences
  • applied mathematics
  • engineering
  • mechanical engineering.

VU’s outstanding research in the areas of artificial intelligence and image processing, distributed computing and information systems was also recognised with a ‘world standard’ ERA rating of 3.

VU Pro-Vice Chancellor (Research and Research Training) Professor Warren Payne said the ERA results reflected the talent, hard work and commitment of the University’s researchers in these areas.

“These results are strong evidence that we are achieving at the highest level and carving out a very strong reputation in applied and translational research,” Professor Payne said. “We have focused on investment and developing support structures around key areas and it is very exciting to be rated so highly for the quality of our research.”

While expert ratings are valuable, the aim for VU’s research is to have a dual real-world impact and advance knowledge so individuals, communities and industry can harness their full potential. VU’s research strength in the areas of mathematical sciences, applied mathematics, engineering and mechanical engineering, artificial intelligence, computing and IT are actively boosting industries and innovation in the west of Melbourne, the University’s heartland.