The University of Sydney strengthened its position in the latest QS World University Rankings released today, ranking 40th in the world and second in Australia.
The University improved its international position from 42 to 40, continuing its outstanding record of being ranked in the top 50 universities globally every year since the QS rankings were established in 2004. Nationally, the University moved from third to second position.
"This is a timely reminder of the global standing of the University," said Vice-Chancellor and Principal Dr Michael Spence.
"An important contributor to our success in these highly-regarded rankings is the quality of our research across all disciplines, and how frequently it is cited by others. High quality research ultimately generates the greatest benefits for our communities."
Most recently the University of Sydney has produced research modelling the likely impact of coronavirus lockdown measures on mental health, a multidisciplinary team is leading a collaboration to produce a simple, low-cost ventilator to assist the COVID-19 effort and we are at the forefront of the race to understand the genetics of what causes the disease in humans.
An important contributor to our success in these highly-regarded rankings is the quality of our research across all disciplines, and how frequently it is cited by others.
"The fight against the coronavirus is just one area which highlights the vital importance of our multidisciplinary research to solving some of the urgent challenges faced by Australia and the world. It is gratifying that the QS ranking recognises the quality of our efforts," said Professor Duncan Ivison, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research).
Currently our research is also developing 3D-printed bones to revolutionise surgery, turning plastic waste into an asset, and securing justice for victims of sexual abuse.
The rankings, produced by global higher education consultancy QS Quacquarelli Symonds, rank the world's top 1,604 institutions.
Today's rankings are the seventeenth edition of the QS World University Rankings. Earlier this year the QS 2020 Subject Rankings rated 31 University of Sydney subjects in the top 50 globally. In the 2020 QS Graduate Employability Rankings published last year the University of Sydney was named the leading university in Australia, and fourth globally, for graduate employability.
The University was recently ranked first in Australia and second in the world in Times Higher Education Impact rankings, which focus on the twin issues of protecting the environment while addressing inequality through sustainable development.
