Research Landscape – Our Strengths

• Research Concentrations
• University-wide Research Themes
• Future UWS Research Strengths
• Research Training
• Research Management
  

The research landscape at UWS is interdisciplinary and collaborative. The University is responsive to the contemporary social, economic and environmental challenges in Greater Western Sydney and orientated to global challenges.

We strive to make our research applied and relevant to what we teach and to industry, business, community and government of our region and beyond. UWS also promotes specific basic research in areas that correspond to the academic strengths of individuals and research groups.

Research at UWS is defined as critical and creative activity undertaken on a systematic basis in order to extend knowledge and understanding and/or solve practical or theoretical problems. The University’s research performance (PDF, 18Kb) has shown continued growth against all key indicators.

The University of Western Sydney Research Framework 2009-2013 (PDF, 92Kb) presents our research strategies and targets. The University is mid-way through a 10 year investment program ensuring that excellence in research is strongly supported.

Earlier documents articulating the research vision of UWS include:

• Themes in the Landscape: Research at UWS 2005-2008 (PDF, 209Kb)
• Research Plan 2004-2008 (PDF, 714Kb)
• Research Landscape Report (PDF, 144Kb)

UWS has embraced two major mechanisms for expressing its research strengths: multidisciplinary research programs that support the University mission and have national and local relevance, and a small number of research centres.

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Research Concentrations

UWS has a number of research concentrations which provide the University with research strength in each of its three Colleges: College of Arts, College of Business, and the College of Health and Science.

As part of our ongoing commitment to quality assurance, the performance of research concentrations is regularly subject to expert external review. The Research Framework, 2009-2013 is based on the most recent report of the expert panel reviewing research concentrations in 2008-09. Earlier reviews in 2004 and 2001established the methodology for the rigorous review of research quality at UWS.

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University-wide Research Themes

University-wide research themes are a key mechanism for expressing UWS's research strength through regional research engagement.

The first University-wide research theme in 2002 was in water research, bringing researchers together from diverse fields, for example, engineering and cultural studies. It has resulted in research alliances and collaborative research projects with regional partners, as well as studies being carried out by individual researchers.  Since then, research in the areas of children’s futures, urban living, and cultures and communities have flourished.  In one such project, Associate Professor Brett Neilson of the Centre for Cultural Research is leading an international team of researchers from Lingnan and Tsinghua universities (China), Bologna University (Italy) and the Calcutta Research Group in India investigating the influence on culture through creative labour and social mobilities in the Asian region. This project is funded by an Australian Research Council Discovery grant. For other examples of research being undertaken to address important contemporary issues, see Research Directions pages.

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Future UWS Research Strengths

Emerging research concentrations are identified and University Research Groups are supported and developed in the schools and colleges.

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Research Training

Research higher education at the University of Western Sydney achieves the complex expectations of students, employers, and scholars in the 21st century. Graduates are equipped with a portfolio of skills and knowledge, enabling them to develop their capabilities to the highest potential for personal growth and fulfilment, for effective participation in the workforce, and for making constructive contributions to society.

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Research Management

An integrated approach to research and consultancy is ensured through the close association of Research Services and Innovation & Consulting under the leadership of the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academic and Research.

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