Research at Western

Western Sydney University is a research institution driven by impact. We believe excellent research and practical outcomes are essential parts of our overarching research mission. Our research has real impact upon the social, economic and environmental wellbeing of our regional, national and international communities.

The University invites outstanding graduate researchers, innovative new generation researchers and established researchers to consider joining or collaborating with us.

Professor Deborah Sweeney
Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Research, Enterprise and International)

Times Higher Education University Impact Rankings Success

We are thrilled to announce that Western Sydney University has, for the second year running, been ranked number one in the world in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings (opens in a new window) for our social, economic and environmental impact.

About the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings

The Times Higher Education Impact Rankings assess universities on their commitment to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Institutions are assessed against performance indicators across teaching; research; international outlook; and industry and community engagement. These rankings are based on research, outreach and stewardship and are the only ranking system in the world to assess higher education’s sustainability impact.

Research Spotlight

BabyLab Infant Research Centre

Dyslexia affects one child in ten and there is still no universal test for diagnosis. Western Sydney University supports groundbreaking research in early infancy.

Learn more about infant research at Western:

• BabyLab
• The MARCS Institute for Brain, Behaviour and Development

EucFACE Facility – From Western to the Atmosphere

EucFACE, the world's only Free Air CO₂ Experiment in native woodland, is designed to predict the effects of rapidly rising atmospheric carbon dioxide on Australia's unique native forests.

Learn more about climate change research at Western:

• EucFACE
• Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment

Research Services

Research Services provides an integrated suite of services supporting the University's research effort through the development of contracts and agreements, and the provision of application advice and grant writing support to researchers; research policy implementation and development; maintenance and provision of research data; and the monitoring and promotion of ethical research practice.

See Research Services for more information.

Business Services

Business Services connects business, government and the community with the University by establishing external linkages and identifying partnership opportunities for commercial research, professional consultancy, commercialisation opportunities, access to intellectual property and expertise, and to the University's cutting-edge research facilities. Our team of dedicated business support professionals is available to discuss your specific needs and interests.

See Business Services for more information.

Research Infrastructure

Western's world-leading research facilities

Impactful change is driven by word-leading research and world-leading research requires world-leading facilities. At Western Sydney University, our facilities provide researchers and collaborators with the best the world has to offer. Equipping stakeholders with technical expertise and the instruments and technologies needed to drive meaningful change. Working with Western means engaging with world-class infrastructure, world leading researchers and benefiting from unprecedented investment in the region.

See Research Infrastructure for more information.

Our Stories

1 Million Turtles wins Eureka Prize The 1 Million Turtles Conservation Program has won the 2023 Eureka Prize for Innovation in Citizen Science.	Stellar new camera tech deployed to the ISS Data received following deployment of ground-breaking neuromorphic cameras on the International Space Station.
Western research sheds light on nutritional quality of baby food pouches New research findings from Western Sydney University have revealed the low nutritional quality of many popular baby food squeeze pouches.	Community holds the key to unlocking Parramatta’s vibrant future A new report captures diverse community voices on Parramatta’s most pressing challenges and the solutions required for a thriving future.