10 of Australia's universities are performing above global average for research, with four of those performing well above world standard, according to a new report released by the Federal Government.

 

The Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA) National Report concluded that  the number of disciplines that Australian universities perform at above world standard level has doubled.

 

"The ERA report shows Australia is on track to have 10 universities in the world's top 100 by 2025 - a target set out in the Australia in the Asian Century White Paper," Minister for Science and Research Senator Chris Evans said.

 

"The report shows that 97 per cent of Government funding in competitive grants - more than $3.75 billion over the reporting period - is invested in research at or above world standard.

 

"There has been a 24 per cent increase in the amount of research being undertaken, a 16 per cent increase in the number of patents being secured and a nine per cent increase in the number of researchers employed."

 

Senator Evans said the Government will undertake the third round of ERA in 2015.

 

The Australian Research Council will consult with the sector on the inclusion of impact measures to help further track university research performance.

 

"I thank the ARC and the university sector for working together to develop this important report," Senator Evans said.

 

For more information on ERA and to view the report, visit www.arc.gov.au/era/