UWS Research Landscape

The research landscape at UWS has an interdisciplinary focus, a collaborative orientation, and is responsive to the contemporary social, economic and environmental challenges in Greater Western Sydney and beyond.

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

The key documents articulating the research vision of UWS are:

• Research and Research Training Management Report (PDF, 356Kb)
• Themes in the Landscape: Research at UWS 2005-2008 (PDF, 209Kb)
• The UWS Research Plan 2004-2008 (PDF, 714Kb)
• UWS Research Landscape Report (PDF, 144Kb)

Research Centres
UWS has a number of research centres which provide the University with designated 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 centres is regularly subject to expert external review. The report of the expert panel reviewing research concentrations in 2004 is now available: Themes in the Landscape: Research at UWS 2005-2008 (September 2004). An earlier review, in 2001, established the methodology for the rigorous review of research quality at UWS: UWS Research Landscape Report (November 2001).

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 was in water research, bringing researchers together from diverse fields, for example, engineering and cultural studies. It has resulted in research alliance with Sydney Water Corporation and the Sydney Catchment Authority and collaborative research projects with regional partners, as well as studies being carried out by individual researchers.

Future UWS Research Strengths
Emerging research concentrations are identified and small groups and designated research programs are developed and supported in the schools and colleges.

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 fulfillment, for effective participation in the workforce, and for making constructive contributions to society.

Research Management
An integrated approach to research and consultancy is ensured through the close association of Research Services and the Innovation & Consulting within a division under the leadership of the DVC Academic and Enterprise.

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