UTS leads the nation in seven research fields recognised by The Australian

Research can often feel abstract—buried in journals, hidden in labs, distant from everyday life. But at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), research lives where it matters most: in cleaner water, safer communities, smarter technologies, and solutions to challenges that haven’t even emerged yet.

This commitment to real-world impact has now been recognised nationally. In the 2026 Research magazine published by The Australian, UTS was named Australia’s top research institution in seven key fields.

From the algorithms shaping our future to the water systems sustaining our cities, UTS is not just part of the national research conversation—we’re leading it.

Leading the way in future-focused fields

UTS secured the top national ranking in seven highly influential disciplines:

• Artificial Intelligence
• Fuzzy Systems
• Multimedia
• Water Supply and Treatment
• Acoustics and Sound
• Electromagnetism
• Forensic Science

These fields form the backbone of a modern, interconnected society. Whether it's AI redesigning the future of work, forensic science strengthening justice systems, or water treatment research safeguarding public health, UTS delivers practical, high-impact solutions.

“We welcome this recognition of UTS’s exceptional research and leadership in partnering with industry,”
— UTS Vice-Chancellor Professor Andrew Parfitt

At UTS, leadership isn’t about ranking—it’s about responsibility. We go beyond fundamental discovery to build the networks, systems and partnerships that translate research into impact.

The people behind the breakthroughs

Behind every ranking is a researcher pushing boundaries. The Australian also identified nine UTS researchers among the top 250 in the country, recognising their influence and contribution to their fields:

• Dr Claire Wright – Economic History
• Dr Danial Armaghani – Environmental and Geological Engineering
• Professor Min Xu – Multimedia
• Distinguished Professor Biswajeet Pradhan – Remote Sensing
• Professor Hokyong Shon – Water Supply and Treatment
• Associate Professor Amie Steel – Alternative and Traditional Medicine
• Associate Professor Kamal Dua – Pharmacology and Pharmacy
• Dr Juergen Knauer – Atmospheric Sciences
• Distinguished Professor Jay Guo – Electromagnetism

These are the innovators shaping industries, informing policy, improving health outcomes and advancing scientific understanding.

Saving lives with smart data

Rankings indicate excellence—but impact is measured in lives changed.

Distinguished Professor Jay Guo, recognised for his leadership in electromagnetism, is pioneering a real-time flood and storm intelligence platform. Using advanced algorithms for rainfall and water-level detection, the system visualises and predicts flooding as it occurs.

“In flooding situations, even 10 minutes can mean the difference between life and death,”
— Professor Guo, speaking to The Australian

Current emergency tools often lag behind real conditions. This platform changes that—supporting faster evacuations, reducing risk, and minimising economic damage during extreme weather events.

The goal: to see the technology adopted statewide across NSW within the next three to five years. This is research with impact, urgency and heart.

A global benchmark for research quality

UTS’s influence reaches far beyond Australia.

• #1 in Australia and #33 globally for research citations per faculty in the QS World University Rankings
• #2 in Australia for research quality in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings
• A top-five Australian university for contributing to five key UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including:
  • Industry, innovation and infrastructure
  • Reduced inequalities
  • Sustainable cities and communities
  • Responsible consumption and production
  • Peace, justice and strong institutions

These results affirm UTS as a global leader in research excellence, collaboration and sustainability.

Where innovation meets real-world impact

At UTS, research isn’t pursued for prestige. It is pursued for purpose. This national recognition from The Australian confirms what drives our researchers every day: a commitment to building a future that is sustainable, equitable and defined by innovation.

At UTS, students, academics and industry partners work together to solve problems that matter. And we are only just getting started.