Research | UNSW Sydney

Welcome to Australia's most entrepreneurial university.

At UNSW, we're committed to pure research and expanding the fundamental body of knowledge upon which all new knowledge is built. We're equally committed to putting this knowledge to work in the real world.

The application of our research - in the form of solar cells, Living Seawalls, personalised cancer treatments, women's tax advisory clinics and silicon quantum computers (almost!) - is how we make a positive mark on the world and enact our vision for a more equitable and sustainable future.

Top 20 global university

QS Rankings 2024

#1 in Australia for NHMRC grants

For clinical trials & cohort studies (2024)

#1 in Australia for startups & spinout companies

Founded through university-derived technology

We know our strengths

We have a vast portfolio of interdisciplinary research and more than 3,500 academic and technical staff. While we do many things well (if we do say so ourselves), we have particular talent and capabilities in clean energy, climate resilience, emerging technologies, health science, and public policy.

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Clean energy

UNSW is the birth-place of modern photovoltaics and continues to be a world-leader in renewable energy technology and materials. Our research addresses the global energy challenges of performance, reliability, affordability, and sustainability.

Explore clean energy research

Brightly lit close-up of a robot worker dismantling e-waste at a recycling plant, emphasizing the concept of sorting and sustainability

Technology for good

Quantum computing, artificial intelligence, and synthetic nanobiology represent tremendous potential to both help and harm society. UNSW is at the forefront of creating these technologies, and equally committed to advocating for their responsible and inclusive adoption.

How we use tech for good

WILD - Macquarie Fields Men’s Shed research impact statement

Healthier lifespans

Our researchers are working to improve quality of life, care, and outcomes for patients, practitioners and society as a whole. From healthy ageing and public health to precision medicine and childhood cancer, we pair fundamental science with social determinants of health.

Learn about health research

MMFI researchers inspecting the transparent transistor array in the clean room at the Australian National Fabrication Facility (UNSW)

Enduring partnerships

Partnerships are the secret to our entrepreneurial success. It's through our work with government, businesses, and community partners that we're able to transform research into the policies, products and services that benefit people, both in Australia and abroad. We rely on our partners to connect us with end users and to bring the specific sector experience that complements our multidisciplinary expertise. Together, we can take on challenges that would be insurmountable alone.

Learn about research partnerships

World leading infrastructure

UNSW has invested over $450 million into research facilities, high performance computing and specialised instruments that are available to academics and partners. We combine this infrastructure with technical expertise to support research projects at every stage - from planning and training, to funding, publication and commercialisation.

Discover our facilities