2007 Annual report (PDF 8.1 Mb) - University of Melbourne

SECTION HEADING
APPEARS HERE
Performance Against
2007 Targets
Maintain and enhance our high international reputation, including a top 25 ranking in the
Times Higher Education Supplement World University Rankings and improvement in our top 100
ranking in the Shanghai Jiao Tong Index
The University was ranked overall at No. 27 in the world in the Times Higher Education Supplement (THES) 2007 World
University Rankings (compared to No. 22 in 2006), despite changes to the methodology this year. Melbourne was one of
the top five universities in the Asia – Pacific.
Melbourne was one of only two Australian universities in the top 100 universities in the Shanghai Jiao Tong University
Academic Rankings of World Universities 2007, ranked No. 79 (No. 78 in 2006). Melbourne is also the only Australian
university to be ranked in the top 100 in four broad discipline areas – Engineering/Technology and Computer Sciences; Life
and Agriculture Sciences; Clinical Medicine and Pharmacy; and Social Sciences. The University has been an active participant
in the Association of Pacific Rim Universities.
Ensure that the Melbourne Experience is an international one
The University was successful in attracting well-qualified students from overseas to its programs. Over 11,000 students
(27 per cent of the teaching load) come from more than 115 countries. The Melbourne Global Mobility Unit was
established to improve student participation rates in international exchanges and conferences. More flexible options
for exchanges and possible new partners are being negotiated. Eleven University-level agreements with international
partners were signed in 2007. The Melbourne Experience Committee monitored and promoted programs recognising
diversity in curricula and teaching.
Strengthen cross-disciplinary research and inter-institutional research and international
collaboration in research and research training
Significant steps taken to strengthen cross-disciplinary and inter-institutional research and international collaboration are
outlined in the Research and Research Training section of this report. In addition, Melbourne, maintained collegial and
entrepreneurial links through the Universitas 21 network and implemented the Malaysian Universities Shared PhD Program.
Left: Professor Abdullah Saeed, Sultan of Oman Professor of Arab and Islamic Studies and Director of the University’s new National Centre of Excellence
for Islamic Studies.
“the university’s already extensive links
with china were strengthened during
the year with the official opening of the
confucius institute at the university”.
Professor Frank Larkins
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (International)
The University of Melbourne Annual Report 2007 51