Southern Cross University has welcomed the results of the latest Times Higher Education 2025 World Rankings, with the University achieving strong performances especially for Research Quality and Industry.
The standout results for the Research Quality and Industry indicators have pushed Southern Cross higher within the 501-600 band, according to the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2025.
The annual rankings judge research-intensive universities across all their core missions: teaching, research, knowledge transfer and international outlook.
The improvement for Research Quality reflects Southern Cross University's growing global influence. This pillar looks at the role of universities in spreading new knowledge and ideas.
A case in point is Southern Cross University's longstanding commitment to honeybee research which, working with partner organisations on Pacific beekeeping, has already improved business opportunities for women in Fiji. This has included providing training and assisting the Ministry of Agriculture Fiji to develop its Gender in Agriculture policy to help women to support a sustainable local beekeeping industry.
Now the University is building on previous research and industry experience to develop more affordable controls against the parasitic Varroa mite that is threatening the future of bees and the livelihood of honey producers throughout the world.
The University's score in the Industry pillar demonstrates success in translating research into real-world solutions, driven by strong industry partnerships and an emphasis on practical learning for students.
This is evident from the University's rice breeding program, where researchers are developing 'climate smart' varieties of rice suited to dryland production – using less water and producing fewer carbon emissions than rice grown in traditional paddies. This enhances both the sustainability and profitability of rice farming in Australia, and has been welcomed by the Natural Rice Co Pty Ltd, a collaborator on this research project.
As a bonus, the black rice variety, as well as tasting great, is more nutraceutical than standard white rice – containing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and having a lower glycaemic index.
Southern Cross also excelled in the International Outlook pillar of the THE Rankings, putting the University into the top quartile – ranking at 244 worldwide.
Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Mary Spongberg was thrilled with the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025 result.
"The research we undertake at Southern Cross University is having global impact which puts us squarely on the world stage," said Professor Spongberg.
"Our researchers are also partnering with other international experts to share and build on their knowledge through collaborative studies."
Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Tyrone Carlin praised the efforts of Southern Cross University researchers partnering with industry through innovations, inventions and consultancy.
"Today's careers demand graduates who are both knowledgeable and skilled in applying their learning. Facilitating and practising applied research is our focus at Southern Cross University," said Professor Carlin.
"The great thing about Southern Cross University is the breadth of research we undertake. At any given time, our research spans numerous topics within science, engineering, business, law, and education – all of the important areas within today's world.
"And our graduates are taking that expertise into their careers. We truly are a University for the future."
