The Engagement and Impact Assessment 2018-19 report, released by the Australian Research Council today, shows 88 per cent of university research assessed by Government has medium to high positive impact for the wider community.

Universities Australia Chief Executive Catriona Jackson said university researchers improve the lives of Australians every day.

“Whether it is creating a vaccine to eradicate cervical cancer or helping struggling kids to learn to read, our world-class university researchers help make our lives better,” Ms Jackson said.

“Right across the country, Australians benefit from research breakthroughs.”

“University researchers also create the new products, industries and jobs that power this nation’s prosperity.”

“This report confirms yet again the high quality, excellent value and profound reach of university research. Australians are proud and grateful for the contribution our university researchers make day in, day out.”

Australia is responsible for 2.7 per cent of the world’s scientific output, while being home to only 0.34 per cent of the world’s population.

The Engagement and Impact Assessment 2018-19 is a national snapshot of the role university research plays within and outside the campus.

It also shows 85 per cent of university research assessed by Government has medium and high engagement with end users.

Last year, Universities Australia launched a new campaign #UniResearchChangesLives to highlight the tens of thousands of university researchers working on life-changing research.