Our research and global partnerships drive innovation, address major world challenges and improve people's lives. H ome / About The University of Auckland / Research and global impact As a world-renowned university focused on research and innovation, we know that improving lives – locally, nationally and globally – depends on finding thoughtful solutions to complex problems. We also know this can only be done through deeper understanding of problems; strong investment in new technologies, entrepreneurship and innovation; and working together with education institutions, research centres, professional consultants and industries across the world. That’s why we do our absolute best to play our part in advancing the world’s knowledge economy – supporting the researchers, entrepreneurs and innovators of today and preparing our students to lead the way in the near future. Here are just some of the ways we’re helping to drive research that has real-world impact. Preparing you to make an impact Postgraduate research and study Here are just some of the ways we’re helping to drive research that has real-world impact. Preparing you to make an impact Postgraduate research and study Global leaders in research excellence The University of Auckland leads the way in research in New Zealand, and is recognised globally for its research impact. of New Zealand’s top-rated researchers work with us global university 2027 QS World University Rankings in New Zealand for sustainability 2025 QS Sustainability Rankings in the world for sustainability 2025 QS Sustainability Rankings Helped create 27 new start-ups Since 2019 in industries including space, medtech, digital technologies, cleantech, biotechnology and creative arts – raising NZ$50m in new funds active start-ups and company spin-offs From 2021 to 2023, making us #1 in the annual Survey of Commercialisation Outcomes from Public Research (SCOPR) in New Zealand and Australia Preparing you to make an impact We prepare students to thrive in the knowledge economy, which is at the heart of creating better futures. A world-class teaching and learning experience Innovation and entrepreneurship are built into every study level. Our programmes prepare you from day one with advanced skills, creative and critical thinking, and hands-on experience through industry internships and work experience. Our research and innovation culture Our diverse, inclusive research culture encourages big thinking and fresh perspectives. You’ll be supported to take your learning to new levels, whether through individual research with our staff or in industry-linked projects with our research centres or institutes. Supporting innovation and entrepreneurship Our research centres and innovation hubs help bring your ideas to life. For instance, our Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (opens in a new tab) supports students in turning projects into start-up businesses. It's open to all students, so you can get involved from day one. Postgraduate research and study Creating positive change in the world depends on bold thinkers and people who know how to apply their knowledge and skills in the most useful and effective ways. Bright minds thrive at the University of Auckland.

Find out about our faculty research projects Meet our doctoral (PhD) candidates Explore our postgraduate research programmes Learn more about our postgraduate research Postgraduate research and study Creating positive change in the world depends on bold thinkers and people who know how to apply their knowledge and skills in the most useful and effective ways. Bright minds thrive at the University of Auckland. Find out about our faculty research projects Meet our doctoral (PhD) candidates Explore our postgraduate research programmes Learn more about our postgraduate research Connecting our research students with industry One of the most powerful way to turn ideas into action is by bringing together the right people and groups; it’s about connections. Our research ecosystem extends far and wide. That includes our local, national and global connections with business, investors, central and local governments, communities and the tertiary education sector. It is by working together with a shared goal that we can best meet our challenges. Research across disciplines and communities We take part in transdisciplinary, multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary research. In other words, we make sure our research brings together people with different types of knowledge, perspectives and methods to find solutions to complex problems. This includes academic and non-academic participants to make sure our academic approaches are relevant to the real world. Global networks Our long-term partnerships reach worldwide, supporting important research collaborations, and giving students and researchers opportunities to travel overseas to work with other universities, research institutes and businesses. We host and support various transdisciplinary and interdisciplinary research initiatives, including: 7 University Research Centres 4 Centres of Research Excellence Auckland Bioengineering Institute Liggins Institute for health futures 2 National Science Challenges 25 Faculty Research Centres Our research centres and institutes Research that invests in a sustainable future Just 100 kilometres from Auckland (an hour's drive away from the city) and nestled on the northeast coast, the Leigh Marine Campus is the Science Faculty’s specialist campus for marine studies. It offers students and researchers access to 518 hectares of pristine marine habitat at the edge of Goat Island, New Zealand’s oldest marine reserve. Investing in research futures Across the world, universities play an important role in promoting big ideas and shaping jobs of the future. We’re proud to be a big player in building the world’s knowledge economy. We’ve made it part of our strategic plan to invest in research, continue our commitment to research excellence, and play our part in improving the future. You may also like to find out about… Faculties and institutes Living and studying in New Zealand