The Australian’s 2025 Research magazine also highlights UOW’s excellence in electrochemistry and nation leading researchers
The University of Wollongong (UOW) has been recognised for its global and national research excellence in The Australian’s 2025 Research magazine, published today. The annual publication names the top Australian researchers and top institutions across 250 fields of research.
It also highlights those researchers and universities that are not only the best in the country in a particular field, but the best in the world.
UOW was named as the world’s (and Australia’s) leading research institution for nursing, underscoring its commitment to advancing healthcare research and making a profound impact on global wellbeing.
In addition, UOW was acclaimed as the national leader in the field of electrochemistry, reaffirming its position at the forefront of groundbreaking research in energy storage technology vital to Australia’s transition to clean energy sources.
Four UOW academics were also named as the nation’s best in their field: Distinguished Professor Willy Susilo (computer security and cryptography), Senior Professor Huijun Li (metallurgy), Distinguished Professor Aidan Sims (algebra) and Emeritus Professor Shi Xue Dou (materials engineering).
Interim Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Sustainable Futures) Professor Eileen McLaughlin congratulated all researchers whose outstanding contributions have been recognised either individually or through their collective efforts.
“These remarkable achievements by UOW researchers underscore our dedication to making a tangible impact to people and communities through world-class research,” Professor McLaughlin said.
“We are proud to see our scholars acknowledged as leaders, both in Australia and globally.
“These accolades highlight UOW’s dedication to nurturing outstanding talent and driving innovation across a diversity of research areas. We remain committed to fostering innovation, excellence and collaboration.”
Individual Excellence in Research
Distinguished Professor Willy Susilo
A world leader in cybersecurity and cryptography, Professor Susilo directs UOW’s Institute of Cybersecurity and Cryptology (iC2). His prolific career includes over 700 high-impact publications, an h-index of 86, and more than 27,000 citations. With over $200 million in research funding and contributions to 65 international patents, his work is foundational in solving challenges in information security.
Senior Professor Huijun Li
A leading expert in metallurgy, Professor Li has published extensively in welding metallurgy, additive manufacturing, and alloy development. His innovative research has earned him the Eureka Prize for Outstanding Science in Safeguarding Australia and other accolades.
Distinguished Professor Aidan Sims
A renowned mathematician, Professor Sims’ work in operator algebras underpins advancements in quantum field theory and materials science. His contributions to pure mathematics and leadership within the mathematical sciences community are widely celebrated.
Emeritus Professor Shi Xue Dou
As the founding director of UOW’s Institute for Superconducting & Electronic Materials, Professor Dou’s pioneering research spans electrochemistry, materials engineering, and nanotechnology. His achievements include numerous awards, such as the Order of Australia, reflecting his profound influence on materials science.
