Wind power generators

Research strengths

We have research strengths across a wide range of disciplines. Find out how our research expertise is having an impact in New Zealand and internationally.

Research strengths in action

  • Advanced materials

    Our advanced materials researchers are among the very best in the world and are leading many international collaborations to improve our lives.

  • Antarctic and climate change

    We are New Zealand's leading academic institution for vital Antarctic and climate change research and a global leader in this important field.

  • Organic chemistry

    Our researchers are working with world-class biologists and fellow global leaders in organic chemistry to tackle diseases such as cancer.

  • Asia-Pacific relations

    The political, economic, cultural and environmental significance of the Asia-Pacific has never been greater and our research spans all four aspects.

  • Artificial intelligence

    Victoria University of Wellington researchers are leading the fields of machine learning, evolutionary computation and artificial intelligence.

  • Digital health

    The future of healthcare lies in the digital solutions we are developing now—and the ones we are yet to discover.

Wall of ice with large body of water at the bottom.

Documentaries highlight vital expertise

Leading Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington researchers are showcased in a new film and podcast series.

Find out more

Leading edge

New Zealand’s number one university for intensity of high-quality research (2018 Performance-Based Research Fund), we are also consistently recognised as high-performing by international measures.

Among the subjects where we excel are Earth Sciences, English Language and Literature, International Relations and Public Policy, Computer Science, and Law.

Discover more

Partnerships and awards

Our researchers actively work with many organisations, from local and foreign government agencies to global corporations, including Google and NASA.

Our successes are underpinned by the research funding and awards that our highly regarded researchers attract.

Our successes
A timelapsed iamge of people using a crosswalk.

Research impact

Our research improves understanding and awareness around a range of local and global social, scientific and environmental issues. And we create new technologies that provide solutions to real-life problems.

Learn more

Facts and figures

Research impact

Wellington UniVentures, the University's research commercialisation office, has more than 200 patents under management.

Top 2% of 18,000

We rank in the top 2% of universities and have the maximum five stars plus in eight categories including research.

$69.7 million

In 2018 Victoria University of Wellington researchers attracted nearly $70 million in external research funding.

Yellow on white logo with five stars and the word outstanding

Our national and global rankings

We are New Zealand’s top-ranked university for research intensity, and we consistently rank among the world’s best universities in the QS World Rankings.

Our rankings