MIRI: Curtin University in Perth recently jumped into the world’s top 300 universities according to the CWTS Leiden Ranking 2019.

A press release said this has put Curtin University Malaysia at the forefront of higher education institutions in Borneo.

Curtin University was placed at 284th in the world, an improvement of 35 places, in the latest ranking, which measures university performance based on scientific impact and collaboration across almost 1,000 major universities worldwide.

Curtin is Western Australia’s largest university and is globally recognised for its strong connections with industry, high-impact research, and wide range of innovative courses.

It has built a reputation around innovation and an entrepreneurial spirit, being at the forefront of many high-profile research projects in astronomy, biosciences, economics, mining, and information technology.

Curtin Malaysia pro vice-chancellor, president, and chief executive Prof Jim Mienczakowksi said Curtin Malaysia is proud of this significant achievement in the ranking, being a key contributor to Curtin University’s strong research performance as its largest international campus and global hub in Asia.

“We are proud to be able to play a key role in expanding Curtin’s expanding global reputation and educational and research footprint in the region, particularly here in Borneo where our research activities and collaborations are making significant impact on local industries and the community,” he said.

Mienczakowksi added Curtin Malaysia’s already strong research activities within its faculties, the Curtin Malaysia Research Institute (CMRI), its multi-disciplinary research arm; the Curtin Malaysia Highway Infrastructure Research and Innovation Hub (CHIRI) focused on innovations in road and highway construction; and government-funded Pilot Plant Facility for biotechnological research will soon be further bolstered by new research hubs and a new Engineering Research Laboratory, as well as a planned Digital Centre for Excellence.

Currently, Curtin Malaysia has over 4,000 students from over 50 different countries and internationally-recruited staff from 15 countries.