Griffith University is placed in the top eight among Australian universities for social sciences research in the prestigious QS World University Rankings released this week. Griffith is ranked in the top 51-100 universities in the world for Law as well as Politics and International Studies, and the top 151-200 for Sociology and Economics and Econometrics.

Vice Chancellor Professor Ian O'Connor said the University was renowned as a leading social sciences institution.

"This ranking has confirmed our excellence in social sciences research and it is consistent with other research quality measures," Professor O'Connor said.

"The University is one of Queensland's most comprehensive research universities and it is one of Australia's fastest growing research institutions."

In March, the Excellence in Research for Australia National Report 2010 rated Griffith University world standard or above in 45 disciplines. Analysis of the results placed the University in the Australian top 10.
Pro Vice Chancellor (Arts, Education and Law) Professor Paul Mazerolle said he was encouraged by the QS ranking.

"This is another affirmation that validates our ongoing investment and research efforts in social sciences," Professor Mazerolle said.

"Research in social sciences has lasting impacts for the community and enriches the social fabric of societies.

"Griffith's high-performing research in this area demonstrates that our world-competitive researchers are making a real difference.

"The University is home to some of Australia's brightest minds and provides an excellent research environment for research students and researchers."

Griffith University was ranked seventh in Australia and 30th in the Asia-Pacific region in the prestigious Nature Publishing Index 2010.

The QS (Quacquarelli Symonds) World University Rankings is an annual league table of the top 600 universities in the world. The QS World University Rankings by Subject, released for the first time this year, are based on academic reputation, employer reputation and research citations, with weightings tailored to each subject.

The full 2011 QS World University Rankings by Subject are available at www.topuniversities.com1.