Research Impact

UC Rankings – Top 1% of universities worldwide

The University of Canterbury | Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha is a prestigious destination, ranked 258th in the QS World Universities rankings, 2022. It has also been awarded a 5-Star QS ranking for internationally renowned research and teaching. For a full list of current rankings visit our University Ranking page.

UC's Commitment to the SDGs

The University of Canterbury is committed to contributing to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These Global Goals are critical to ensure a better future for current and future generations, and for the planet. Universities have an important part to play in supporting and promoting these Goals within Aotearoa and beyond. Read more about UC's commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Research Impact

UC continues to undertake world-ranked research that is relevant, and has impact within national and international arenas. Read more about how researchers are making an impact in the stories below.

Canterbury researchers funded to tackle child health challenges

University of Canterbury researchers are leading innovative studies to research and improve child health in Aotearoa New Zealand.

New building system aims to make Kiwi homes ‘safe as houses’ in a quake

A new, affordable building system to make New Zealand homes much safer in an earthquake, avoiding costly repairs and stressful insurance claims, is being tested at the University of Canterbury.

Creating carbon-negative ‘green’ hydrogen to fuel our world

University of Canterbury engineering researchers are developing a carbon-neutral – even carbon-negative – way to create clean ‘green’ hydrogen to power our world more sustainably.

UC electrode research paving the way for cheaper renewable energy storage

Research into the electrodes used in flow batteries at the University of Canterbury (UC) has the potential to help create cheaper, longer-life batteries for more renewable energy storage.

NZ study finds airborne microplastics directly impact climate change

Aotearoa New Zealand scientists recently found that microplastics – which are in our rivers, oceans, and land – are also in the air we breathe. Now local scientists have discovered airborne microplastic pollution is likely to directly affect climate change.

New Pacific-NZ partnership to research climate crisis action

The University of Canterbury and University of the South Pacific, with support from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, are partnering on a unique research project to help Pacific countries and the global community understand how climate change will impact the Pacific, and how indigenous knowledge can help Pacific communities to adapt.