Staff renewal in the 1980s, especially at the professorial level, combined with a change in emphasis for Australian universities from teaching to research. This resulted in more research grants, more research staff and students.

  Does this reflect a deliberate plan to enhance the institution’s research effort in this field, or was this an unexpected or serendipitous development?

This was a deliberate plan by the Department of Mathematics and Statistics, supported by the university to increase our research profile. The university also has active mathematical interests in Economics, Engineering and Computer Science.

  How important is teamwork and collaboration in achieving your goals?

Most of the papers in question are jointly authored, many with international collaborators. There are healthy national and international links with like-minded researchers. The department of M&S has an active visitor program and generous study-leave provisions. These are important to our success given our geographical isolation.

  What tools or technological advances have been important in your institution’s research, if any?

Much of our research is computer intensive, in all three subdisciplines—Pure Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, and Probability and Statistics.

  What are your institution’s research goals?

The UWA believes that a strong Discipline of Mathematics and Statistics is vital to its success as a strong international teaching and research university.

  What would you like to convey to the general public about your institution’s work?

This ISI ranking shows our strength in the central mathematical classifications. The university also has strengths in mathematical and statistical applications in Engineering, Economics, Computer Science, Finance, Biomechanics, and Epidemiology.