Global impact of CDU researchers continues to grow

Charles Darwin University (CDU) researchers continue to be among the most influential in the world, with 23 academics named in a prestigious list from Stanford University.

The Stanford University and Elsevier World’s Top 2% Scientists list, the most distinguished worldwide, based on bibliometric information from Elsevier’s Scopus database.

Twenty-three academics from CDU were ranked in the upper tier of influential researchers, up from last year’s total of 16 academics.

The researchers represented a wide variety of fields including ecology, nursing, accounting, networking and telecommunications.

CDU Northern Institute Associate Professor Kerstin Zander was honoured to be recognised in the list, particularly as a woman within a predominantly male profession.

“CDU should feel immensely proud of its contribution to global research. For a small university like ours, 23 academics is a great many to be in the top 2%, and I am honoured to be among them,” Associate Professor Zander said.

“For my own work on heat adaptation, Darwin offers a competitive advantage because its climate is increasingly becoming the climate of the world. I am sure many of my colleagues also draw on our local experience to deliver research that is increasing in global significance.”

Associate Professor Zander’s research is focused on the relationships between humans and nature, and how society can increase human-wellbeing and sustainability while helping people cope with changing environments and natural hazards.

“We are living at a time of accelerating climate-driven crisis. Understanding how to cope with heat and floods is an essential part of our adaptation to climate change,” she said.

“I hope my research can help people cope better with what is coming, both here in Australia and globally. My aim is to contribute both to the global dialogue on adaptation and to improved policy that improves lives on the ground.

“Ultimately research underpins all improvements to our way of life – it is one of the fundamental pillars of a civilised society. CDU, as the premier research organisation in the Northern Territory, is essential to our society here.

“Importantly, partly because of our small size, CDU collaborates globally to bring ideas to the Territory from around the world. And, because we know how to live in a tough environment, we have a great deal to offer.”

CDU Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research and Innovation Professor Steve Rogers said the University’s presence highlighted the University’s growing global reputation.

“CDU continues to make a meaningful impact on the world stage, producing high-quality research that contributes to the betterment of society,” Professor Rogers said.

“Our representation on this prestigious list is growing each year. This is a testament to our dedication to develop innovative research across many disciplines.”