• Charles Sturt research is solving challenges in agriculture, environmental sustainability and rural health
• There are approximately 25,000 universities in the world, spread across almost 200 countries

Charles Sturt University has been ranked 825^th globally in research.com's 2026 Best Universities in the World Ranking, highlighting the University's growing international research reputation.

The ranking assesses universities based on the research impact and scholarly contributions of academics across major scientific disciplines.

The result highlights Charles Sturt's growing global standing while recognising the impact of its research in areas that matter most to regional Australians, including agriculture, environmental sustainability and rural health.

Charles Sturt Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research), Professor Neena Mitter (photo), said the recognition reflects the University's commitment to research that delivers practical outcomes for communities, especially those in regional Australia.

"By focusing on our strengths in agriculture, water, environment, health and education, Charles Sturt's research is solving regional Australia biggest challenges," Professor Mitter said.

"We do this not only through the ingenuity of our researchers but also through trusted partnerships with industry. We work hand-in-hand with the people who know what the issues are in regional Australia's paddocks, hospitals and schools.

"This adds up to research that actually makes a difference in the lives of Australians."

A major contributor to the University’s research is the Gulbali Institute for Agriculture, Water and Environment, which undertakes research into sustainable farming systems, biodiversity, freshwater ecosystems, water resources and environmental resilience.

The University's Rural Health Research Institute is helping improve health outcomes for regional and remote communities through a focus on healthcare access and inequalities.

Recent Charles Sturt research initiatives include:

• A study comparing the abilities of AI and dermatologists to detect melanomas
• A project looking at which species of native animals are most at risk as Australia’s bushfires intensify and spread
• A project to identify the warning signs of regional youth considering suicide and self-harm
• A partnership with the Australasian Space Innovation Institute to connect Charles Sturt’s bank of agriculture data with national agricultural digital infrastructure
• A project to investigate the relationship between exercise and pain relief for women in regional Australia with endometriosis

In October, a Charles Sturt University researcher was recognised among the world’s rising stars of science.

Associate Professor Ibrar Yaqoob, a Principal Research Fellow in the University’s Artificial Intelligence and Cyber Futures Centre in Bathurst, was named in research.com’s 2026 Best Rising Stars of Science in the World ranking.

He ranked 9^th in Australia and 191^st worldwide in the 2026 rankings.