University Signature Research Areas to focus on positive impacts for society

• The University of Auckland has launched six Signature Research Areas to sharpen its research focus and global impact.
• The SRAs connect interdisciplinary expertise to address complex challenges and strengthen partnerships across sectors.
• They build on existing strengths to attract talent and compete for major research opportunities.
• The initiative reinforces a globally ambitious, locally grounded research approach, focused on delivering real-world impact.

The University of Auckland has launched six Signature Research Areas (SRAs), marking a significant milestone in its ambition to strengthen interdisciplinary research, deepen partnerships and deliver greater impact for Aotearoa New Zealand and the world.

The SRAs identify areas where the University is already globally distinctive and well positioned to lead into the future. Together, they form a coherent, future-focused research portfolio designed to address complex global challenges while reflecting Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland’s commitment to research excellence, collaboration and innovation.

The initiative brings together world-class expertise from across disciplines, connecting existing strengths to tackle major issues at scale and create clearer pathways for collaboration with government, industry, iwi, funders and international partners.

Interim Vice-Chancellor Professor Frank Bloomfield said the SRAs represent an important step to sharpen the University’s research focus while building on the depth and diversity of its academic community.

“These Signature Research Areas recognise where we already have exceptional capability and where we can make the greatest contribution in the years ahead,” Professor Bloomfield said.

“They are about unlocking ambition across the University – enabling bold interdisciplinary research, attracting outstanding talent, strengthening partnerships, and increasing our ability to compete for major national and international research opportunities.”

Professor Bloomfield said the SRAs would also help demonstrate how the University’s research and innovation ecosystem contributes practical solutions to real-world challenges.

“Our research is globally ambitious and locally grounded. The Signature Research Areas draw strength from Aotearoa and the Pacific while contributing knowledge and solutions that matter internationally.”

The SRAs have been developed through extensive academic-led engagement involving faculties, large-scale research institutes, and research groups from across the University. 

University leaders say the initiative is not about narrowing research activity or ranking disciplines, but about connecting expertise and amplifying impact across the institution. 

The six Signature Research Areas are: 

Building resilient, just and sustainable futures – grounded in the Pacific, relevant to the world.

Shaping research with Indigenous knowledge to solve global challenges.

Making sure tomorrow’s technologies work for our communities today.

Accelerating the transition to cleaner, more resilient and accessible energy systems for everyone.

Using Aotearoa New Zealand as a living lab to turn cutting-edge health research into solutions that work for all.

Strengthening the knowledge and trust that help societies understand, decide and act together.

A series of roadshows to bring the Signature Research Areas to the University of Auckland community is underway. At these sessions, the focus will be how to move from conceptual framework to action across the University.