New Zealand’s top university for research intensity
Victoria University of Wellington has a unique and proud history as the country’s globally ranked capital city university. We are consistently ranked within the top 1.5 percent of universities internationally, and are New Zealand’s number one university for intensity of high-quality research (2018 Performance-Based Research Fund).
The University’s connections and influence at local, national and international levels are strengthened by our capital city status. As a global civic university, our researchers lead thinking on the big questions facing society. Their work addresses global challenges for the benefit of communities in New Zealand and internationally.
Our research
Our staff are passionate about finding solutions to some of the world’s greatest problems—find out more about the University's research.
Rating of excellence
Victoria University of Wellington is one of only 12 universities in the world to hold the maximum 5 Stars Plus in the QS Stars rating of excellence.
Our university at a glance
Unlocking the power of teleportation
Teleportation has been a dream of science fiction and scientists alike. Dr Taehyun Rhee and his team are blending the real and the virtual to make it a reality.
Explore the research on this topicThe cost of climate change
What is the cost of not responding to the climate crisis? Professor Ilan Noy is calculating the costs of climate change and how to manage the economic impacts.
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Who's keeping an eye on the kids?
Can any of us have a reasonable expectation of privacy in an age of mobile phones, drones and the internet?
Explore the research on this topicWhose responsibility is it to keep our first language alive?
Only around 3 percent of New Zealanders speak te reo Māori. Our research is focused on making te reo part of everyday conversation.
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Are we addicted to demonising drug users?
Why is cannabis use illegal but alcohol consumption encouraged in New Zealand? Our researchers are exploring our treatment of drugs and drug users.
Explore the research on this topicImagine a world where your own body cures cancer
Millions of people suffer from diseases for which there are no effective drugs. New treatments are being developed at the University for these unmet medical needs.
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If you saw this, what would you do?
Bullying is a life-long problem that can have a lasting negative impact—how can it be most effectively tackled?
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Can your memories predict your risk of depression?
Our recall of the past influences how we approach the present. But our research shows memory can also be a direct window into our psychological wellbeing.
Public trust in the public service
Do New Zealanders trust politicians and government systems? Why might distrust actually be a healthy thing?
China or USA—do we have to pick sides?
The biggest strategic challenge facing New Zealand is how to maintain good relations with the competing powers of the United States and China.
It was designed to keep people out ... Here's how to get your business in
We are committed to enhancing New Zealand’s role as a trading nation in the Asia-Pacific region. An area of focus is helping kiwi companies do business in Asia.
If you can 3D print a playing violin, why not 3D print a pumping heart?
3D printing is transforming how we create things and pushing the boundaries of what is possible—could it be the way forward for manufacturing in New Zealand?
Imagine converting sunlight into enough energy to power the world
We are making advancements in capturing and utilising sunlight through low-cost solar cell technology that could sustainably meet the world’s energy needs.
Does our justice system treat people equally?
Whether people are treated equally when it comes to welfare, pensions and sentences for financial crimes reveals a lot about New Zealand society.
Ruthless villains?
Wasps are taking a heavy toll on our ecosystems and economy. The University’s scientists are devising novel ways to wipe wasps out—hopefully for good.
What happens when your body's defences attack you?
Our researchers are devising ways to treat auto-immune disorders using repurposed medications.
How vulnerable are you when sharing personal data online?
The internet is an increasingly important part of our daily lives—but do we understand how to protect our personal information and stay safe online?
Pākehā-ha—what does it mean to live in New Zealand?
Many of us think of New Zealanders as rural people wearing black singlets and gumboots, but who does that exclude?
No Man's Land
Professor John Psathas, who is an internationally-acclaimed composer, has led a ground-breaking cinematic performance commemorating World War I.
2°C warmer?
Research being conducted by the University’s ice sheet modellers shows that a rise of more than 2°C will cause catastrophic melting of large parts of the Antarctic ice sheet.
Is creative writing a luxury?
Creative writing is not a luxury—having imaginative, literate people is of fundamental value to the social and economic wellbeing of society.
Is Antarctica reaching the end of its shelf life?
Our climate scientists are leading international research into how Antarctica is responding to global warming and what that means for the future.