An emphasis on research and research training is a defining characteristic of The University of Western Australia. The University is one of Australia's leading research-intensive universities and the premier research institution in Western Australia. Annually the University receives in excess of $71m of external research income, expends over $117m on research and graduates over 250 higher degree by research students, mostly PhDs. In the Australian context, it is a medium sized, comprehensive university.

The centrality and importance of research and research training is evident in the vision that the University has articulated for the 21st Century and in its mission: "To advance, transmit, sustain knowledge and understanding, through the conduct of teaching, research and scholarship at the highest international standards, for the benefit of the national and international communities and the State of Western Australia".

http://www.uwa.edu.au