Deakin retains position as world leader in sport research and education
Deakin News
20 January 2026
For the seventh time, Deakin University's School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences and the Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition have been named the world’s best Sport Science School in the prestigious Shanghai Rankings Global Ranking of Sport Science Schools and Departments.
The accolade places Deakin at the top of a list of 300 global universities, adding to its previous number one rankings in 2016, 2017 and 2021-2024 respectively.
Deakin University Vice-Chancellor Professor Iain Martin said the award demonstrated the University's sustained commitment to excellence and groundbreaking leadership in the industry.
‘The consistent placement of Deakin’s School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences and Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition at the top of this global list is not a coincidence, rather a testament to the hard work and passion of our talented research, teaching and support teams,’ Professor Martin said.
‘Through their efforts, Deakin continues to produce industry-leading research and deliver impactful education resulting in healthy, thriving communities. I’m so pleased that this work has once again been recognised on a global scale,’ he said.
Head of the School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences Professor Brad Aisbett said a genuine desire to improve health and human performance across society was the driving force behind the team’s success.
‘We are thrilled to have received this award for the seventh time, but even more proud of our pioneering teaching and research, which has and will continue to transform the lives of so many,’ Professor Aisbett said.
The school’s research performance is led by the Centre for Advanced Food Sciences and the Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, which includes the Centre for Sport Research.
Deakin Distinguished Professor and Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research and Innovation, Professor Matthew Clarke said the University's commitment to delivering balanced excellence across both research and education provides it with a unique edge on the world stage.
‘This award affirms Deakin’s strong national and international reputation for research and education excellence. Every day we bring together some of the brightest minds across a diverse range of study areas and research strengths to develop powerful solutions, policies and capabilities and it’s wonderful to have received global recognition of this,’ he said.
The Global Ranking of Sports Science Schools and Departments assesses areas including the number of times research work is cited by others globally and the total number of papers published in the top 25 per cent of journals in the world.