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List of research institutes in Australia

Tamtam tracks 70 research institutes headquartered in Australia. This list ranks the 50 largest by number of employees on LinkedIn, led by University of Melbourne, Monash University and University of Sydney. Their median headcount is 3,732. Half of them were founded in 1967 or later. The most common headquarters are Melbourne (9), Adelaide (4) and Brisbane (4).

馃嚘馃嚭 Australia50 companiesUpdated Nov 12, 2026

This selection of Australian research institutes largely comprises universities, reflecting the significant role higher education plays in the country's research landscape. These institutions, such as the University of Melbourne and Monash University, provide education and conduct research across various disciplines, addressing global challenges. UNSW attracts diverse international students, while RMIT University specializes in technology, design, and applied research with strong industry engagement. The University of Sydney focuses on research excellence and inclusive education, and The University of Queensland is committed to knowledge leadership and impactful research.

A notable pattern among these institutions is their widespread geographical distribution across Australia's major cities. While several are based in Melbourne and Sydney, others are found in Brisbane, Perth, and Canberra, indicating a decentralized approach to research and higher education infrastructure across the continent.

#CompanyIndustryHeadquarters EmployeesFounded
1
University of Melbourneunimelb.edu.au

Provides high-quality education and research addressing global social, economic, and environmental challenges with strong community connections.

Higher Education 馃嚘馃嚭 Melbourne 21,904 1853
2
Monash Universitymonash.edu

Leading research-intensive university offering a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and research courses with a global presence and significant impact beyond academia

Higher Education 馃嚘馃嚭 Victoria 21,673 n/a
3
University of Sydneysydney.edu.au

Top Australian university focusing on research excellence and inclusive education, supporting diverse students and advancing knowledge globally.

Higher Education 馃嚘馃嚭 The University of Sydney 20,284 n/a
4
UNSWunsw.edu.au

Offers over 300 undergraduate and 600 postgraduate programs, attracting diverse international students, part of leading research university networks.

Higher Education 馃嚘馃嚭 Sydney 17,791 1949
5
The University of Queenslandalumni.uq.edu.au

A globally renowned university with a commitment to knowledge leadership, quality teaching, and impactful research to drive positive change in society

Higher Education 馃嚘馃嚭 Brisbane 16,935 1909
6
RMIT Universityrmit.edu.au

Global university specializing in technology, design, enterprise, professional education, applied research, and strong industry and community engagement.

Higher Education 馃嚘馃嚭 Melbourne 14,580 1887
7
University of Technology Sydneyuts.edu.au

This dynamic and cosmopolitan university prepares graduates for a borderless workplace through its diverse and rich learning environment, recognized for excellence in teaching.

Higher Education 馃嚘馃嚭 Ultimo 10,093 1988
8
QUT (Queensland University of Technology)qut.edu.au

University offering applied courses and research with a global outlook, serving 50,000 students and strong graduate employment rates.

Higher Education 馃嚘馃嚭 Brisbane 9,879 1989
9
Curtin Universitycurtin.edu.au

An internationally focused university with campuses in multiple countries, connecting students to industries and organizations globally, emphasizing real-world issues and job readiness

Higher Education 馃嚘馃嚭 Bentley 9,451 n/a
10
The University of Western Australiauwa.edu.au

An Australian research university known for excellence, innovation, and enterprise, located on a picturesque campus in Perth along the Swan River

Higher Education 馃嚘馃嚭 Perth 8,751 1911
11
Macquarie Universitymq.edu.au

A forward-thinking university dedicated to solving real-world problems through collaboration with students, academics, industry, and society

Higher Education 馃嚘馃嚭 Sydney 8,022 n/a
12
The Australian National Universityanu.edu.au

Leading national institution for research and education excellence featuring world-class staff and facilities on a vast parkland campus for global learning.

Higher Education 馃嚘馃嚭 Canberra 7,653 1946
13
La Trobe Universitylatrobe.edu.au

Academic community advancing health, science, and technology through research, education, and real-world impact in hospitals and laboratories.

Higher Education 馃嚘馃嚭 Melbourne 7,270 1967
14
Western Sydney Universitywesternsydney.edu.au

Australian educational institution in Western Sydney, offering academic excellence, research-led programs, and global focus to make a positive impact in communities

Higher Education 馃嚘馃嚭 Penrith 6,951 1989
15
University of Newcastlenewcastle.edu.au

University offering flexible degrees, supporting diverse students, partnering with industry, and addressing global challenges through research and community engagement.

Higher Education 馃嚘馃嚭 Newcastle 6,843 n/a
16
CSIROcsiro.au

This company offers opportunities to work on global science and engineering projects, provides mentoring and education support, and promotes work-life balance

Research Services 馃嚘馃嚭 Acton 6,817 n/a
17
Swinburne University of Technologyswinburne.edu.au

Higher education provider offering diverse undergraduate, postgraduate, vocational courses, research, and international campuses focused on science, technology, and innovation.

Higher Education 馃嚘馃嚭 Melbourne 6,766 1908
18
University of Adelaideadelaide.edu.au

A world-class research and higher education institution in a top liveable city, known for academic excellence and a diverse, high-achieving community

Higher Education 馃嚘馃嚭 Adelaide 6,561 1874
19
Flinders Universityflinders.edu.au

Leading Australian university focused on excellence in teaching, research, and community engagement with campuses across multiple regions.

Higher Education 馃嚘馃嚭 Adelaide 5,835 1966
20
Flinders Institute for Nanoscale Science & Technologyflinders.edu.au

Utilizing cutting-edge research, we offer innovative solutions to address Australia's energy, health, security, and environmental challenges

Research Services 馃嚘馃嚭 Adelaide 5,785 2010
21
University of Wollongonguow.edu.au

A modern and innovative institution focused on academic excellence, research, and teaching, with a global presence and commitment to making a tangible difference

Higher Education 馃嚘馃嚭 Wollongong 5,654 1975
22
Victoria Universityvu.edu.au

A top-ranked university offering inclusive education through innovative VU Block Model, industry connections, research excellence, and global sports science leadership

Higher Education 馃嚘馃嚭 Melbourne 5,325 1916
23
CQUniversitycqu.edu.au

A leading Australian university offering a wide range of education and training options, with a focus on practical, industry-aligned courses and strong graduate outcomes

Higher Education 馃嚘馃嚭 Norman Gardens 3,803 1967
24
Murdoch Universitymurdoch.edu.au

A global university in Western Australia offering inclusive education, research, and innovation to students and staff from around the world

Higher Education 馃嚘馃嚭 Perth 3,750 n/a
25
Matermater.org.au

A longstanding organization dedicated to improving community health by combining expertise in healthcare, education, and research, with a focus on empowering individuals for better well-being

Hospitals and Health Care 馃嚘馃嚭 Brisbane 3,732 1906

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26
University of the Sunshine Coastusc.edu.au

A forward-thinking university empowering individuals to create change in their communities through education, research, and fostering opportunities for all students

Higher Education 馃嚘馃嚭 Sippy Downs 3,135 n/a
27
Charles Darwin Universitycdu.edu.au

Higher education provider offering flexible, online learning with strong ties to First Nations communities and research aligned with sustainability goals.

Higher Education 馃嚘馃嚭 Casuarina 2,390 2003
28
University of New England (AU)une.edu.au

An Australian public university offering flexible study options, on-campus experience, innovative online teaching, and research excellence, actively engaged in partnerships and communities

Higher Education 馃嚘馃嚭 Armidale 2,349 1954
29
Afyon Kocatepe Universityedu.tr

Turkish public higher education institution, offering diverse academic programs through faculties, institutes, schools, and research centers.

Higher Education 馃嚘馃嚭 1,765 1992
30
Murdoch Children's Research Institute (MCRI)mcri.edu.au

Leading child health research institute in Australia, dedicated to preventing and treating childhood conditions through research, clinical care, and genetic testing

Research Services 馃嚘馃嚭 Melbourne 1,490 1989
31
ANSTOansto.gov.au

A large public research organization in Australia, specializing in nuclear science and technology, hosting international collaborations and providing access to landmark infrastructure

Research Services 馃嚘馃嚭 Lucas Heights 1,439 n/a
32
Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG)dst.defence.gov.au

A national agency applying science and technology to protect Australia, providing advice, innovative solutions, and technical support for defense and national security

Defense and Space Manufacturing 馃嚘馃嚭 Adelaide 1,237 1974
33
WEHI (Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research)wehi.edu.au

Bringing together global researchers to make life-changing discoveries in cancer, infectious diseases, developmental disorders, and healthy ageing through long-term collaboration

Research Services 馃嚘馃嚭 Parkville 1,099 1915
34
Cerebral Palsy Alliancecerebralpalsy.org.au

Leader in cerebral palsy research, advocacy, and assistive technology innovation, striving for greater inclusion and advocating for change globally

Non-profit Organizations 馃嚘馃嚭 Allambie Heights 1,098 1945
35
The Kids Research Institute Australiathekids.org.au

Researching, discovering, and applying knowledge to improve the health, happiness, and development of children and young people through preventative treatment and cures.

Research Services 馃嚘馃嚭 Nedlands 991 1989
36
UNSW Business Schoolunsw.edu.au

A leading business school in the Asia-Pacific region, equipping students for long-term success through career-focused education and industry engagement

Higher Education 馃嚘馃嚭 Kensington 825 2007
37
QIMR Berghoferqimrb.edu.au

Leading translational research institute focused on cancer, infectious diseases, mental health, and chronic disorders Collaborating with clinicians to improve health through diagnostics and treatments

Research Services 馃嚘馃嚭 Brisbane 745 n/a
38
Australian Institute of Marine Scienceaims.gov.au

Australia's leading marine research agency, specializing in biodiversity, climate change impacts, water quality, and ecosystem health for sustainable tropical marine resource management

Research Services 馃嚘馃嚭 Townsville 741 1972
39
Geoscience Australiaga.gov.au

Provide scientific expertise and technology to understand Australia's geology and geography, supporting national opportunities and challenges with diverse partnerships.

Environmental Services 馃嚘馃嚭 Canberra 727 2001
40
UNSW Canberraunsw.edu.au

An academic institution offering undergraduate and graduate programs in Arts, Business, Engineering, Science, and Technology, as well as research opportunities

Higher Education 馃嚘馃嚭 Canberra 692 1981
41
Garvan Institute of Medical Researchgarvan.org.au

Pioneering medical research institute focused on understanding genes and molecular processes to develop treatments and cures for widespread diseases

Research Services 馃嚘馃嚭 Darlinghurst 684 1963
42
The George Institute for Global Healthgeorgeinstitute.org

A medical research institute focused on finding better treatments, transforming primary care, and improving health in disadvantaged communities worldwide

Research Services 馃嚘馃嚭 Sydney 683 1999
43
Burnet Instituteburnet.edu.au

An Australian medical research institute focused on life-changing research and health programs in the Indo-Pacific region and Africa, striving for a better, fairer, healthier world

Biotechnology Research 馃嚘馃嚭 Melbourne 658 1986
44
Orygenorygen.org.au

Focus on early intervention, research, education, and policy advocacy to improve mental health outcomes for young people and families.

Mental Health Care 馃嚘馃嚭 Parkville 608 n/a
45
TOBB Ekonomi ve Teknoloji 脺niversitesiedu.tr

a private foundation university established in Ankara, notable for its cooperative education program providing students with a year of work experience.

Higher Education 馃嚘馃嚭 Ankara 593 2003
46
Australian Council for Educational Researchacer.org

A leading educational research center that creates and promotes research-based knowledge to improve learning for learners, professionals, and institutions worldwide

Research Services 馃嚘馃嚭 Melbourne 543 1930
47
NSW DPIgov.au

State-funded R,D & E organization in New South Wales focusing on agriculture, minerals, fisheries, and forestry research, development, and extension

Research Services 馃嚘馃嚭 531 n/a
48
The Floreyflorey.edu.au

Leading brain research institute in the southern hemisphere, tackling major brain and mind challenges through excellent research, partnerships, and empowering workplace

Research Services 馃嚘馃嚭 Parkville 511 1963
49
Baker Heart and Diabetes Institutebaker.edu.au

Health and medical research institute in Australia focusing on cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and obesity, conducting community studies and translating discoveries into clinical practice

Biotechnology Research 馃嚘馃嚭 Melbourne 470 1926
50
Menzies School of Health Researchmenzies.edu.au

An independent institute specializing in Indigenous and tropical health research, collaborating with partners to improve health and wellbeing locally and globally

Research Services 馃嚘馃嚭 Darwin 462 1985

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How this list is built

Every company on this list has a Tamtam company profile. The industry is the one the company gives on LinkedIn; categories such as SaaS or fintech are classified by Tamtam's AI from the company's website and LinkedIn page; and the headquarters city must match the company's own address. Companies are ranked by the number of employees on LinkedIn, and the list is refreshed every night. Classifications can be wrong, so treat the list as a starting point rather than an official ranking. Last updated Nov 12, 2026.

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