ECU makes world top 100 list

Recognition as one of the world's top 100 universities younger than 50 years is proof of Edith Cowan University's global focus, says South West campus dean Lyn Farrell.

ECU placed 90th in rankings released by London-based magazine _Times Higher Education _, which has been published weekly since 1971 and lists universities based on research, teaching excellence, international outlook and innovation.

Ms Farrell said making the list alongside other relatively new universities was a great honour.

"It's great to get recognition and particularly good to get recognition in this group because this is about being modern, contemporary, forward-thinking and innovative," she said.

"It's great to be acknowledged in that cohort of unis because, while ECU is embedded in the communities we operate in, this shows we have a global focus."

Magazine editor Phil Baty said the rankings aimed to highlight newer universities rather than just those with centuries of history.

"The _Times Higher Education _100 under 50 is a global showcase of a new breed of institution - those that are developing at an exceptional rate and that have managed to join the world's top table in a matter of years rather than centuries," he said.

ECU was granted university status in 1991 when three WA campuses amalgamated and Ms Farrell said there were benefits to being only 24 years old.

"It's not a bad thing to be a younger university," she said.

"With a young institution in contemporary society, you can embrace new things.

"That's the sort of university ECU is - we've got agility and a modern approach and are growing in our research capability."

The university was one of 16 in Australia to make the list, which was topped by universities in Switzerland, South Korea and Hong Kong.