It's a hat-trick! Deakin Sport Science world number one for the third time

The accolade marks the third time Deakin has topped the list, with the title also bestowed in 2017 and 2016.

The 2021 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.

Deakin Vice-Chancellor Professor Iain Martin said the award results from more than a decade of commitment to excellence.

"Deakin is a young university in the scheme of things, but such is our commitment to excellence that this is the third time the School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences has been ranked best in the world," Professor Martin said.

"The hard work and dedication of this team, led by Professor Brad Aisbett, is the reason why we have again topped the list. The teaching, research and support teams, as well as the students and partners, work together to deliver the most innovative information to the community, and we are very proud of their efforts."

Head of School Professor Brad Aisbett said the team strives every day to be ahead of the game and says it's rewarding to have academic excellence and industry-leading research recognised in this way.

"We are focussed on cutting-edge research and world-class strategies that allow us to drive the agenda and education surrounding the pertinent issues in high-performance sport as well as minimising the increased risk of serious health conditions through exercise and physical activity," said Professor Aisbett.

"We make sure our students get authentic practical experiences and work with our partners to ensure our programs are relevant to today's society."

Three research bodies – the Centre for Sport Research (CSR), the Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), and the CASS Food Research Centre, lead the school's performance, with CSR and IPAN focussing on the role of exercise and nutrition in enhancing human performance and improving human health.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research and Alfred Deakin Professor Julie Owens said the research and teaching nexus at Deakin's School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences was based on the shared and constant focus on improving knowledge around nutrition and exercise.

"It is wonderful to be recognised once again as the best in the world in the field of Sports Science," Professor Owens said.

"World-class research and our strong health industry and community partnerships help to shape local, national and global policies. The team is incredibly proud to regain the top position, ahead of some 300 international universities."