The University of Adelaide Joins the GFCC

We are pleased to announce that the University of Adelaide, one of Australia’s leading and most innovative institutions, has joined the GFCC as a university member.

Ranked among the top 100 universities worldwide by the 2025 QS World University Rankings, the University of Adelaide is recognized for its strong commitment to collaboration and global impact. It works closely with government, industry, and international partners to address pressing global challenges through world-class research.

The university hosts eight world-leading research institutes and maintains more than 300 global partnerships, initiatives that align directly with the GFCC’s mission to advance innovation, competitiveness, and sustainable growth across the globe.

"I am delighted to welcome the University of Adelaide to our leadership network. This remarkable institution in South Australia has been at the forefront of multiple scientific discoveries and innovative breakthroughs that have shaped world history. Their focus on global partnerships, entrepreneurship, and technology transfer aligns closely with the mission of the GFCC. Together, I believe we can make a significant impact to improve competitiveness and support regional and national economic prosperity," says GFCC President Deborah L. Wince-Smith.

Founded in 1874, the University of Adelaide has built more than 150 years of research excellence and a legacy of groundbreaking innovations. Its researchers have contributed to the invention of X-ray crystallography, insulin, penicillin, and the Olympic torch. They have also played leading roles in discoveries such as gravitational waves, the Higgs boson particle, and the identification of a celestial source of high-energy neutrinos.

In 2026, the University of Adelaide will further extend its impact by merging with the University of South Australia. The new institution, which will be called Adelaide University, will become one of the five largest universities in the country.

 “I am delighted that another esteemed Australian University, which is already a global leader in many areas, has joined the GFCC. Their innovative work in science, medicine and technology is strongly aligned with GFCC values. I look forward to fruitful collaborations with the merged Adelaide University in years to come,” says GFCC Vice-chair Mr. Charles Kiefel AM.

By joining the GFCC, the University of Adelaide becomes part of a distinguished group of 20 universities worldwide—including Monash University and Western Sydney University in Australia—that collaborate through the University and Research Leadership Forum (URLF) to co-create strategies shaping the future of higher education and innovation.

Learn more about the work of the URLF.