Bond University has once again demonstrated its international standing, as one of only three universities in Australia to be recognised amongst some of the world's top universities in the prestigious 2012 Global Go To Think Tanks Report.
The University of Pennsylvania has released its 2012 report - which is the culmination of an eight-month process involving the support of think tanks and experts from every region of the world - and Bond University's Globalisation and Development Centre (GDC) has been ranked in the top 40 Best University Affiliated Think Tanks in the world.
Founded in 2007, the GDC is an inter-disciplinary Faculty Research Centre that aims to promote high quality and innovative research within the broad field of globalisation. Research conducted within the Centre is focused on the Asia-Pacific region and the issues associated the economic development within this area.
The 2012 rankings marks the sixth edition of the annual report, which is based on an a global peer and expert survey of over 1,950 scholars, policymakers, journalists and regional and subject area experts.
The rankings’ primary objective is to recognise some of the world’s leading public policy think tanks and highlight the notable contributions these institutions are making to governments and civil societies worldwide.
Globalisation and Development Centre Director Ahmed M. Khalid says over the course of just six years, the "Think Tank Index” has become the authoritative source for the top public policy institutions around the world and the GDC is honoured to be recognised amongst such highly esteemed research centres.
"Think tanks are public-policy research analysis and engagement organisations that generate policy-oriented research, analysis, and advice on domestic and international issues, which enable policymakers and the public to make informed decisions about public policy issues," he said.
"These institutions often act as a bridge between the academic and policymaking communities and between states and civil society, serving in the public interest as independent voices.
"6,603 think tanks from 182 countries were invited to participate in the process. More than 1500 thank tanks were nominated, and subsequently ranked across 38 categories.
"The GDC has been listed in the top 40 best university affiliated think tanks, which is a privilege and an honour."
Professor Khalid says the GDC prides itself on the level of proactive, quality research which is undertaken by associate members of the centre, who are some of the best people in their field of research.
"The GDC studies the implications of globalisation for the cultural identity, quality of life and sense of being on people impacted by globalisation. It contributes to research in the globalisation area through publications, conference presentations, seminars and workshops involving academics, leading scholars and participants from the public and private sectors," he said.
"The centre is committed to establishing a network of academics and researchers who have made significant contributions in the area of globalisation and its economic impacts and to promoting research activities of junior researchers interested in globalisation.
"The report only acknowledges the top university affiliated centres in the world, and the fact that Bond, the only private Australian university in the list, is one of just three universities in Australia to be recognised in this report is an enormous endorsement for the centre and for Bond University itself."