Nature Index

Researchers in Paris and Tokyo are connected, but the two capitals have quite different patterns of collaboration.

Uncertainty surrounding Britain's future in EU research could be as damaging to science as the prospect of funding cuts once it leaves the union.

Proximity is just one factor driving the high number of collaborations between top performing institutions in the same city.

The cities of Australia and New Zealand represent a mix of scientific strengths, and their cumulative contributions have seen the region's research reputation flourish.

A pragmatic and deliberate approach to research funding yields impressive results, while New Zealand's geography makes it a perfect natural laboratory for Earth scientists, writes Linda Vergnani.

A description of the terminology and methodology used in this supplement, and a guide to the functionality available free online at natureindex.com.

Significant state government investment along with philanthropic largesse has helped drive Brisbane's research performance, writes Bianca Nogrady

A search for the source of mysterious signals at the Parkes Observatory had puzzled CSIRO astrophysicists for years, until the answer came in a flash, writes Viviane Richter.

Australia's two largest cities have much to celebrate. A historic rivalry is alive and well in research circles, as both capitals strive to attract the best researchers and produce science that makes a difference, writes Annabel McGilvray.

Wielding knowledge on everything from powerful snail toxins to deep-Earth rocks, researchers in Australia and New Zealand are finding answers for problems from dengue to climate change.

Resources for scientific research are spread unevenly throughout countries. Spending priorities vary according to budget constraints, historic research strengths and industry demands.

Nature Index 2016 Rising Stars seeks to pinpoint the ascendant performers of science, using the power of the Nature Index, which tracks the research of more than 8,000 global institutions.

A description of the terminology and methodology used in this supplement, and a guide to the functionality available free online at natureindex.com.

Undaunted by the scientific dominance of historic global big-hitters, some of the world's less prominent research nations are carving out a niche and making a strong impact.

In institutions everywhere from super-cities to remote desert locations, researchers are setting the world of discovery on fire and pushing their institutions up the Nature Index rankings.

Strong connections with global scientific heavy-hitters and meaningful regional and domestic collaborations have thrust Saudi Arabia into a leading position in the Arab world.