Nature Index 2016 Australia and New Zealand

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.