Established in 1991, ECU has grown rapidly into a quality university with excellent student satisfaction and internationally recognised research. ECU is guided by values of integrity, respect, rational inquiry and personal excellence. Our focus on teaching and research is inspired by engagement and partnerships with those in the many communities we were established to serve. For 14 years in a row, ECU has achieved a 5-star rating for teaching quality in the Good Universities Guide. ECU is also ranked in the world's top 100 universities under 50 years old in the 2020 Times Higher Education (THE) Young Universities Rankings.

ECU's research is characterised by its fundamental commitment to the pathway from basic research to translation to innovative implementation. ECU has a vibrant research community. We continually seek opportunities to work with industry in the translation of research into world-class solutions, driving strategic commercial, economic and social outcomes for mutual benefit. Our research work focuses on four themes, Securing Digital Futures, Natural and Built Environments, Society and Culture and Health recognising our collective expertise and our progressive worldview.

ECU has a strong association with the mining sector through research in areas such as cyber security, autonomous system, robotics, advance manufacturing and health and human performance.