The University of Iceland has been placed 400-500 in the new Times Higher Education World University Rankings, which were published today. This is the tenth year in a row that the University has been included. The University of Iceland is, furthermore, the only university in the country to be included in both of the two most prestigious international university rankings, which take into account research, teaching and impact on the international scientific community.
The Times Higher Education list is based on a review of 13 indicators, covering research, impact, teaching quality, learning environment and international outlook. The magazine evaluated over 1,500 universities this year, a record number. The University of Iceland was first included in the Time Higher Education World University Rankings in its centennial year, 2011, and for every year since – ten years in a row.
In recent semesters, Times Higher Education has also confirmed the University of Iceland's strength in a diverse range of subjects. The University of Iceland was included on eight such subject-specific lists last year, a record for the University. New subject rankings are expected this autumn. The University was also ranked 201-300 for having the highest social and economic impact based on the UN Sustainable Development Goals, according to a list published by Times Higher Education for the second time this spring.
Earlier this summer, we also received the news that the University of Iceland was ranked 501-600 by the ShanghaiRanking Consultancy for 2020 – along with the Times Higher Education list, this is the best-known and most respected university rankings in the world. The University of Iceland is the only Icelandic university to be included in the Shanghai Rankings and thus also the only one to be included on both lists.
Another review by the ShanghaiRanking Consultancy, also published this summer, demonstrated that the University of Iceland is remarkably strong in many individual subjects. According to the subject rankings, it is the sixth best in the world for remote sensing, 40 for electrical and computer engineering, among the top 150 for earth sciences and nursing, 151-200 in biological sciences and 200-300 for geography, human biology, political science and tourism studies.
"The University of Iceland's success in a broad range of subjects in recent years is almost miraculous. The University aims to be an international leader and thereby provide an outstanding service to Icelandic society. This incredible achievement has attracted attention to the University and created a lot of opportunities for students and staff. For example, the University is now the key partner in a collaborative project between European universities in the Aurora Network, which was recently awarded a significant EU grant in the face of fierce competition. We will continue to pursue this course," says Jón Atli Benediktsson, Rector of the University of Iceland.
The new Times Higher Education World University Rankings can be found on the magazine website.