University of Groningen makes spectacular climb in Times Higher Education ranking

This year the University of Groningen came in 89^th place in the Times Higher Education World University Ranking – a spectacular climb of 45 places compared to 2011, when the University came in 134^th place. President of the Board of the University Sibrand Poppema is very satisfied with this achievement. ‘International fame is an extremely important aspect with regard to the Times ranking. We already deserved this spot thanks to our performance, but because Groningen is not known across the world this was not reflected in the ranking. This seems to indicate that our international reputation has greatly improved. ’

Since 2005, the British journal Times Higher Education has published a ranking of universities across the globe, which – in addition to teaching and research performance – incorporates an institution’s international reputation. In 2010, the journal switched to an improved method based on figures provided by Thomson Reuters, which still continues, however, to use fame as an important factor.

The climb in the Times ranking reflects how the University of Groningen is doing in other rankings. In the QS ranking the University rose from 115 (2011) to place 109, while in the Shanghai ranking Groningen now comes in place 103.

The University of Groningen Strategic Plan included the goal of maintaining a stable position in the top 100 of the major rankings by 2015. ‘It’s very encouraging to see what we have already managed to achieve by now’, says Poppema. ‘We will continue with our efforts to do our utmost in teaching, research and in our collaboration with the business world, while all the while focusing on contributing to sustainable society.’

See also: Times Higher Education