Embracing the competition

It is that time of year again. In September each year universities around the world receive their “report cards” that indicate how they rank in the higher education landscape. Times Higher Education (THE) World University Ranking announced today that ETH Zurich ranks 15^th among the top universities in the world. It remains the top institution in Switzerland, as well as maintaining its long-standing reign as the top ranked university in continental Europe. It is in good company as Switzerland is home to seven of the world’s top 200 universities.

The THE World University ranking methodology involves the calculation of scores for high-level indicators relating to teaching, research, international perspective and collaboration with industry. While ETH Zurich’s overall scores show improvement and its scores in teaching, research, and publication citations increased, scores dropped slightly in terms of industry income and international outlook. ETH Zurich’s resident rankings expert, Paul Cross says, “Competition is fierce at the top tier of the rankings.” Universities in the United Kingdom and the United States hold all of the rankings ahead of ETH Zurich on the list. Cross explains that for the 2022 ranking, ETH Zurich was displaced from its previous rank of 14^th on the list when Columbia University leapt up six places. He also noted the increased competition from two universities in China - Peking University and Tsinghua University – both of which advanced rapidly in the World University Ranking and immediately follow ETH Zurich on the list.

President Joël Mesot commented, “While ETH Zurich embraces the competitive nature of education, our focus is on the university’s long-term strategy and achievements, in order to best serve society.”