The Times Higher Education-QS World University Rankings are hot off the press and this year, the University of Copenhagen (U of C) comes in at number 51.
That is three places down compared to last year's 48, but let's look on the bright side. The U of C is still the highest placed Scandinavian university.
Rector satisfied
Actually, a drop of three places is a mere stumble compared to 2007, when following a change in measurement parameters U of C barely made the charts, plummeting to number 93. So, in the fickle world of university rankings, a three place shuffle down the board is not too much of a sensation.
University of Copenhagen rector Ralf Hemmingsen is happy with it.
»The University of Copenhagen still has a distinguished position among the worlds most recognised universities. To keep this position we will continue to bet on new basic research and education of high international quality,« he says.
The 'other' 99
A quick look down the list reveals a few surprises and a great deal of (almost) the same as last year deja-vu.
One of the surprise movers comes in our own back yard. Århus University has shot up to 63 from 81 last year.
It comes as no great surprise that US and UK institutions still dominate the top 10. However, this year Cambridge will no doubt cause quite a stir by moving in to second place, ahead of Yale.
US loses ground
Wealty Harvard remains on the top spot, a position it has held since the beginnings of the Times Higher Education-QS World University Rankings which is now in its 6th edition.
Although the US has done well in the top ten, a look down the entire chart shows a dramatic fall in the number of North American universities in the top 100, from 42 in 2008 to 36 in 2009.
This reflects the growing presence and impact of Asian and European institutions in international higher education. Indeed, the number of Asian universities in the top 100 increased from 14 to 16 institutions.
Record survey response
This year, the rankings received a record level of responses from academic community and employers
In total 9,386 academics - an increase of 47 pct, over 2008 - and 3,281 employers – a 40 pct. increase - responded to the surveys on which the rankings are based.
Governments and universities around the world are investing to increase their profile and recognition on the international stage, according to Nunzio Quacquarelli, managing director of the networking and education consultants QS who helps organise the ranking comments.
»Today the rankings are used by employers identifying from where to recruit, academics choosing where to work and with whom to form partnerships, and by parents and students looking to make a sound education decision«, he says.
See rankings here.
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