Today's university rankings revealed that only two state universities were listed in the world's top 250.
NUIG dropped to the 301-350 rank after slipping from 201 - 250, Ireland's second best university, to 301 -350, making it Ireland's fifth best university. Ireland's top ranked university remains Trinity College Dublin, though it has fallen three places since last year, to 120th in the rankings.
Releasing a statement after the announcement of this year’s THE rankings, President of NUI Galway, Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh said:
Rankings are fragile measures. This year, NUI Galway improved its score in all measures but one (citations, which are measured backwards over a five year period) yet fell back in the rankings. This indicates that standing still means others pass you by. In a highly competitive context internationally, maintaining rather than increasing investment in education also means others pass you by. We at NUI Galway are determined to further enhance our international reputation and reach, serving our students and our hinterland and drawing on the strengths of our people in research, teaching and societal impact. We look forward to seeing these strengths reflected in future international rankings.
The Times Higher league table of the world’s top universities is based on 13 separate performance indicators including; teaching, research, knowledge transfer and international outlook. The survey also includes one of the world’s largest academic reputation survey, with more than 10,000 academics asked to rate the world’s best universities for the 2018/19 ranking.
Ellie Bothwell, Rankings Editor for THE, is not concerned with Ireland's drop in the rankings and expects, as Ireland becomes more open particularly with the restrictions of Brexit in the UK, the rankings will increase:
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There are examples of progress from Ireland this year, but the broader picture does give cause for concern, with several declining or remaining static. The country boasts immense potential for greater higher education success and visibility globally – and has a real opportunity ahead of it. Somewhat like Canada – as the US becomes more inward-looking – Ireland has an opportunity to reap the benefits of being open to the world, as Britain grapples with the potential impacts and restrictions of Brexit and tightened international student numbers. But to excel, its universities will require strong investment, the drive and ability to attract and retain the very best global talent, and a much-strengthened focus on research.
Click here to view the university rankings.
