Rankings and Higher Education Policy

Two examples of how the need to perform well in the rankings is shaping national research and higher education policy.

From the Irish Examiner

"Ireland must apply for membership of the world-renowned European Organisation for Nuclear Research (Cern) in order to combat the effect of Brexit and boost university rankings.

That is according to Cork senator Colm Burke as the campaign to join Cern gains momentum, after Ireland recently became a member of the European Space Observatory."

From Times Higher Education

"France’s programme of university mergers is paying off, improving the research performance and international visibility of its top providers, according to the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2019.

Paris Sciences et Lettres – PSL Research University Paris, a 2010 merger of numerous institutions, climbed 31 places to 41st this year, becoming the first French university to feature in the top 50 best universities since 2011. PSL made its debut in the global table last year.

Its teaching and research scores improved, driven by increased global visibility and votes in the academic teaching and research reputation surveys.

Meanwhile, Sorbonne University, which was founded in January this year following the merger of Pierre and Marie Curie University and Paris-Sorbonne University, has joined the list at 73rd place – making it the highest-ranked newcomer in the table."

https://www.irishexaminer.com/breakingnews/business/cern-membership-vital-for-irish-universities-872312.html