Utrecht University in rankings
In September 2023, Utrecht University (UU) decided to no longer provide the required data to be included in rankings. This decision was made in the context of Open Science and the changing attitude towards recognition and rewards.
Why Utrecht University decided to move away from rankings
Although university rankings are a reality, UU's decision not to submit data for rankings is a conscious choice:
- Prioritising collaboration: Rankings put too much stress on scoring and competition, while we want to focus on collaboration and Open Science. Collaboration and Open Science are two of our guiding principles.
- Complexity of quality: It is almost impossible to capture the quality of an entire university, with all its different education, research, and impact, in one number.
- Questionable methods: Research shows that rankings are often based on self-reported data by universities and on methodologies that are not very transparent.
Alternatives to indicate quality
We encourage students to compare the content and nature of programmes, and researchers to focus on the quality of research programmes and working conditions. We are confident that Utrecht University will continue to be a good choice, now and in the future.
UU supports several international initiatives that resist the dominance of rankings, such as More than Our Rank and CoARA.
Strength in unity
UU, like many other Dutch and international universities, has been critical of rankings for a long time. UU’s decision to no longer actively participate is in line with our values and ambitions and what we stand for in the (inter)national academic community.
Other Dutch universities are also reconsidering their participation in rankings. See the advisory document (pdf) that the Universities of the Netherlands (UNL) have jointly prepared on the effects of rankings on the academic community and how we should deal with these.
