THE UNIVERSITY emerged as the top Philippine school in the first-ever Times Higher Education (THE) Interdisciplinary Science Rankings, which evaluated schools’ performance in research integrating multiple scientific disciplines.
UST landed within the 251-300 bracket globally with a 39.8-42.5 overall score. It scored 54.7 in input, 66.7 in process, and 29.7 in the output metrics.
It was followed by Mapua University at the 501-600 band, the only other Philippine school to earn a rank. Nine Philippine schools participated in the rankings and earned “reporter” status.
A total of 749 universities across 92 countries participated in the rankings, introduced by THE in collaboration with Schmidt postdoctoral scientific fellows to promote scientific excellence and encourage cross-disciplinary collaboration.
“The new and groundbreaking Interdisciplinary Science Ranking will enable universities to benchmark their interdisciplinary scientific work, which we hope will spur far greater collaboration in universities and between universities both locally and globally,” THE chief data officer Duncan Ross said.
THE Interdisciplinary Science Ranking assessed schools’ performance in 11 metrics grouped under three pillars, each representing a stage in the research process: inputs (19%), process (16%) and outputs (65%).
Under the inputs metric, schools’ interdisciplinary science research funding (8%) and industry funding (11%) are measured. The measure of success (4%), physical facilities (4%), admin support (4%), and promotion success (4%) make up the process criterion.
The outputs pillar, which carried the biggest weight, evaluated the volume of interdisciplinary science research publications (10%), their proportion among all publications (5%), utility outside the discipline (5%), publication quality (20%), and reputation (20%).
Data from Elsevier’s Scopus database covering 2019 to 2023 was used to measure research output, with citation data extending to 2024. Universities needed to produce at least 100 interdisciplinary research publications to qualify for ranking.
Asst. Prof. Nestor Ong, head of UST’s Office of the QS/ THE Rankings, said the University’s ranking underscored UST’s efforts in enhancing research productivity.
“The ranking reflects our dedication to fostering interdisciplinary research through robust funding, effective administrative support, and state-of-the-art facilities, all of which are crucial for advancing our research capabilities and academic reputation,” Ong told the Varsitarian.
Ong highlighted Rector Fr. Richard Ang, O.P.’s intensified focus on research, which he laid out during his installation address in September.
“The management has prioritized enhancing research capacity by fostering international collaborations and improving infrastructure for both students and faculty,” he said. “This focus on research quality aligns with the metrics used in global rankings.
