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THE Young University Rankings celebrates those using their relative youth as an opportunity to disrupt the status quo .
Young modern
UTS cracks the top 10 in THE Young University Rankings 2021 .
By Wade Zaglas
The University of Technology Sydney ( UTS ) has entered the THE Young University Rankings 2021 top ten for the first time , with a number of other Australian universities recording top 50 spots .
UTS ’ position has risen six places since last year ’ s Young University Rankings , registering a particularly high score ( 97 ) in international outlook ( one of the key performance indicators ). Other young Australian universities ( aged 50 years or younger ) to secure a top 50 ranking include :
• The University of Canberra – up from 18th in 2020 to 16th .
• Queensland University of Technology ( QUT ) – down from 14th in 2020 to 17th .
• Griffith University – up one from 30 last year to 29th .
• Western Sydney University – up from = 36th in 2020 to 34th .
• Curtin University – down from = 34th in 2020 to 35th .
• Australian Catholic University – up significantly from 70th in 2020 to 42nd .
• University of South Australia ( UniSA ) – down significantly from 25th in 2020 to = 45th .
• Deakin University – up from 55 in 2020 to 49 . In total , nine Australian universities achieved top 50 positions , and many also secured top 100 spots .
UTS vice-chancellor Professor Attila Brungs said : “ Being placed among the world ’ s best young universities was a milestone , but more as recognition of a fruitful decade of effort by the UTS community .
“ We have come a long way very quickly , but we know we ’ re likely to see considerable change and disruption to higher education and the future workforce in Australia and globally ,” he said .
“ However , what will always remain constant is our role as a public university supporting society , through our teaching , research and engagement .”
UOW attributed excellent research citation scores and improvements in its research and teaching reputation scores to elevating its rank this year . UOW also cited its achievement in the recent THE Impact Rankings , where it was ranked 6th globally for its “ commitment to achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals ”.
UOW vice-chancellor Professor Patricia Davidson said the latest rankings acknowledge the university ’ s work as a leading research-intensive university .
“ These rankings are a direct indication of UOW ’ s research , teaching and innovation work done by our talented academics and researchers ,” Davidson said .
“ UOW will continue its focus on making progress through strategic partnerships , cutting-edge innovation and providing a world class learning and teaching environment .”
Griffith University Vice-chancellor and President Professor Carolyn Evans said “ in challenging times all universities must focus on their core values ”.
“ We are delighted by this lift in our ranking which recognises the exceptional learning , teaching and research opportunities we provide and reinforces our impact in creating a better future .”
South Korea is becoming a dominant global player in the young university market
( three entries ). This year also saw a new number one in THE Young University Rankings , with Nanyang Technical University , Singapore , deposing The Hong Kong University of Technology and Science ( now ranked third ).
A noteworthy point with possible implications is that 2021 is the first year that Asian countries outnumber those in the rest of the world in THE Young University Ranking top 10 .
However , across all of the 465 universities listed in this year ’ s rankings , European and Middle eastern countries are the most represented . The UK was the most represented country in the 2021 rankings , with 37 of its universities making the cut . However , nipping at its heels is India ( 34 ), Spain ( 33 ) and Turkey ( 31 ).
“ While more established universities have had the advantage of time to build powerful reputations , develop generations of successful alumni , accumulate property and wealth and in many cases to become part of their city ’ s fabric with landmark buildings , the THE Young University Rankings celebrates those using their relative youth as an opportunity to disrupt the status quo ,” Phil Batty , chief knowledge officer at THE said .
“ Despite youth often being paralleled with ‘ inexperience ’ in a centuries old university sector , these institutions have the ability to be proactive and flexible in the everchanging higher education environment , not held back by tradition or expectation and are offering world class education , research and teaching across their missions . They are well poised to shake up traditional higher education hierarchies .”
THE uses 13 carefully calibrated performance indicators to provide comprehensive and balanced comparisons that are grouped into five areas : teaching , research , citations , international outlook and industry income .
This year ’ s Young University Rankings included a record 475 universities from 68 countries and regions . ■
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