Shanghai Ranking Consultancy

Shanghai Ranking Consultancy
Name	Shanghai Ranking Consultancy
Founded	0 2009
Location	Shanghai, China
Key people	Nian Cai Liu (Founder)
Industry	Higher education analysis
Products	University rankings
Website	http://www.shanghairanking.com

Shanghai Ranking Consultancy. It is an independent organization dedicated to research on higher education intelligence and consultation, best known for publishing the influential Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU). Founded in 2009, it has expanded its portfolio to include a suite of global and subject-specific rankings that assess universities, academic subjects, and the performance of scientists. Its work is closely monitored by university administrators, policymakers, and the media worldwide, influencing institutional strategies and student choices.

History and establishment

The organization's origins are intrinsically linked to the creation of the Academic Ranking of World Universities by researchers at Shanghai Jiao Tong University in 2003. This project, led by Nian Cai Liu, aimed to benchmark the global standing of Chinese universities against international peers, particularly those in the United States and Europe. Due to the ranking's growing global prominence and the need for dedicated management, the Shanghai Ranking Consultancy was formally established as an independent entity in 2009. This move allowed for the expansion of its research scope and the development of new products beyond the original ARWU.

Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU)

The Academic Ranking of World Universities remains its flagship publication, released annually and often referred to as the "Shanghai Ranking." It ranks over 1000 universities globally based on several objective indicators, with a strong emphasis on research output and quality. The ranking has historically been dominated by institutions from the United States, such as Harvard University, Stanford University, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, along with prestigious British universities like the University of Cambridge and the University of Oxford. Its focus on measurable research excellence has made it a standard reference point in discussions of global higher education competitiveness.

Methodology and criteria

The methodology of the Academic Ranking of World Universities is noted for its transparency and reliance on third-party data. Key criteria include the number of alumni and staff winning Nobel Prizes and Fields Medals, the number of highly cited researchers identified by Clarivate, and research output published in journals such as *Nature* and *Science*. It also measures per capita academic performance. This objective, output-focused approach contrasts with other major rankings like the QS World University Rankings and the Times Higher Education World University Rankings, which incorporate reputational surveys and teaching environment metrics.

Other rankings and publications

Beyond the ARWU, the organization publishes the ShanghaiRanking's Global Ranking of Academic Subjects, which assesses universities in over 50 disciplines from Engineering to Social Sciences. It also produces the ShanghaiRanking's Academic Excellence Survey and rankings focused on specific sectors, such as the ShanghaiRanking's Best Chinese Universities Ranking. Furthermore, it releases the ShanghaiRanking's World Top 100 Scientists list, based on citation impact data from Elsevier's Scopus database, highlighting influential researchers across various fields.

Reception and impact

The rankings have received significant attention from governments, including those in France, Germany, and Russia, which have used them to shape national higher education policies and excellence initiatives like Germany's Excellence Initiative. Many universities, such as Fudan University and University of Melbourne, explicitly cite their position in strategic plans. While praised for its methodological rigor, it has also been criticized for reinforcing the prestige of established, research-intensive universities in the English-speaking world and potentially disadvantaging institutions strong in the Humanities or with a more regional focus.

Organization and operations

The organization operates as an independent, for-profit consultancy based in Shanghai. While it maintains historical and intellectual ties to Shanghai Jiao Tong University, it functions autonomously. Its team of analysts and researchers collects data from sources like Clarivate's Web of Science and InCites platform. The consultancy also engages in bespoke research projects and provides advisory services to universities and government bodies seeking to improve their international standing and research performance.

Category:Organizations based in Shanghai Category:University rankings Category:Educational organizations established in 2009