Ural Federal University: QS Regional Director Noted University Growth in International Rankings

Ural Federal University shows steady growth in QS International Ranking and creates a community of like-minded people in the global competitiveness of Russian higher education. Sergey Khristolyubov, Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) Regional Director for Russia, Eastern Europe and Central Asia, spoke about this at a meeting with Victor Koksharov, Rector of UrFU.

“UrFU has been participating in our flagship ranking of the world’s best universities since 2011 and is now in the top 400 in the 251st position of the world’s best universities. For the first time in its history, UrFU became a member of the top 100 in three subject rankings, it is simply an outstanding achievement. There are very few universities like that in Russia, and it’s great,” said Sergey Khristolyubov.

According to Khristolyubov, apart from the ranking-oriented cooperation, UrFU is also developing academic mobility and cooperation with foreign universities. University experts initiate a dialogue on reputation indicators, publish well-known Russian guides to scientometrics and other useful materials for the global professional community.

“In addition, we see that UrFU invites not only its experts, but also colleagues from other universities to such meetings. Today we spoke with representatives of Tomsk State University and experts from Kazakhstan. This is a club of like-minded people with whom we discuss the most pressing problems of the global competitiveness of Russian higher education,” said Khristolyubov.

The new QS ranking cycle starts in two months. According to the expert, an important role in the development of international partnerships is played by discussions at the Ural Federal University about the positioning of universities on the international stage. This promotes the launch of joint research projects with foreign partners, the opening of joint laboratories, and the development of dialogue on specific subject areas.