Exploring the Rankings of Agricultural UniversitiesAs one of the most important sectors in many countries, agriculture has been given significant attention in establishing educational institutions and programs to support research and development in this field. Agricultural universities play a crucial role in producing skilled human resources, carrying out agricultural research, and disseminating information to the community. The rankings of agricultural universities give an indication of how well these institutions perform in terms of research, teaching, and impact. In this article, we will explore different rankings of agricultural universities to gain insight into their performance and standing on a global level.
Rankings Based on Research ExcellenceOne of the most common methods of ranking agricultural universities is based on their research output in various fields of agriculture, such as plant sciences, food science, animal sciences, soil science, and agricultural economics. The QS World University Rankings by Subject is one of the most well-known rankings that assesses universities based on their research quality, employer reputation, and academic impact. According to the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2021, the top three agricultural universities globally are:
China Agricultural University
University of California, Davis
Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
Another ranking system that focuses on research excellence is the ShanghaiRanking's Global Ranking of Academic Subjects. This ranking considers the number of papers published, the number of papers published in top journals, and the total number of citations. In the field of agricultural sciences, the top three universities according to the ShanghaiRanking's Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2020 are:
China Agricultural University
University of California, Davis
Wageningen University & Research
Rankings Based on Teaching QualityTeaching quality is another significant factor in ranking agricultural universities. The Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings by Subject assesses universities based on several indicators, including teaching reputation, research quality, and impact. The top three agricultural universities according to the THE World University Rankings by Subject 2021 are:
University of California, Davis
Cornell University
China Agricultural University
The QS World University Rankings by Subject also includes an indicator for academic reputation, which reflects the global esteem of the university based on research and teaching quality. According to the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2021, the top three agricultural universities in terms of academic reputation are:
University of California, Davis
Cornell University
The University of Tokyo
Rankings Based on Social ImpactAnother factor that is becoming increasingly important in assessing the performance of agricultural universities is their social impact. The Times Higher Education (THE) University Impact Rankings evaluates universities based on their contributions to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The SDGs related to agriculture and food security include SDG 2: Zero Hunger, SDG 12: Responsible consumption and production, and SDG 13: Climate Action. The top three agricultural universities according to the THE University Impact Rankings 2021 are:
University of Wageningen
University of California, Davis
China Agricultural University
The UI GreenMetric World University Rankings is another ranking system that assesses universities based on their commitment and actions toward sustainability. The top three agricultural universities according to the UI GreenMetric World University Rankings 2020 are:
University of Wageningen
University of Bonn
University of Hohenheim
Concluding RemarksIn conclusion, rankings of agricultural universities provide valuable insights into their performance and standing on a global level. The top-ranked universities are recognized for their research excellence, teaching quality, and social impact. However, it is important to note that different ranking systems use different methodologies and indicators, and no single system can comprehensively evaluate the quality of agricultural education. Future rankings should consider additional factors such as innovation and entrepreneurship in agriculture, partnerships with the industry, and the impact of graduates in the job market.