[Catalist] University rankings

[Igor Bray]

Dear Science Teachers,

It was a great delight to participate at the Physics Adventure World last Thursday. I find it very energising to talk to so many young people who are full of energy, enthusiasm and optimism for their future.

One of the stories many enjoyed relates to university rankings. Upon ranking of international Law Schools, Princeton came out ranked around four in the USA. The only problem is that Princeton doesn't have a Law School! I explained that University Rankings is big business these days, and that it is important that they understand how to use them well. It is useful to separate those that are based on prestige and perception from those based on measurable outputs. Being primarily a researcher all of my life, I like those that are based on research impact, such as at http://www.leidenranking.com/ranking/2015. At this site you can choose the discipline area, the country, and percentage or absolute impact. I am particularly pleased that in the In the SKA-related disciplines of "Physical Sciences and Engineering" and "Mathematics and Computer Sciences" Curtin is ranked as high as fifth in Australia.

Please consider educating your students in how university rankings work. This will inform their choices and support their interests when choosing a university, whether nationally or internationally.

With best wishes,

Igor

--
Igor Bray, John Curtin Distinguished Professor
PhD, FAPS, FInstP, FAIP
Head | Physics, Astronomy and Medical Radiation Sciences
Director | Theoretical Physics

Curtin University, GPO Box U1987 Perth, Western Australia 6845
Tel |        +61 8 9266 7747
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Email | I.Bray at curtin.edu.au<applewebdata://88FA8217-EDE9-40F2-B470-C2962A11AFD8/I.Bray@curtin.edu.au>
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