The Times Higher Education organization has introduced a new ranking to evaluate universities’ scientific achievements and excellence in interdisciplinary fields. In the first-ever THE Interdisciplinary Science Rankings, published on November 21, 2024, the University of Szeged shows a high standing: ranking in the 251–300 range globally and securing the top position in Hungary.
In collaboration with the prestigious Schmidt Science Fellows postdoctoral fellowship program, Times Higher Education has developed a groundbreaking new ranking for interdisciplinary scientific research. Published on November 21, 2024, the THE Interdisciplinary Science Rankings 2025 is the first ranking to showcase universities’ commitment to and excellence in interdisciplinary fields and disciplines.
This latest THE ranking highlights the University of Szeged’s outstanding achievements in interdisciplinary sciences, recognizing it as the best Hungarian university on the newly published list of excellent institutions. Of the seven Hungarian universities featured, five received placements, with the University of Szeged earning the top spot nationally. Globally, the university is among the top 300 universities, ranking in the 251–300 range.
The University of Szeged prioritizes fostering fruitful collaborations across various fields:
“Our university boasts a broad portfolio in education, research, and the arts, complemented by cutting-edge infrastructure, state-of-the-art instrument platforms, and a supportive, inspiring research environment,” says Prof. Dr. Zoltán Kónya, Vice-Rector for Scientific Affairs and Innovation.
“The University of Szeged is unique in Hungary in that it is home to the Interdisciplinary Centre for Excellence in Research, Development, and Innovation (IKIKK), which brings together and supports the university’s most outstanding researchers, research efforts, and projects. At IKIKK, experts from diverse fields collaborate to address specific scientific challenges, producing cross-disciplinary results that may be effectively translated into societal and economic benefits,” adds the Vice-Rector, who also oversees professional matters at IKIKK.
For the ranking, institutions are evaluated based on 11 performance indicators, representing the three phases of the research project lifecycle: inputs, process, and outputs. The indicators cover interdisciplinary research and industrial funding (19%), available infrastructure and support services (16%), and the quality and recognition of interdisciplinary research outcomes (65%).
“Through continuous development, the University of Szeged effectively addresses the latest challenges. While successfully meeting emerging needs at both national and international levels, the university not only contributes to solving local and global problems but also works to meet societal demands and actively shapes its environment,” says Prof. Dr. Ildikó Csóka, Director General for Strategic Planning at the University of Szeged and Head of Operations at the Centre of Excellence for Interdisciplinary Research, Development and Innovation.
The THE Interdisciplinary Science Rankings 2025 list is topped by two American institutions, with MIT in first place, Stanford University in second, followed by Singapore’s National University of Singapore in third.
The full list is available here.
Original Hungarian text by SZTEinfo
Feature photo: The main building of the University of Szeged at Dugonics Square
Photo by Ádám Kovács-Jerney
