- Texas A&M University at Qatar takes the number one spot
- Three countries are featured in the top five
- Table is an early indication of what a full MENA ranking may look like, and is based on just one of Times Higher Education's respected university rankings indicators, examining research impact
- Table released ahead of MENA universities summit on 23rd and 24th February, where the criteria for the first full Times Higher Education MENA rankings will be discussed
- Table uses academic publication data from Times Higher Education's new rankings research data provider, Elsevier, using its Scopus database and SciVal analytics tool
- Places still left to attend the Summit in Qatar and help shape the future of university rankings in the Middle East and North Africa
Today respected global higher education experts, Times Higher Education, can exclusively reveal a snapshot of what its first ever ranking devoted to universities in the Middle East and North Africa could look like.
The table, which reveals the top five universities in the region for research excellence, sees Texas A&M University at Qatar take the number one spot, whilst Qatar University holds fourth.
It is also good news for Lebanon, which also holds two of the top five places, with Lebanese American University in second and American University of Beirut in fifth.
Saudi Arabia holds one place in the top five, with King Abdulaziz University in third.
Times Higher Education MENA Universities Snapshot: Top Five
Copyright Times Higher Education. Data source: Elsevier's Scopus
Rank | Institution | Country |
1 | Texas A&M University at Qatar | QATAR |
2 | Lebanese American University | LEBANON |
3 | King Abdulaziz University | SAUDI ARABIA |
4 | Qatar University | QATAR |
5 | American University of Beirut | LEBANON |
The top five has been formulated using just one of Times Higher Education's respected rankings indicators - research impact, based on Elsevier's Scopus database - and is designed to highlight some of the region's top performers ahead of the magazine's inaugural MENA universities summit, which is happening on 23rd and 24th February 2015 in Doha, Qatar.
In partnership with the global thought leaders and academics in attendance, the event, which is part of the prestigious Times Higher Education World Summit Series and is being co-hosted with Qatar University, will feature an open consultation session on proposals for a full Times Higher Education MENA University Ranking.
The Summit will be the first major public consultation on the THE MENA rankings, which will be based on the foundations of Times Higher Education's flagship World University Rankings, but will feature a bespoke range of metrics for the region.
The aim of the consultation is to enable the publication, which is the world's leading authority on higher education, to identify new metrics which would help to reflect different regional priorities and university missions - such as a greater focus on teaching and learning or graduate employment.
An official THE MENA ranking is expected to be published next year, combining the research impact indicator revealed today, with a wider range of performance metrics.
Additionally, the Summit will include sessions on university leadership, international research collaboration, industry-university collaboration and teaching excellence.
Speakers at the Summit, which is being held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al-Thani, Deputy Emir of the State of Qatar, will include:
· Professor Alice Gast, President of Imperial College London
· Phil Baty, editor of the Times Higher Education rankings
· M'hamed El Aisati, director of Content & Analytics, Research Management for THE data providers Elsevier
· Dr Jean Lou Chameau, the former leader of world number one university, Caltech, and current president of Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah University of Science and Technology
· Dr Alfred Bloom, vice chancellor of New York University Abu Dhabi
· Dr Jamil Salmi, Global Tertiary Education Expert, formerly of World Bank
Phil Baty, editor of the Times Higher Education World University Rankings, said: "Times Higher Education has become the leading source of intelligence and insight on higher education and research globally. We are delighted to be able to bring together some of the world's most exciting thinkers - across teaching, research, business and policymaking - for high-level debate, sharing best practice and networking under the banner of our prestigious summit series.
"The Middle East has a dynamic and exciting higher education, research and innovation sector, with huge challenges but also huge opportunities. With some countries in the region becoming exciting global hubs for international students and making a serious investment in building research infrastructure, and with mounting evidence of serious pockets of research excellence emerging in key fields in the region, there is room for optimism that we are witnessing an exciting knowledge-fuelled revival for the region."
"The first-ever THE MENA Universities Summit is a wonderful and timely opportunity to bring global thought leaders together, to share good practice and forge new partnerships, and to help ensure that the great vision is fully realised."
Qatar University president Prof Sheikha Abdulla Al-Misnad said: "This Summit comes at a time when QU is becoming a leader in academic excellence and the fastest-growing university for research in the region. We are pleased to co-host this important forum which will give MENA universities the opportunity to share their experiences and aspirations towards improved rankings and international reputation. It also allows institutions from outside the region to better appreciate the particular dynamics of higher education in the region. We look forward to the vibrant discussions that will emanate from these sessions and the recommendations that will emerge that MENA university leaders could apply in their future planning at their respective institutions."
In the spirit of holding a truly open consultation with regards to the Times Higher Education MENA rankings, Times Higher Education is still welcoming registrations to attend from stakeholders across the sector.
-Ends-
To see a full list of speakers and to register to attend, visit: www.theworldsummitseries.com/THEMENAUS2015
© Press Release 2015
