The University of Aberdeen has been ranked within the top 10% globally and 2nd in the UK in the Times Higher Education Interdisciplinary Science Rankings 2026.
The rankings measures university performance in three areas: inputs (funding); process (measures of success, facilities, administrative support and promotion); and outputs (publications, research quality and reputation).
The ranking – a project in association with Schmidt Science Fellows - was created to improve scientific excellence and collaboration across disciplines and aims to help institutions benchmark their interdisciplinary scientific work.
This year, in response to university engagement and feedback, the interdisciplinary scope has been broadened to cover any research project that comprises multiple scientific disciplines, or one or more scientific disciplines combined with one or more of the following non-STEM disciplines: social sciences, education, psychology, law, economics, or medical and health.
“Interdisciplinary research is central to the University’s ambition, as outlined in our Aberdeen 2040 strategic vision, and I am delighted to see this reflected in the latest THE Interdisciplinary Science Rankings,” said Professor Nick Forsyth, Senior Vice-Principal (Acting) and Vice-Principal (Research) at the University of Aberdeen. “This achievement is a testament to the strength of our research community and to the collaborative work supported through the Interdisciplinary Institute.”
While only five UK institutions have participated in the rankings, it is worth noting that the University has maintained its top 10% standing despite an additional 100 global institutions taking part this year – 87th out of 911 in total.
More information - https://www.timeshighereducation.com/world-university-rankings/interdisciplinary-science-rankings-2026-methodology