Avenue

The currency of influence

As we rise another three places in the world to 84th in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026, Professor Rachel Sandison OBE, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, External Engagement and Vice-Principal, External Relations, argues that university rankings are not an optional extra, but an essential measure of influence and a decisive factor in shaping global reputation.

At the University of Glasgow, we are proud of our rich heritage, our global outlook and our unwavering commitment to excellence. But let's be clear: in higher education, reputation and rankings are not optional extras, they are the currency of influence; essential markers of where we stand and drivers of where we aim to be. I believe they matter because they shape how we are seen, open doors to opportunities and fuel our ambition to achieve more.

Rankings, of course, act as a visible shorthand of calibre. They offer a snapshot – albeit a partial one – of how universities are perceived and how they perform across a range of metrics, from research impact and teaching quality to graduate employability and international engagement.

I'm delighted that the University of Glasgow continues to be recognised among the world’s leading universities, consistently featuring in the top 100 of global league tables, which is testament to the efforts of our colleagues, the achievements of our students and the enduring support of our alumni community. There is no doubt that our reputation enhances our competitiveness and underpins many facets of our institutional success.

For prospective students, our league table position offers a reference point in a crowded and competitive landscape. Our inclusion signals quality, credibility and opportunity. When the University is recognised, it sends a clear message: this is a place where excellence is not only expected, but achieved.

Beyond recruitment, rankings can serve as a catalyst for meaningful international partnerships and engagement across our stakeholder audiences. Our position helps to foster collaboration with leading institutions, industry and governments. It helps us build trust, accelerate innovation and help solve shared global challenges. In this way, rankings are not just about prestige but also about purpose. This demands that we remain true to our mission and values.

Our approach to rankings is therefore both strategic and principled. We engage with the methodologies, we celebrate our successes and we use the insights to inform our planning. But we do not allow rankings to define us or to dictate our priorities. Instead, we focus on what truly matters: delivering an outstanding education, advancing world-changing research and nurturing a culture of inclusion and ambition.

"As we continue to rise in global league tables, we do so with a clear understanding that our reputation must be earned and sustained through action.”

It is our responsibility to ensure that the recognition we receive reflects the values we hold and the impact we strive to make – on campus and in our communities across the world.

We also recognise that our reputation is one that has been earned over centuries, shaped by the generations of students, colleagues and alumni whose stories we have told and the societal impact that we collectively delivered. And as we approach our 575th anniversary year, we have a special opportunity to commemorate all those connected with our ‘ancient house’.

You, our #TeamUofG community, are our greatest ambassadors, and both directly benefit from, and contribute to, the University’s strong reputation. Thank you.

Your achievements and commitments are a powerful testament to the quality and character of the institution. Together, we will ensure that the University of Glasgow remains not just one of the best universities in the world, but one of the best universities for the world.

This article was first published October 2025.

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