Since its first release in June 2003, ARWU has generated a global following for its transparent and consistent ranking methodology. Prof. LIU Nian Cai, the founder of ARWU, explained: Historically, academic performance, prestige and standing vis-à-vis other institutions have always been amongst the foremost concerns of leading universities. National governments are taking specific measures to promote and support the creation of world-class universities. ARWU has been widely cited and employed as a starting point for identifying national strengths and weaknesses as well as facilitating reform and setting up new initiatives.

 

    "Objectivity, transparency, accuracy and consistency are key to any successful ranking," said Dr. CHENG Ying, who currently plays a major role in ARWU development. Dr. Cheng continued, "in addition to the overall and broad subject field rankings, we introduced subject rankings for the first time. The subjects for the 2009 ranking are chemistry, computer science, economics, mathematics, and physics".

 

    Starting from 2009, the ARWU has been published by ShanghaiRanking Consultancy. Besides ARWU, ShanghaiRanking Consultancy will provide various global comparisons and in-depth analyses of research universities that support relevant decision making by national governments and universities in a global context.

    The rankings are updated annually. A complete list of the rankings can be found at the Academic Ranking of World Universities website at http://www.arwu.org/.

 

    Center for World-Class Universities of Shanghai Jiao Tong University and ShanghaiRanking Consultancy.

    Center for World-Class Universities of Shanghai Jiao Tong University (CWCU): CWCU has been focusing on the study of world-class universities for many years, published the first Chinese-language book titled world-class universities and co-published the first English titled world-class universities with European Centre for Higher Education of UNESCO. CWCU initiated the "First International Conference on World-Class Universities" (WCU-1) in 2005 and organizes the conference every second year, which attracts a large number of participants from all major countries. CWCU endeavors to build databases of major research universities in the world and clearinghouse of literature on world-class universities, and provide consultation for governments and universities.

    Press contact: Dr. CHENG Ying ranking@sjtu.edu.cn