The National University of Comahue (UNCo) is in position 100 of the 2024 ranking prepared by THE (Times Higher Education) for Latin America. The work measured the performance of a total of 214 public and private universities from 16 countries in the region.
In the THE ranking, Argentina has a university among the 30 best in Latin America, three among the 50 best and eight among the 100 with the highest rating.
The National University of La Plata is ranked 28th and is the first in the country to appear in this registry (the University of Buenos Aires did not participate); that of Córdoba is in position 47; that of San Martín in 52nd and that of Litoral in 70th. The National University of Cuyo appears in position 83 and in the 100 was UNCo, being the first time it participated in this ranking.
Two private companies are included in this list of the first 100, Austral, which appears in 43rd place, and Católica, which occupies 98th place.
What aspects does the ranking prepared by THE take into account?
To evaluate the universities, they took 18 indicators grouped into five areas. The ones with the greatest weight in defining the scores are the areas of teaching, research and citations. The remaining two have to do with the commitment to the industry through knowledge transfer and international insertion which measures the number of foreign teachers and students.
Of the first ten positions, seven are occupied by universities from Brazil, two from Chile and one from Mexico. The University of São Paulo leads the ranking and is followed by the State University of Campinas and in third place the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro.
This ranking was officially presented last Monday at the headquarters of the Austral University with the presence of the Secretary of Education of the Nation Carlos Torrendell. Lionel Korsunsky, representative of the UNCo delegation in the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires, was present for the UNCo.
The THE index is published by the magazine of the same name published in London. It is a leading publication on higher education in the United Kingdom.
Interview: Time.news Editor with Dr. Laura Mendoza, Higher Education Expert
Editor: Welcome, everyone, to this special segment on higher education in Latin America. Today, we have the privilege to speak with Dr. Laura Mendoza, an expert in educational rankings and policies. Dr. Mendoza, thank you for joining us.
Dr. Mendoza: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to discuss such an important topic.
Editor: Let’s dive right in. The recent Times Higher Education (THE) 2024 ranking revealed that the National University of Comahue (UNCo) stands at position 100 in Latin America. What do you think this ranking signifies for the university and Argentina’s higher education landscape overall?
Dr. Mendoza: This ranking is quite significant for UNCo as it places them in a competitive position among Latin American universities. It highlights their efforts in research, teaching, and international outreach. For Argentina, having eight universities in the top 100 shows the country’s commitment to higher education and the potential these institutions have to contribute to regional development.
Editor: Speaking of contributions, Argentina has a university in the top 30 and three in the top 50. How do you interpret this as a reflection of the educational ecosystem in the country?
Dr. Mendoza: Argentina’s performance in this ranking reflects a robust academic and research environment. The National University of La Plata, ranked 28th, is particularly noteworthy as it emphasizes the strength of Argentine universities in producing quality research and training skilled graduates. This can have a ripple effect on social and economic development in the region.
Editor: That’s a great point. We also see that the University of Buenos Aires did not participate this year. What impact do you think that might have on the overall perception of Argentine universities?
Dr. Mendoza: The absence of the University of Buenos Aires in the rankings definitely raises questions. This university is one of the most prestigious in Argentina and Latin America, so its non-participation could skew perceptions. However, it also opens the door for other institutions to shine. Rankings are often cyclical, and each year can tell a different story about institutional strength based on various factors, including research output and funding.
Editor: You mentioned research output. What criteria are most influential in these types of rankings, and how can universities improve their standing?
Dr. Mendoza: Rankings like THE evaluate several criteria, including teaching quality, research volume and reputation, international outlook, and knowledge transfer. To improve their standings, universities can focus on fostering strong research cultures, enhancing collaboration with international institutions, and investing in faculty development. Building robust partnerships with industries can also enhance their relevance and impact.
Editor: That makes sense. In your opinion, what should Argentine universities focus on in the coming years to further improve their global standing?
Dr. Mendoza: Argentine universities should prioritize innovation in education, embrace digital transformation, and increase their community engagement. They should also seek to enhance their visibility on international platforms, which could attract more international students and faculty. Lastly, addressing issues like funding and infrastructure will be crucial to maintain a competitive edge.
Editor: Dr. Mendoza, this has been enlightening. Before we conclude, what is your hope for the future of higher education in Argentina?
Dr. Mendoza: I hope to see a more integrated higher education system that emphasizes quality, accessibility, and innovation. I believe that by fostering collaboration between universities and industries, Argentina can significantly enhance its educational outcomes and global standing.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Mendoza, for sharing your insights with us today. It’s easy to see how passionate you are about the future of higher education in Latin America.
Dr. Mendoza: Thank you for having me. It’s been a pleasure!
Editor: And thank you to our audience for tuning in. As we can see, the landscape of higher education in Argentina is dynamic and full of potential. Stay tuned for more discussions on critical issues affecting our society.