Cape varsities in research top 10
THREE Western Cape universities have been ranked among the top 10 in Africa in terms of research influence.
UCT was ranked number one in the top 15 African universities for research excellence table, which was revealed by Times Higher Education this week, while Stellenbosch University took fourth place and the University of the Western Cape seventh.
The rankings were based on how much African universities’ research papers were referred to and cited by other academics across the globe.
To be included, an institution had to have published a minimum of 500 research papers in the five-year period assessed, with at least 50 papers a year.
Other South African universities included in the top 15 were: Wits (second), KwaZulu-Natal (fifth), Johannesburg (ninth), Pretoria (11th) and Unisa (13th).
According to a press release, a full table of top 30 universities in Africa is expected to be revealed at the inaugural Times Higher Education Africa Universities Summit, where plans for a full and comprehensive ranking for the region will be discussed.
The summit is scheduled to take place at the University of Johannesburg on July 30 and 31.
UCT spokeswoman Patricia Lucas said the university was pleased to be placed among the leaders in the ranking and to be one of eight South African universities ranked among the top 15.
“This good performance sends the message that South Africans can get a worldclass education at home. Prospective students and staff the world over use the rankings to decide where to study and work.”
UCT was also ranked among the top 20 in the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) University Rankings: Brics 2015, released on Wednesday, which compares the top 400 institutions in Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.
UCT was ranked 14th, down five places from last year. Other South African universities in the top 100 are: Wits (28th), Stellenbosch ( 34th), Pretoria ( 49th), Johannesburg ( 67th), KwaZulu- Natal (68th), Rhodes (69th) and UWC (100th). The top ranked institution was China’s Tsinghua University.