In its most comprehensive analysis of the region, Times Higher Education (THE) named the University of the West Indies (The UWI) among the top third universities in Latin America and the Caribbean.
This is the first time that the UWI is included among THE’s world-class universities rankings, coming in at number 37 out of 129 institutions reviewed, from among 10 of the largest and richest countries in the Caribbean and Latin America, such as Brazil, Argentina, and Chile.
The 2018 Latin America University Rankings list released by THE, the prestigious UK based publication, and leading provider of higher education data for the world’s research-led institutions, was compiled using institutional data, including teaching; research; citations/research influence; international outlook; and knowledge transfer.
The UWI ranked 4th for its international agenda and 26th for its research impact.
The rankings come on the heels of the UWI’s new outlook and direction guided by its five-year strategic plan, 2017-2022. Themed the Triple A Strategy, the plan is centred around widening Access to quality tertiary education, greater Alignment of The UWI with academic-industry partnerships relevant to the region’s needs and agility and alertness in engaging global connections and possibilities.
Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sir Hilary Beckles, who is spearheading the university’s preparation for international profiling and comparative assessment, expressed his excitement for this first, excellent official ranking.
“We are now in the ranking business and we understand the matrix. This is exciting stuff. We will rise in the top ten in the next ten years,” he said.
Sir Hilary added that the rating validates the UWI’s strategy of enhancing our regional and global reputation, including the decision to establish an Office of Global Affairs to guide the university towards deepening its regional engagement and expanding its international partnerships and global connections.
