In 2022, Utrecht University made headlines by stepping away
from the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings. The Dutch
institution cited concerns that global rankings are overly reductionist,
lacking in transparency, and misaligned with its values, particularly its focus
on collaboration, open science, and long-term social impact.
But opting out didn’t end the conversation.
When the latest rankings were released without Utrecht’s
name, the university faced a flood of questions. Students, staff, and partners
wanted to know: Where would Utrecht have landed if it had taken part?
In response, the university issued a public statement
explaining its absence and, somewhat paradoxically, pointed to past performance
to give a sense of where it might have ranked. The message was clear: while
Utrecht rejects the premise of global rankings, it still understands their pull
and the need to reassure stakeholders about its standing.
The episode reveals a deeper tension: even for institutions
that challenge the value of rankings, their influence is hard to ignore.
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