More Than Our Rank
What makes us more than our rank
Leiden University often finishes high in the rankings of ‘best universities’ in the world. These league tables are usually compiled by private organisations active in international higher education and research.
But these rankings are widely criticised – by UNESCO, Universities of the Netherlands and international researchers who specialise in assessing the quality of research and education, including experts at our own Centre for Science and Technology Studies (CWTS).
League tables offer a limited view of a university’s overall quality. They rely on data and methodologies that are not fully transparent, and a position on such a list says little about our performance or ambitions, whether in isolation or in comparison with other universities.
That is why, together with many universities worldwide, we say: We are MUCH more than our rank!
In practice, this means that we do not see rankings as the definitive measure of the quality of our research and teaching. If you are choosing a degree programme or exploring potential partnerships, we encourage you to look beyond the rankings and explore who we are as an institution. Read on to find out what sets us apart.
Leiden University
Leiden University is a broad-based, internationally oriented university. Across seven faculties and three campuses in two cities – Leiden and The Hague – we bring together disciplines to deliver pioneering research and world-class teaching.
What makes us unique
We place great value on freedom of thought, inquiry and speech. Our motto reflects this: Praesidium Libertatis, bastion of freedom. Learn more about what makes our university unique and what we have stood for for over 450 years.
Our impact
Through our research and teaching, we contribute to a better world. We actively engage in academic and public debate, seeking answers to economic and societal challenges –locally, regionally and globally.
Five interdisciplinary domains
Our research and teaching take place within five interdisciplinary domains, each with three themes.
Studying at Leiden University
Our alumni make a difference as academic professionals and engaged global citizens, helping to address complex societal challenges. Learn more about our programmes and our vision on teaching and learning.
Research infrastructure
We want our researchers to focus fully on their work. That’s why we provide access to state-of-the-art computing systems and support. Our research infrastructure is also available to partners from industry, research institutes and other universities.
Strategic partnerships
Collaboration is essential to achieving our ambitions. Discover our partners at local, regional, national and international level.
Academia in Motion
League tables rely on universal criteria that fail to reflect the ambitions of the Academia in Motion movement. Learn more about how we are building an open academic community with a strong focus on recognition and reward.
Want to know more about rankings and how Leiden University approaches them?
See, for example:
- Rankings and Accountability in Higher Education (UNESCO) (2011)
- San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA) (2013)
- Leiden Manifesto for Research Metrics (2015)
- CWTS: 10 Principles for the Responsible Use of University Rankings (2017)
- INORMS Research Evaluation Group (2016-present) and the ‘More Than Our Rank’ initiative (2022)
- Agreement on Reforming Research Assessment (COARA) (2022)
- Recommendations from the Universities of the Netherlands’ expert group on rankings: Ranking the university. On the effects of rankings on the academic community and how to overcome them (2023)
- Barcelona Declaration on Open Research Information (2024)