RANKING. The latest Shanghai ranking places University of Gothenburg at the top among Swedish universities in the subject of odontology. In an international comparison, GU ranks 26th worldwide.
This year’s Shanghai ranking is the first to present individual lists for a number of narrower subjects, including odontology. The odontological research and education at the University of Gothenburg has long had a strong position, and is ranked among the very best odontological institutions in the world.
“Of course, it’s very pleasing that we again place so highly in international rankings. It’s proof for everyone at the institute that we conduct very high quality research,” comments Annika Ekestubbe, Head of the Institute of Odontology, who believes that the ranking will be of significance to the institute:
“In the surrounding world, the ranking is important although the measurement methods may have shortcomings. A good ranking strengthens our reputation, not least in cooperation with external partners.”
The University of Gothenburg ranks a clear number one in odontology in Sweden, followed by Karolinska Institutet, Malmö University and Umeå University. The Americans are dominant in the top international list, with the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor leading, followed by five other U.S. universities.
50-year anniversary
The good outcome in the Shanghai ranking comes just in time for the 50-year anniversary of the Institute of Odontology, which will be commemorated with a large celebration in the middle of September. The institute formerly known as the Faculty of Odontology was founded in 1967, and the landmark Odontologist was established as an odontological teaching hospital that also comprised laboratories for translational research. Top professors at the time from around the country were recruited to the newly established faculty who laid the foundation for the research successes. Through Per-Ingvar Brånemark, among others, boundary-breaking research collaboration was established with other faculties and research domains.
An interdisciplinary approach and cooperation with external partners are important cornerstones for the institute. The institute’s strategic research domain comprises biomaterials, inflammation, information technology, hard tissue biology and odontological behavioural science. The institute also has a large educational assignment, and offers programs for new dentists, dental hygienists and dental technicians.
“Today, we are an institute with a considerable focus on education, with relatively few resources for research, but the complete and translational environments at the institute have been and are a success factor,” says Annika Ekestubbe.
The Shanghai ranking’s official name is the Academic Ranking of World Universities. The list was initially published by Shanghai Jiao Tong University, but for the past few years has been published by the independent organization ShanghaiRanking Consultancy. The Shanghai ranking has been a success and is considered to be one of the most reliable rankings of the world’s universities. As for other such lists, the method that decides the rankings is a subject of discussion. The list is based on six indicators, including the number of former students and employees who were awarded a Nobel prize and other major awards within their field, the number of highly cited researchers, and the number of articles in Nature and Science.
Here, you can read the entire list in odontology: http://www.shanghairanking.com/Shanghairanking-Subject-Rankings/dentistry-oral-sciences.html
TEXT: ELIN LINDSTRÖM CLAESSEN
