Israeli universities have once again demonstrated their world-class status, with three of their institutions ranking among the top 100 academic institutions worldwide. The Weizmann Institute of Science, the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology in Haifa have all secured places in the 2024 Shanghai Ranking, widely considered one of the most authoritative global university rankings.

The Weizmann Institute leads the Israeli group and secures 69th place worldwide, only slipping one place compared to last year. It is noteworthy that the Weizmann Institute offers only graduate programs, which sets it apart from its competitors.

The Hebrew University of Jerusalem has made great strides, climbing to 81st place in the ranking of the best universities in the world, making it the highest-ranking Israeli university offering bachelor’s degree programs. Last year, the Hebrew University was ranked 86th, behind the Technion.

This year, the Technion ranks 85th on the list of the world’s best academic institutions, a slight drop from last year’s 79th place. However, it holds a strong 11th place among the world’s leading technical universities. The Shanghai Ranking is widely considered the gold standard for evaluating higher education institutions worldwide.

The Hebrew University of Jerusalem has moved up five places this year and is now ranked 81st among the top 100 universities in the world according to the 2024 Shanghai Ranking!

Professor Asher Cohen, President of the Hebrew University: “The presence of three Israeli universities in the… pic.twitter.com/0UGfSRGQET

— Hebrew University (@HebrewU) 15 August 2024

The first three places were taken by US strongholds: Harvard University, Stanford University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology. The annual Shanghai ranking is valued in academic circles for its reliability. The ranking assesses the quality of research at academic institutions according to various indicators, including the number of faculty members and graduates who have received Nobel Prizes and Fields Medals, as well as the volume and quality of publications in leading journals. The comprehensive ranking includes about 2,500 universities. Among the top 100 institutions, 38 are from the US, 14 from China, 8 from the UK, 5 from Australia, 4 each from France and Germany, 3 from Canada and, as highlighted, 3 from Israel.

Professor Asher Cohen, President of the Hebrew University, acknowledged this achievement but also expressed concerns about the current state of Israeli higher education. His remarks come against a backdrop of strained relations with Education Minister and Chairman of the Council for Higher Education, Yoav Kisch, and looming budget cuts. “The presence of three Israeli universities on the list of the world’s top 100 universities is an extraordinary achievement, especially in such a challenging and complex year. The rise of the Hebrew University to 81st place in the most prestigious international ranking is a testament to our tireless commitment to groundbreaking research and our pursuit of excellence,” said Professor Cohen.

He added: “We are immensely proud of and grateful to our researchers and administrative staff. Their commitment to promoting excellent research remains constant every day despite internal and external challenges, at a time when some parts of society view scientific truth and human progress as arbitrary events. We remain true to our role as the preeminent civil institution for Jerusalem, a cornerstone of the State of Israel, and a source of international pride.”

Professor Uri Sivan, President of the Technion, echoed this sentiment: “Our consistent placement in the Shanghai rankings confirms the Technion’s position among the best technical universities in the world. The Technion, like its Israeli counterparts, competes on the global stage with universities that are often older, larger and better funded. Our success, even in this latest index summarizing 2023 – one of our most challenging years – is remarkable. The inclusion of three Israeli academic institutions in the list of the world’s top 100 universities is an overwhelming endorsement of Israeli science and universities and a source of national pride.”