University of Bremen is launching an initiative for a new evaluation of universities

University of Bremen is launching an initiative for a new evaluation of universities

The University of Bremen has joined the international initiative “More than our rank” which was launched in 2022 by the International Network of Research Management Societies (INORMS). This initiative was developed in response to the problematic aspects of global university rankings and aims to promote a more balanced understanding of the quality and impact of universities.

In close coordination with the University of Oldenburg, the University of Bremen joined the initiative. Professor Michal Kucera, Vice President for Research and Transfer at the University of Bremen, emphasizes the need for responsible evaluation of universities. The initiative criticizes the one-sided focus on rankings that simply reduce academic achievements to a number.

A call for change

The aim of the initiative goes beyond simply maintaining rank. She calls for a rethink in university policy in order to promote more cooperation than competition. New assessment approaches are required that focus on social impact and sustainability. These ideas find support in large higher education policy organizations, such as the European University Association (EUA) and the YERUN network, of which the University of Bremen is already a member.

The initiative provides a platform for academic institutions to publicly declare that each institution is more than its rank. This applies regardless of whether it is ranked high in certain rankings or not. Academic institutions are invited to highlight their diverse contributions that are not captured in traditional rankings.

The context of the rankings in Germany

At the national level, German universities are influenced by their placement in international rankings; they have to assert themselves in a global competition for talent and cooperation partners. Good rankings are crucial for internationalization and the attractiveness of Germany as a science location HRK.

In order to strengthen the visibility of German universities, the “International University Rankings” service project was launched by the University Rectors’ Conference (HRK) in February 2019. The project aims to improve the international positioning of the German higher education system and supports universities in the informed handling of the data required by ranking providers.

By joining the “More than our Rank” initiative, the University of Bremen is demonstrating its commitment to responsible assessments and a broader definition of institutional success. This commitment is not only important for the positioning of the university, but also reflects a change in the perception of academic achievement. The path to a more sustainable and cooperative university landscape has thus taken another step forward.