IO, Surabaya – Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS) is making progress in its quest to become a World Class University (WCU), as proven by its inclusion in the Times Higher Education (THE) “2019 World Class University” ranking for the first time. ITS’ inclusion in the ranking puts it among some of the best universities in the world.
THE is one of the most credible indices in evaluating university performance, specifically for top universities in the world. In 2019, THE published its THE World Class University ranking. In this year’s ranking, more than 1,250 universities from 86 countries were listed as the world’s best. The list included ITS and four other Indonesian universities.
ITS Deputy Rector I for Academic and Student Affairs Prof. Dr. Ir. Hero Setyawan M.Eng stated he was very proud and happy, in light of the achievement, as it was the first time ITS had received a ranking.
ITS was able to fulfill essential requirements in order to qualify for the ranking, including reaching the number of targeted journals published, indexed by Scopus or Web of Science. “There have been significant increases in these last two years,” said Heru.
One of the keys to ITS’ success in increasing its scientific publications, included increasing funding for research at four times the previous amount. “(This) resulted in a conducive atmosphere for lecturers and students to carry out research,” said the ITS Chemical Engineer professor.
The Hiroshima University, Japan alumnus, added that in order to ensure that the funded research was executed well, students were allowed to become research assistants. “Research assistants are expected to become the driving force behind research in ITS.”
Another strategy implemented by the university, stated the Madiun born professor, was the granting of scholarships to high-achieving fresh graduates whom they hoped would increase journal publication contributions.
Heru added that ITS also gave incentives to academics who succeeded in publishing in the indexed journals well. ITS is planning on improving its branding and networking with universities abroad, in order to further polish its reputation.
THE also released their rankings of universities from developing nations. In the list were 422 universities from 43 nations, including four Indonesian universities and ITS sitting at rank 251-300. As for its 2019 World Class University ranking, ITS sits at 1001+. (ITS Public Relations)