The quality of universities is often assessed using rankings. However, an international initiative aims to raise awareness of the fact that these rankings do not capture all of an institution's strengths. Now, the universities of Oldenburg and Bremen have joined the initiative together.
'We are more than just a position in a ranking' – this is something that the University of Oldenburg firmly believes in. The university has therefore joined an initiative launched in 2022 by the International Network of Research Management Societies (INORMS). Rather than viewing university rankings as the primary measure of success, this initiative promotes a broader view of the quality and impact of universities.
The University of Oldenburg joined the initiative in close coordination with the University of Bremen. The two universities have a long-standing history of cooperation, which includes the joint foundation of the Northwest Alliance.
„By joining the INORMS initiative, 'More Than Our Rank', we are expressing our belief that the quality of a university's research, studies, teaching, knowledge transfer and many other areas cannot be expressed by a single number in a ranking list. Social, technological and scientific achievements in particular are often inadequately reflected in such lists. The same ist true for the the culture of a university," explained University President Prof. Dr Ralph Bruder on the occasion of signing up.
The MTOR initiative does not oppose university rankings per se. However, it advocates taking a critical look at them and recognising that the achievements, activities and ambitions of universities worldwide extend beyond the criteria used to compile the rankings. 'The University of Oldenburg strives for quality and excellence, but we don't want to create parameters just for the sake of it,' emphasises Prof. Dr Ralf Grüttemeier, Vice President for Research and Transfer. 'Our guiding principles are cooperation and social impact, not the battle for points.'
The initiative aims to promote alternative assessment approaches that focus on social impact, diversity, and sustainability. Universities are encouraged to showcase their unique strengths and missions.
