Educational News - Maynooth University (MU) has been ranked in the top 50 of the world’s youngest universities

Maynooth University (MU) has been ranked in the top 50 of the world’s youngest universities, the best ever placing for Ireland.

It is 49th in the UK-based Times Higher Education (THE) Young University Rankings, while Dublin City University (DCU) is in the top 100, rising five places this year, to 74th .

Maynooth jumped18 places in a year, credited to particular strength in attracting global talent to its staff and international research collaborations. 

This measure of ‘international outlook’ is one of 13 metrics used in compiling the annual listing -  others include research income achieved, reputation for teaching, number of PhDs awarded and research citations.

The table which expanded in this, its sixth year, to cover the leading 200 institutions under 50 years old, was previously known as the THE 150 Under 50. The  École Polytechnique Fédérale De Lausanne in Switzerland holds the number one position, for the third year in a row. Asia performs well with institutions from Hong Kong, Singapore and South Korea taking five places in the top 10

Phil Baty, who edits the annual, THE World University Rankings editor, congratulated Maynooth for making the top 50 and taking the number one position in Ireland.

He said the Young University Rankings use the same exacting performance indicators as the traditional THE World University Rankings.

MU is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, having been separated out from St Patrick’s College, Maynooth on foot of the Universities Act 1997.  It is a fast-growing university, more than 11,000 students, including almost 1,600 taught postgraduate and professional students and over 400 research students.

Maynooth president Professor Philip Nolan described it as a “proud day” and a “huge endorsement of  the university’s strategy.”

Mr Baty said Maynooth’s performance  as an “exceptional achievement”.  He said the Young University Rankings used the same exacting performance indicators as the World University Rankings.

DCU President, Professor Brian MacCraith said an improved performance for DCU was welcomed as it raised the profile of both the university and Ireland as a destination for international students, international academic staff and institutional research partners.