General University News
Stony Brook University Achieves Highest Ranking Ever in "Top 200 World Universities" International Report

STONY BROOK, N.Y., October 16, 2008 – Stony Brook University achieved its highest ranking to date among universities worldwide, according to the 2008 edition of the "Top 200  World Universities" published by Times Higher Education – QS World University Ranking, announced President Shirley Strum Kenny. According to the report, Stony Brook University’s strong research, international academic esteem and attractiveness to international students contributed to its ranking 127th in the world. In addition, Stony Brook ranks in the top 100 in Natural Sciences (70) and Arts & Humanities (91).

The Academic Mall at Stony Brook University

"This is a proud occasion for Stony Brook University," said President Shirley Strum Kenny. "This recognition is important because it brings to light the quality and quantity of work put forth by our researchers, and highlights Stony Brook’s relationship with the international academic community. These are areas of significant focus, and it is gratifying to be recognized on an international level by Times Higher Education."

Produced from a peer review in which more than 6,000 academics around the world took part, as did more than 2,000 employers of graduates, Times Higher Education Rankings are, among other criteria, based on statistical measures such as the ratio of faculty members to students. Also considered in the evaluation process is research strength, quantified by how often faculty members’ are published (9,808 articles published by Stony Brook faculty) and cited (72,372 citations by Stony Brook faculty) in academic journals. Stony Brook University is among 58 universities in the United States (and the only SUNY campus) ranked in the world’s top 200 universities; 29 are in the UK; 32 nations have at least one institution in the top 200.
 
According to Ann Mroz, editor of Times Higher Education, governments around the world want top universities because they drive economic growth and innovation. They also promote a country’s cultural values around the world.

"These Rankings measure universities’ international impact among other academics and employers, and their ability to attract the best staff and students from around the world," said Mroz. "They are the source which universities and governments use to see how well their institutions are doing on the world stage."

Part of the State University of New York system, Stony Brook University encompasses 200 buildings on 1,600 acres. In the 50 years since its founding, the University has grown tremendously, now with nearly 24,000 students and 2,100 faculty, and is recognized as one of the nation’s important centers of learning and scholarship. It is a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities, and ranks among the top 100 national universities in America and among the top 50 public national universities in the country according to the 2008 U.S. News & World Report survey. Considered one of the “flagship” campuses in the SUNY system, Stony Brook University is a driving force of the Long Island economy, with an annual economic impact of $4.65 billion, generating nearly 60,000 jobs. Stony Brook accounts for nearly four percent of all economic activity in Nassau and Suffolk counties, and roughly 7.5 percent of total jobs in Suffolk County.

The full rankings can be accessed at www.timeshighereducation.co.uk.  

© Copyright 2008 by Stony Brook University