Türkiye Strengthens Its Global Standing in Interdisciplinary Science Rankings
By Bosphorus News ·
Türkiye has achieved a significant leap in global research visibility, according to the 2026 Interdisciplinary Science Rankings (ISR) published by Times Higher Education (THE) in collaboration with the Schmidt Science Fellows.
The ISR evaluated 911 universities across 94 countries and assessed institutions based on their ability to conduct research across multiple scientific disciplines—such as natural sciences, engineering, life sciences, and computer science.
With 82 universities listed, Türkiye secured the second-highest number of participating institutions behind only India—surpassing even the United States in this measure.
Among Turkish institutions:
Koç University achieved the highest ranking for Türkiye at Rank 28 globally.
Istanbul Technical University (ITU) was placed at Rank 60.
Middle East Technical University (METU) ranked 62nd.
Sabancı University ranked 66th, followed by Bilkent University and Boğaziçi University tied at 81st.
These results highlight Türkiye’s growing capacity for interdisciplinary research and international competitiveness of its higher education institutions.
The ISR uses a blend of input, process and output indicators. Inputs cover institutional capacity (e.g., funding for interdisciplinary work, organisational structures). Processes look at research environment and collaboration networks. Outputs include publication volume, citation impact, and researcher-peer evaluations.
Türkiye Today
Türkiye’s higher education institutions are being increasingly recognized in international research assessments.
A stronger interdisciplinary research profile supports national goals of innovation, competitiveness and high-technology growth. For example, Türkiye’s R&D spending rose from 0.47% of GDP in 2000 to about 1.40% in 2023.
Talent and collaboration: Higher rankings can attract international partnerships, funding and talented researchers to Türkiye’s universities.
While Türkiye’s performance is noteworthy, analysts caution that participation numbers alone are not sufficient; sustained investment, international collaboration and publication impact are key to translating rankings into broader scientific and economic benefits. According to related subject-ranking data, for example, Turkish universities appeared in 44 of 78 ranked academic fields in the 2024-25 subject rankings.
For Türkiye to maintain and build on these gains, further strengthening of research infrastructure, interdisciplinary centres, and higher international visibility will be essential.
*** Source: Adapted from reporting by Türkiye Today and publicly available university and ranking data.
*** By: BosphorusNews Desk
*** Image: İsmail Efe Top