NTU Singapore Ranked #1 in Singapore and #5 Globally in Times Higher Education Interdisciplinary Science Rankings 2026

Understanding the Times Higher Education Interdisciplinary Science Rankings 2026

The Times Higher Education (THE) Interdisciplinary Science Rankings 2026 represent a pioneering effort to evaluate universities based on their commitment to and success in interdisciplinary science research. Unlike traditional subject-specific rankings, these assess how institutions integrate knowledge across multiple fields—spanning computer science, engineering, life sciences, physical sciences, and now even non-STEM areas like social sciences, psychology, law, economics, and clinical health—to tackle complex global challenges. Released on November 20, 2025, in partnership with the Schmidt Science Fellows, the rankings feature 911 universities from 94 countries and territories, marking a 22% increase in participating institutions from the previous year.

This expansion reflects growing recognition that breakthrough innovations often emerge at the intersection of disciplines. For instance, addressing climate change requires blending environmental science with data analytics and policy expertise. The rankings use 11 metrics across three pillars—inputs, process, and outputs—to provide a holistic view, emphasizing not just publication volume but also institutional support structures and real-world impact through citations.

NTU Singapore's Remarkable Achievement: #1 in Singapore and #5 Worldwide

Nanyang Technological University (NTU) Singapore has solidified its position as a global leader, securing the #1 spot in Singapore and #5 globally in the THE Interdisciplinary Science Rankings 2026. This marks a significant leap from 9th place last year, making NTU the highest-ranked Asian university and the only one from Singapore or Asia in the top five. The top spots are dominated by U.S. powerhouses: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) at #1, Stanford University at #2, California Institute of Technology (Caltech) at #3, and University of California, Berkeley at #4.

NTU's success underscores Singapore's rising prominence in higher education. While the National University of Singapore (NUS) holds a strong #8 position, NTU's ascent highlights its focused strategy on breaking down academic silos. For aspiring academics and researchers eyeing opportunities in dynamic environments, platforms like university jobs at top-ranked institutions offer pathways to contribute to such excellence.

Breaking Down the Ranking Methodology

The THE methodology for the Interdisciplinary Science Rankings 2026 is designed to capture the full lifecycle of interdisciplinary research. It weighs outputs at 65%, recognizing that tangible results matter most, followed by inputs at 19% and process at 16%.

• Inputs (19%): Evaluates interdisciplinary science research funding (8%) as a proportion of total science income, and industry funding (11%) normalized by staff numbers. This ensures institutions prioritize cross-disciplinary investments.
• Process (16%): Assesses institutional support through four metrics—measures of success (4%), physical facilities (4%), administrative support (4%), and promotion/tenure policies (4%). Universities submit evidence, scored on specificity and accessibility.
• Outputs (65%): Includes publication volume (10%) and proportion (5%) normalized by staff, citation cross-disciplinarity (5%), research quality (20%) via field-weighted citation impact, and reputation (25%) from a 2025 survey of scientists.

Data draws from Scopus bibliometrics (2020-2024 publications), university submissions aligned with THE World University Rankings 2026, and economic adjustments via World Bank PPP rates. A key change this year: broadened scope to include STEM-non-STEM integrations, benefiting institutions like NTU with holistic approaches. To learn more, visit the official methodology page.

NTU's Pillars of Interdisciplinary Excellence

NTU's climb to #5 stems from deliberate strategies embedded in its DNA. Deputy President and Provost Professor Christian Wolfrum noted, “NTU has long recognised that to tackle the toughest challenges... solutions are found between disciplines.” Over 100 faculty hold joint appointments across schools, fostering seamless collaboration. In Clarivate's Highly Cited Researchers 2025, half of NTU's 33 listed scientists excelled in interdisciplinary fields like AI, materials science, and clinical medicine.

The university's education model reinforces this: PhD students in the Interdisciplinary Graduate Programme pursue multi-disciplinary theses, while undergraduates take compulsory Interdisciplinary Collaborative Core modules from day one. These initiatives create a culture where innovation thrives at disciplinary crossroads. For professionals seeking to advance, NTU exemplifies environments ripe for faculty positions in cutting-edge research.

Spotlight on NTU's Groundbreaking Projects

NTU's portfolio brims with real-world examples. Recent Space Access Programme projects, launching in 2026, test technologies via interdisciplinary teams from engineering, physics, and data science. The $50 million Climate Change Interdisciplinary Programme integrates environmental modeling, policy analysis, and AI for predictive insights on pollution, heat, and water quality.

Collaborations shine too: NTU partners with MIT's SMART on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), merging microbiology, engineering, and public health. AI-driven environmental sensors exemplify how NTU blends tech with sustainability. These projects not only boost outputs but demonstrate process strengths like dedicated facilities. Researchers can explore similar roles via research jobs listings tailored to Singapore's ecosystem.

Details on NTU's feats are available in their official announcement.

Singapore's Thriving Higher Education Scene

Singapore punches above its weight, with NTU and NUS occupying top-10 spots. Government backing via the Research, Innovation and Enterprise 2025 Plan fuels this, allocating billions to interdisciplinary hubs. NTU's edge over NUS lies in process metrics, reflecting superior support structures.

• NTU: #1 SG/Asia, strong in outputs and reputation.
• NUS: #8 globally, excels in publication quality.

This rivalry drives excellence, attracting international talent. Students and faculty benefit from Singapore's vibrant academic scene, with resources like scholarships and career advice at scholarships portals.

Global Trends and Asia's Ascendancy

U.S. dominance persists (18/50 top spots), but Asia surges with 49 entries outperforming North America. India leads participation (88 unis), while Hong Kong boasts the highest average scores. Challenges loom: U.S. funding cuts may stifle breadth, per experts like Yi Bu of Peking University.

NTU's rise signals Asia's shift toward integrated research ecosystems. Wageningen (#9) leads Europe in outputs, proving non-U.S. models succeed. For global perspectives, check the full rankings table.

Implications for Students, Faculty, and Careers

Top rankings enhance reputation, drawing top talent and funding. For students, NTU offers unparalleled exposure; alumni report higher employability in tech, biotech, and policy. Faculty gain visibility for grants and collaborations.

• Benefits: Diverse skillsets, innovative problem-solving, higher citation impacts.
• Careers: Roles in R&D, consulting—explore higher ed career advice.

Prospective profs can rate experiences at Rate My Professor or apply via higher-ed-jobs.

Challenges and Future Outlook

Scaling interdisciplinarity demands overcoming silos, funding silos, and tenure biases. NTU counters with joint hires and core curricula. Looking ahead, expect more non-STEM integrations amid AI-climate-health convergences. Singapore aims to lead Asia; NTU's trajectory suggests sustained top-tier status.

Stakeholders should invest in admin supports and metrics tracking. For recruitment, recruitment services help build interdisciplinary teams.

Photo by j . on Unsplash

Why This Matters for Singapore's Innovation Economy

Singapore's knowledge economy relies on unis like NTU producing versatile graduates. Rankings validate investments, boosting FDI in biotech and green tech. Policymakers, watch Asia's momentum—emulate NTU's model for national gains.

Actionable insights: Prioritize cross-school projects, track bibliometric interdisciplinarity, survey reputations. Connect with professor jobs or lecturer jobs to join the fray.