Debrecen4U
November 19, 2025
The University of Debrecen ranks among the best internationally in terms of sustainability and ecology
The University of Debrecen has maintained its leading position across Hungary in the QS Sustainability Rankings: according to the Sustainability 2026 world ranking published on Tuesday by the British ranking organization Quacquarelli Symonds (QS), it is the top Hungarian institution, placing 322nd globally.
In the latest subject-specific list of the Shanghai Ranking, also released on Tuesday, the university achieved the best result in Hungary in the field of ecology, ranking within the 301–400 category.
Published on Tuesday, the QS World University Rankings: Sustainability 2026, ranked 2,001 higher education institutions from 108 countries based on metrics grouped into three categories.
During the evaluation, the performance of 620 European universities, including 14 Hungarian institutions, was assessed based on environmental and social impacts, as well as the university’s operations. Among the three evaluation categories, the University of Debrecen performed best in the “university operations” category, ranking 226th. Compared to last year, it made significant progress of more than 40 places in the social impact category. The university also improved its results in environmental research, health and well-being, knowledge transfer, and employability.
According to Chancellor Zoltán Bács, the university’s excellent results in the rankings are the result of systematic development.
“It is important mission for the University of Debrecen to create a livable and sustainable environment for students and staff, alongside outstanding teaching, research, and innovation activities. For years, we have been developing the living spaces of the university community, community areas, sports and cultural opportunities, and investing significant energy into making our operations student- and staff-friendly. Achieving a high ranking in such a list confirms that we are on the right path,” he said.
QS evaluated universities in each category based on more than 50 segments, including:
- the presence of research centers focusing on sustainable development,
- whether the institution records its annual energy consumption,
- whether minimizing the impact on climate change is a priority in daily operations,
- whether it has research collaborations with Forbes 2000 companies.
The ranking also considered the institution’s ethical culture, existence of a climate protection strategy, and plans ensuring gender equality.
The Shanghai Ranking Global Ranking of Academic Subjects (GRAS) evaluates universities in 55 subjects across five broad fields: natural sciences, engineering, life sciences, medical sciences, and social sciences. Out of more than 5,000 reporting universities worldwide, 1,900 institutions from 96 countries are included.
In the Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2025, the University of Debrecen achieved its best result in ecology, ranking 301–400, making it the top Hungarian university in this field. In mathematics, it also ranked 301–400, while in agricultural sciences and pharmaceutical sciences, it was in the 401–500 category.
The ranking evaluates universities’ performance based on objective scientific indicators, including World-Class Faculty, World-Class Output, High-Quality Research, Research Impact, and International Collaboration, according to the university’s website.
Source: dehir.hu | Photo credit: Facebook (Debrecen városa)
