Shanghai Ranking by Research Fields for 2025: The Hebrew University ranks among the world’s top 50 in four fields, including Public Administration, which jumped dozens of places to reach 23rd worldwide—higher than Harvard.

The 2025 Shanghai Ranking of Academic Subjects, published today, places the Hebrew University 15th in the world in Mathematics, 16th in Communication, 23rd in Public Administration , and 34th in Law. The index ranks universities worldwide based on the quality of their research. In the overall ranking published earlier this year, the Hebrew University was ranked 88th in the world.

This year’s ranking positions the Hebrew University ahead of some of the world’s leading institutions in these fields. In Public Policy and Communication, the university surpassed Harvard; in Mathematics, it ranked above Berkeley, Columbia, and Duke; and in Law, it ranked above Oxford.

Prof. Oron Shagrir, Rector of the Hebrew University:
“Precisely at a time when Israeli academia faces boycotts and threats around the world, the Shanghai Ranking published today strengthens our standing internationally and affirms the quality of research and academic work in Israel in general and at the Hebrew University in particular. This is further proof of the important contribution of academia to Israeli society and to the world. I am proud of our researchers who continue to stand at the forefront of scientific discovery and advance global knowledge across diverse fields.”

Prof. Galit Cohen-Blankshtain, Head of the Federmann School of Public Policy and Government at the Hebrew University:
“The Hebrew University’s ranking of 23rd in the Shanghai Ranking for Public Administration places our School of Public Policy and Governance at the forefront of global academic research in public administration and public policy. This high ranking reflects research excellence in the field and the significant international impact our scholars have on this important area of knowledge, which seeks to understand and improve policy-making processes and their implementation. The Shanghai Ranking is based, among other factors, on publication in leading journals, citations of these articles, service as journal editors, and international collaborations. The university’s high standing in this field demonstrates broad international recognition of the contributions made by faculty members from the School of Public Policy and Governance. This achievement is especially notable in a period marked at times by a hostile atmosphere toward Israeli scholars.”