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UNAB a Research Leader in Nature Index 2025: Top 5 in Chile and Among the Top 20 in South America
Universidad Andrés Bello (UNAB) was ranked in fifth place among Chilean universities in the prestigious Nature Index Research Leaders 2025, which highlights institutions around the world for their scientific research excellence. UNAB also ranks first in Chemistry in Chile and has made a significant leap in Biological Sciences, where it now holds fourth place nationally.
UNAB reaffirms its standing as a leader in scientific research, placing 5th in Chile among 42 higher education institutions evaluated. The Nature Index assesses the quality of scientific output based on publications in 145 high-impact journals during the 2024 calendar year.
At the national level, the ranking is led by Pontificia Universidad Católica (4th in South America), followed by Universidad de Concepción (8th), Universidad Técnica Federico Santa María (9th), and Universidad de Chile (15th). UNAB ranks 17th in South America, placing it firmly among the region’s top 20 research institutions.
“These results are a testament to our university’s commitment to academic excellence, the generation of high-quality knowledge, and its impact on society,” said UNAB President Julio Castro. “From the beginning, we have understood that research is a fundamental pillar in confronting humanity’s greatest challenges – and we proudly continue on that path.”
UNAB Leads in Chemistry and Advances in Biological Sciences
UNAB also achieved strong placements in specific disciplines. According to the Nature Index subject rankings, the university:
- Ranks #1 in Chemistry in Chile, climbing three spots from last year, and #6 in South America
- Holds 2nd place nationally in Biological Sciences, after advancing nine positions, and #9 in South America
- Is 4th in Chile in Physical Sciences (#13 in South America)
- Ranks 7th in both Earth & Environmental Sciences and Health Sciences nationwide
“Our rise in key fields like chemistry and biological sciences reflects the vision and dedication of our research community,” said Carolina Torrealba, Dean of Research and Doctoral Programs at UNAB. Consistently ranking among the top five universities for scientific output is both a recognition of our progress and a driver to keep building a collaborative research culture – one that transcends borders and delivers global impact.”
Strategic Collaboration at the Core
UNAB’s strong performance in the Nature Index reflects a strategic commitment to expanding international research networks, supporting interdisciplinary initiatives, and investing in frontier science.
The ranking also tracks the level of collaboration – both national and international – within the scientific community at each institution. UNAB researchers are engaged in significant partnerships with leading global research organizations, including the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) and the French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS).
Domestically, UNAB collaborates extensively with Chilean peers, including Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile and Universidad Técnica Federico Santa María, among others.
