Universidad Andrés Bello ranks in the top three higher education institutions in Chile in the Nature Index

By Pamela Alarcón

Once again, Universidad Andrés Bello is recognized internationally, this time for high-impact scientific research. The Nature Index Ranking recently published its 2021 edition, in which UNAB ranked third nationally, after Universidad de Chile and the Universidad Católica de Valparaíso. The Universidad Católica was ranked fourth in this edition.

Breaking down the ranking by region, Universidad Andrés Bello moved up 12 places from the previous edition, ranking 11th among South American institutions.

The Nature Index is a prestigious and recognized ranking that measures the high-impact scientific production generated by institutions worldwide, based on publications in 82 specialized journals. The measurement encompasses research in chemistry, life sciences, earth sciences, and physical sciences.

The Nature Publishing Group has conducted this international classification since 2016. This is the same publishing house that publishes the renowned Nature journal and other scientific journals.

«For years, we have been consolidating our position as one of the leading Chilean institutions in research and scientific production, and this ranking only confirms this leadership,» says Universidad Andrés Bello President Julio Castro. «This is even more valuable because we are a young university, without government funding, so we are proud to share the space with centenarian Chilean universities and foreign institutions of recognized prestige.»

For the institution’s authorities, this achievement results from high-quality work by academics and researchers now positioned as key players on the national and South American scientific research map. «And it is also a consequence of an institutional decision to generate knowledge that creates an impact, providing possible solutions to important needs in our society.»

Dr. Ariel Orellana, Dean of Research and Doctoral Studies at Universidad Andrés Bello, highlights the feeling of satisfaction and pride at this achievement, pointing out that the Nature Index shows that UNAB is generating high-impact knowledge in the disciplines covered by this ranking.

«Undoubtedly, this is the result of the tremendous work done by our researchers, who have also increasingly contributed to generating high-impact international collaboration networks that also benefit our students,» says Dr. Orellana.

At the national level, UNAB was recognized for its excellent performance in Physical Sciences (second in Chile) and Life Sciences and Chemistry (in both cases, top five in Chile).

A strong network of international collaboration

The Nature Index ranking also demonstrates the collaboration of UNAB researchers with prestigious international institutions. Including the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), the Helmholtz Association of German Research Centres, the Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), and the University of Chicago (UChicago).

These and many more institutions are part of the solid international collaboration network that Universidad Andrés Bello continues to develop. Proving that this institution has the human and technological capabilities to collaborate in research at a global level and that, in turn, the international scientific community values its contribution to this field.