Arizona State University (ASU) has advanced in its goal to become a global leader in interdisciplinary research, ranking among the top 10 universities in the United States and No. 14 worldwide according to the new Times Higher Education Interdisciplinary Science Rankings. This places ASU ahead of institutions such as the University of Michigan, the University of Illinois, and the University of Texas.
The rankings, which were released on Thursday and created in partnership with Schmidt Science Fellows, evaluated more than 600 universities based on financial investment, institutional support, and research output. The system was introduced in 2024 and is designed specifically to assess interdisciplinary science. It now includes research that integrates scientific disciplines with non-STEM fields like social sciences and law.
Sally C. Morton, executive vice president of ASU Knowledge Enterprise, said, “We are laser-focused on moving crucial research and discovery forward. This requires an evolving, growing and a transdisciplinary mindset to ensure impact, and we are delighted that our progress has been recognized.”
The rankings underscore the importance of interdisciplinary approaches for addressing complex problems. Kevin Redding, an ASU biophysicist and microbiologist working on environmentally friendly alternatives for plant nutrients, said: “Collaboration is kind of in our DNA. We’ve chosen people (to work at ASU) who like to collaborate — which is very attractive. It has allowed me to do things I couldn’t have done at other places.”
Tricia Redeker Hepner, professor in ASU’s School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, described her collaborative work: “Science never occurs in a vacuum. In my research as a cultural anthropologist, I collaborate with forensic anthropologists and archaeologists to understand how scientific methods such as human identification and DNA analysis have culturally specific meanings and implications for Ugandan war survivors. Together we are figuring out how science and culture can inform each other to better meet people’s needs.”
ASU’s commitment to collaboration extends beyond academia into community partnerships. For example, the City of Phoenix Street Transportation Department is working with Argos Vision—a tech startup from Arizona State University—to install smart traffic cameras that collect data aimed at improving safety across selected city locations during a one-year pilot program. More details about this partnership can be found at https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/street-transportation/2420.
In addition to its performance in interdisciplinary science rankings, Arizona State University has also been named number one in innovation for eight consecutive years by U.S. News & World Report’s annual Best Colleges rankings. The university has also received high marks for undergraduate business (No. 23), nursing (No. 29), and engineering programs (No. 33). Further information about these recognitions is available at https://news.asu.edu/20220911-university-news-asu-no-1-innovation-us-news-world-report-eighth-year?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=asu&utm_campaign=ASURankings&utm_term=USNWR.
