Times Higher Education rankings: our core values

Times Higher Education’s data team is responsible for producing our various rankings, including our global World University Rankings and Impact Rankings.

We have always maintained editorial independence when producing these rankings and have always been free from the pressures of commercial consideration. We have enshrined our approach to building rankings and data products in five core values, which we call “TRAITs”.

Truthfulness

THE’s data team understands that our data and analyses have real-world impacts and influence important decisions of leaders in higher education. We commit to ensuring that our work as accurately as possible reflects the reality of the higher education world so that our stakeholders are armed with the best available information.

Relevance

We understand that for the higher education community to benefit from our work, it must be meaningful and relevant to them. We will ensure that our methodologies and processes take into account local conditions and variations. We also commit to continuous engagement with the higher education community to maintain an open dialogue.

Accountability

THE’s data team commits to being accountable for our decisions and our work. When there are errors in data submissions or our calculations, we will issue corrections and explain the reasons behind them in a timely manner, and also communicate with the affected parties. Our corrections policy is available to view here.

Independence

THE’s rankings are built strictly outside of commercial influence. We commit to ensuring that our work is free of cultural, language, geographical, political and personal biases.

Transparency

THE’s data team commits to being open and transparent about our processes, methodologies and data-related policies to all stakeholders. We strive to be timely and clear in our communications.

Paul Howarth is chief executive officer of Times Higher Education.