UTM Retains #1 in Malaysia, Places #51 Globally in THE Interdisciplinary Science Rankings 2026

UTM Retains #1 in Malaysia, Places #51 Globally in THE Interdisciplinary Science Rankings 2026

Nov 21, 2025 | UTM NewsHub

JOHOR BAHRU, 21 Nov — Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) has retained its position as Malaysia’s top university in the Times Higher Education (THE) Interdisciplinary Science Rankings (ISR) 2026, while also placing 51st in the world in the latest edition of the global table.

The ISR, introduced in 2024 and developed in association with Schmidt Science Fellows, highlights universities that excel in interdisciplinary research and in addressing complex global challenges. UTM made a strong entry in the inaugural ISR 2025, debuting at 35th globally.

Following an increase in participating universities, the 2026 ranking evaluates 911 institutions across 94 countries or territories using 11 metrics across three dimensions: inputs (funding), process (success measures, facilities, administrative support and promotion), and outputs (publications, research quality and reputation).

UTM’s continued leadership in Malaysia reflects the university’s commitment to “Innovating Sustainable Solutions” and strengthening research that supports national development priorities. This includes contributing to policy objectives under the MADANI framework, the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR), the Malaysia National Artificial Intelligence Roadmap, and the New Industrial Master Plan (NIMP) 2030, particularly in areas where science, engineering and technology advance national competitiveness and societal well-being.

UTM expressed its appreciation to its researchers, staff and partners for their contributions to this year’s achievement.

Source: UTM NewsHub

Explore More

‘I Rehearsed Conversations Like Scripts’: UTM Graduate Opens Up on Living with Autism

JOHOR BAHRU, Nov 20 – For many, university life is a journey of assignments, friendships and late-night study sessions. But for Maryam Sofea binti Farizal, the experience carried a deeper, quieter struggle one hidden behind calm smiles, academic excellence, and a...

UTM Raikan Graduan Kerjasama Strategik UTM-BRIN di Majlis Konvokesyen Ke-69

JOHOR BAHRU, 20 Nov. – Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) terus mengukuhkan kerjasama strategik dengan Badan Riset dan Inovasi Nasional (BRIN), Indonesia apabila dua pelajar tajaan BRIN daripada kohort pertama serta seorang pelajar daripada kohort kedua berjaya...

FKT Student Shines in Academic and Leadership Excellence

Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) proudly celebrates the outstanding achievements of Mr. Theaveraj a/l Ravi, a Ph.D. candidate in Chemical Engineering, from the Faculty of Chemical and Energy Engineering (FKT), for his remarkable academic performance, leadership...

Separuh badan melecur, namun semangat Aina tidak pernah pudar

JOHOR BAHRU, 20 Nov. – Pada majlis penuh gembira yang menghiasi Dewan Sultan Iskandar sempena Majlis Konvokesyen Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) ke-69, wajah tenang Aina Afiqah Masri tidak pernah menceritakan kisah sebenar yang tersimpan jauh di sudut hidupnya....
Research Ecosystem
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia UTM Nexus - Research & Innovation

Office of Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research & Innovation)

DVCRI Profile Johor Bahru Office Kuala Lumpur Office

Higher Institution Centre of Excellence (HI-COE)

Advance Membrane Technology Research Centre - AMTEC Institute of Noise & Vibration - INV Wireless Communication Centre - WCC

Research Institute

Centre of Excellence (COE)

Institute of High Voltage & High Current - IVAT UTM-MPRC Institue for Oil & Gas - IFOG Centre for Artificial Intelligence & Robotics - CAIRO Centre for Engineering Education - CEE Centre for Advanced Composite Materials - CACM Innovation Centre in Agritechnology for Advanced Bioprocessing - ICA Institute of Bioproduct Development - IBD

Service Entity

Research Management Centre - RMC Penerbit UTM Press Centre for Community & Industry Network - CCIN Innovation & Commercialisation Centre - ICC University Laboratory Management Centre - PPMU Institut Sultan Iskandar - UTM-ISI

Get the latest news & events

Customer Satisfaction Index

UTM Open Day