Photo: USP Rector / by Cecilia Bastos.

For the first time in history, a Brazilian university is among the top 100 in the world. The University of São Paulo (USP) has achieved this feat, ranking 85th in the QS World University Rankings, which has been compiled annually since 2011 by the United Kingdom-based agency Quacquarelli Symonds (QS). This ranking is one of the most respected measurements of university quality.

It is the first time a Brazilian institution has reached such a prominent position. Our strengths were our academic reputation, the excellence of our research, the high regard we have among employers, and the social impact of the work of our graduates.

Our achievement is the result of decades of work. USP has been increasing investments in knowledge production and internationalization policies, especially within the scope of the Postgraduate Programs. The organization and verification of the consistency of internal data have also contributed to this historic result.

A well-deserved outcome. USP produces around 2,500 doctoral graduates per year. From January 2021 to May 2023, there were 3,441 completed doctorates, accounting for approximately 10% of the country’s total. In 2022, researchers from USP published 17,600 papers in the Scopus database, representing almost one-fifth (18.5%) of Brazil’s scientific production. In the same year, USP received nearly 1,500 awards and distinctions in recognition of its academic excellence.

None of this comes for free. It is the result of successive administrations’ dedication to science, culture, thought, and academic freedom. Our long-term commitment is realized through increased internationalization, valuing people, and sustainable development policies. Strengthening our relations with society at a high level also plays a fundamental role.

Efforts to increase inclusion, diversity, and gender equity are essential. Since the adoption of affirmative action in 2017, USP’s performance has only grown. The diversity brought about by social and ethnic-racial quotas is making our university even better. Contrary to some beliefs, quotas have decisively contributed to reinforcing excellence. With more diversity, the academic environment becomes more creative, pluralistic, and vibrant.

In 2023, 54% of undergraduate entrants came from public schools. Of the 10,662 filled spots, 5,714 were filled by students who completed high school in public schools, of which 2,020 were from the Black, Mixed-Race, and Indigenous (PPI) group. To support inclusion, we increased investment in student support by 60% compared to the previous period. We allocated R$290 million to expand and improve student housing, transportation, meals, and financial aid.

Year after year, we are increasing our international recognition. In another highly relevant ranking, THE World University Ranking, USP is among the top 250 institutions (the first among all Latin American universities). Our university also stands out as one of the top 50 in the SCImago Institutions Ranking, which evaluates scientific production, innovation capacity, and societal impact.

The mission of a university is not to compete in rankings. These rankings are merely an effect, not a purpose. Nevertheless, this effect is always welcome and reinforces the conviction that we are on the right path. Policies to encourage inclusion and diversity, actions for sustainable development, the pursuit of excellence in teaching, research, and extension, and the constant appreciation of the entire community are guiding principles of our work. This explains why USP is becoming increasingly valuable to Brazilians and more prestigious worldwide. A university is good when it is essential to its people. With this clarity, we will continue moving forward.

(Article originally published in the Folha de S. Paulo newspaper on July 4, 2023)