University of Johannesburg records second-largest rise in global research influence

The University of Johannesburg (UJ) has emerged among the world’s fastest-rising universities in international research influence, underscoring the growing global reach of its scholarship and the impact of its academic work beyond national borders.

According to the latest analysis by measureHE, UJ recorded an 83% increase in its share of international research influence, climbing from 468th to 226th place among the 500 most internationally influential universities identified in the 2017–2021 baseline period. The improvement represented the second-largest increase recorded in the analysis.

Founded by former Times Higher Education data specialists, measureHE assesses how research produced by one university informs and shapes the work of researchers elsewhere in the world. Its methodology places particular emphasis on citations from influential research, offering an indication of how widely a university’s scholarship is used and built upon by the international academic community.

The latest recognition reflects the collective efforts of UJ’s researchers, academics and postgraduate students, alongside international partnerships that facilitate knowledge exchange and collaborative research.

UJ strengthens its global academic standing

The improvement in international research influence adds to a series of achievements that have strengthened UJ’s position in global higher education.

In June 2026, the university reached its highest-ever position in the QS World University Rankings, securing 292nd place globally and entering the top 300 for the first time.

UJ also remained South Africa’s leading producer of accredited research outputs for the fourth consecutive year, recording 3,513 accredited research output units, equivalent to 13.52% of the national total.

Its research standing received further recognition when 88 researchers were included in the latest World’s Top 2% Scientists list. The university’s cumulative number of National Research Foundation-rated researchers also reached 389.

Taken together, these achievements point to the growing strength of UJ’s research enterprise and its expanding presence in international academic networks.

Turning research excellence into public impact

UJ Vice-Chancellor and Principal Professor Letlhokwa Mpedi said the university’s growing international research influence affirmed the contributions of its researchers, academics and postgraduate students, as well as the global partnerships through which knowledge is advanced.

Under its Strategic Plan 2035, the university aims to consolidate its position as an international institution of choice anchored in Africa. Its priorities include strengthening research excellence, expanding international collaboration and generating knowledge that responds to complex challenges facing the continent and the wider world.

For UJ, however, global recognition is only one measure of research success. The university also seeks to ensure that academic discoveries translate into practical benefits for society, from informing public policy and driving innovation to advancing sustainable development and improving lives.

As Professor Mpedi has emphasised, UJ aspires not merely to be the best university in the world, but the best university for the world.

That vision places societal value at the heart of its research mission, reinforcing the idea that the true measure of academic achievement lies not only in global rankings or citations, but also in the difference knowledge makes to people and communities.