Our University scores 88 out of 100 in the Industry pillar within the Social Sciences field of the Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2026, highlighting its ability to connect social research with the business environment.

Miguel Hernández University of Elche (UMH) has been recognised as the top Spanish university in the Industry pillar within the Social Sciences field in the latest edition of the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings by Subject 2026. With a score of 88 out of 100, UMH ranks first nationally in this indicator, consolidating its ability to generate patents, innovations and knowledge transfer of value to the productive and social sectors.

Impact and Value of R&D&I in Social Sciences

The result achieved by UMH highlights the real-world impact of research carried out in disciplines such as journalism, sociology, geography, political science and international studies.

Leadership in the Industry pillar confirms that knowledge transfer extends beyond purely technological or science and engineering fields, positioning Social Sciences as a key driver in addressing the challenges facing today’s market and society.

International Positioning by Subject

Alongside its national leadership in knowledge transfer in Social Sciences, the ranking compiled by Times Higher Education confirms UMH’s overall scientific performance across various fields of knowledge.

In the worldwide subject rankings, the university is placed in the following ranges:

• Psychology: 501-600
• Medical and Health Sciences, Life Sciences and Social Sciences: 601-800
• Business and Economics and Computer Science: 801-1000
• Engineering: 1001-1250
• Physical Sciences: 1251

A Rigorous and Established Methodology

THE’s World University Rankings by Subject, whose origins in measuring global academic performance date back to 2004, is one of the world’s most comprehensive frameworks for evaluating universities.

To compile this ranking, its methodology uses 18 performance indicators grouped into five strategic pillars:

1. Teaching
2. Research Environment
3. Research Quality
4. International Outlook
5. Industry

This international recognition reinforces the commitment of the UMH Knowledge Transfer Service to the valorisation of university research, facilitating ongoing collaboration between the university’s R&D&I groups and the socio-economic stakeholders in our environment.