In the subject rankings compiled by ShanghaiRanking Consultancy, Würzburg’s research has achieved top positions in nine subject areas. Three areas have performed exceptionally well.
The Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg (JMU) has once again achieved strong results in the latest edition of the “Global Ranking of Academic Subjects” (GRAS) published by ShanghaiRanking Consultancy. In nine academic subjects, JMU ranks among the top 200 universities worldwide. It performs particularly strongly in Medical Technology, Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences and Biological Sciences.
The Shanghai Subject Rankings evaluate the research performance of universities in individual academic subjects. For the 2026 ranking, more than 2,000 universities worldwide were assessed. The evaluation is based on a range of indicators, including scientific publications and their citation impact, international research collaboration, and the international visibility of researchers.
Three subjects among the top five percent worldwide
In three academic subjects, JMU ranks among the top five percent of universities worldwide. In Medical Technology, it is ranked 46th, placing it among the global top 50. Nationally, JMU ranks fifth in Germany and third in Bavaria. In Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, JMU also achieves a strong international position at rank 62. It ranks third in Germany and first in Bavaria. In Biological Sciences, JMU ranks 91st, placing it among the world’s top 100 universities in this subject. Nationally, it ranks fourth in Germany and third in Bavaria.
Major improvement in Human Biological Sciences
JMU has made particularly significant progress in Human Biological Sciences. After ranking 226th in the previous year, it has climbed to 125th in the 2026 ranking, improving by more than 100 places.
A key driver of this positive development is the high international visibility of JMU researchers. This is assessed using four indicators: significant international academic awards, recognition as a “Highly Cited Researcher” by Clarivate, editorial leadership positions at major international journals, and leadership positions in key international academic organizations.
Strong research performance across a broad range of subjects
Beyond these top positions, the ranking also highlights the breadth of JMU’s research strengths. In five additional academic subjects, JMU ranks among the top ten percent worldwide. These include Physics, Clinical Medicine, Dentistry & Oral Sciences, Ecology and Communication.
“Behind these outstanding results are the achievements of our researchers,” says President Paul Pauli. “Their research attracts significant international attention and makes important contributions to a wide range of academic fields. This is something we can be proud of as a university. These results encourage us to continue on our successful path and to further strengthen JMU’s position as a leading international research university.”
