UR-ILC

Join UR-ILC – The Global Council for Excellence, Integrity, and Innovation in University Rankings

The University Rankings International Leadership Council (UR-ILC), powered by UNIRANKS, is a premier global platform that unites university leaders, ranking experts, policymakers, and thought leaders to advance the excellence and transformative potential of university rankings. Guided by the Helix Model, UR-ILC fosters transparency, innovation, and strategic leadership across higher education systems worldwide.

UR-ILC serves as a global hub for collaboration, policy innovation, and capacity building—empowering institutions to leverage rankings as tools for quality enhancement, sustainable development, and global competitiveness.

Launching 2026 – Global Standards, Local Impact

The University Rankings International Leadership Council (UR-ILC) is a leading global platform that unites visionary university leaders, ranking experts, policymakers, and thought leaders dedicated to advancing the excellence, integrity, and transformative potential of university rankings. Operating under UNIRANKS, the world’s largest open university rankings ecosystem, UR-ILC leverages unparalleled data expertise to foster institutional transparency, innovation, and strategic leadership in higher education worldwide.

Informed by the Helix Model, UR-ILC integrates contributions from academia, industry, government, and civil society ensuring a multi-sectoral approach to leadership and governance in the evolving university ranking landscape.

To be the leading international leadership council shaping the future of university rankings by empowering transformational leaders and fostering sustainable innovation and excellence in global higher education.

To provide strategic guidance, promote best practices, and catalyze innovation in university rankings by harnessing the collective expertise of diverse sectors through the Helix Model, ultimately enhancing institutional innovation, quality, and excellence on a global scale.

• Act as a global hub for innovative policies, benchmarks, standards and leadership strategies that improve and enhance university rankings and institutional impact.
  
• Foster collaboration between universities, ranking organizations, governments, and industry partners. Promote transparency, integrity, and innovation in university ranking methodologies and applications.
  
• Provide guidance on leveraging rankings to support institutional strategic planning and sustainable development goals.
  
• Support capacity-building initiatives for university leadership on ranking analytics, benchmarking, and transformative institutional change.

• Centres of Excellecne for Higher Education Leadership and Innovation (HELIX)
  
• Leadership Forums & Conferences: High-level events and annual summits promoting thought leadership and dialogue on ranking trends and challenges.
  
• Working Groups: Specialized committees addressing diverse issues such as ranking metrics, ethical ranking practices, data quality standards, and emerging methodologies.
  
• Research Collaboration: Joint projects producing publications, white papers, and policy guidance to influence the global higher education ecosystem.
  
• Capacity Building: Workshops and professional development designed for university executives on how to navigate and strategically lead on rankings.
  
• Global Network: An exclusive membership community enabling peer exchange, expert consultation, and collaboration opportunities.

The Leadership Advisory Board for UR-ILC is structured around the Higher Education Helix Model, combining perspectives from academia, government, industry, and civil society on its Advisory Board. This ensures that all initiatives are driven by broad expertise and collaborative insight, underpinning UR-ILC’s role within the global higher education community.

UR-ILC is supported by a renowned Advisory Board comprising university presidents, rankings experts, government policymakers, and international education experts. The Board oversees the strategic direction of the Council, ensuring alignment with the evolving needs of global higher education.