A New Global Milestone: An-Najah Ranks First in Palestine, 15th in the Arab World, and 112th Globally in the 2026 THE Interdisciplinary Science Rankings
In a new global achievement that reflects An-Najah National University’s academic and research leadership, the university has once again strengthened its distinguished presence on the world university map for the second consecutive year, marking a significant advancement over last year’s performance. An-Najah secured the top and only position among Palestinian universities, ranked 15th in the Arab region, and 112th globally in the second edition of the Times Higher Education Interdisciplinary Science Rankings (THE ISR) 2026.
The THE Interdisciplinary Science Rankings (ISR) are among the newest global rankings designed to measure universities’ ability to produce research that integrates multiple scientific fields—an essential requirement for generating innovative solutions to today’s complex global challenges. The ranking evaluates universities on their ability to foster collaborative research across engineering, computing, life sciences, and physical sciences. It relies on three core dimensions: inputs, which account for 19% of the score and include elements such as funding and institutional support; processes, representing 16% of the score and measuring how effectively universities implement policies that encourage interdisciplinary collaboration; and outputs, which carry the largest weight at 65% and focus on the quality and impact of research publications and the university’s global academic reputation. Together, these dimensions reflect a university’s capacity for innovation and effective cross-disciplinary scientific work.
Commenting on this achievement, Prof. Abdel Naser Zaid, President of the University, expressed great pride in the university’s progress, affirming that this global ranking underscores An-Najah’s commitment to interdisciplinary research and scientific innovation. He added that the ranking demonstrates the university’s ability to generate impactful knowledge that serves society, breaks disciplinary boundaries, and provides valuable insights for advancing research policies in an era that demands highly collaborative scientific solutions.
The ranking further highlights the strength of An-Najah’s integrated research approach, supported through joint projects across the Faculties of Engineering, Medicine, Science, and Information Technology. The university continues to build an environment that encourages collaboration and innovation, guided by a strategic vision aimed at enhancing global competitiveness and reinforcing its leadership in addressing local and international challenges.
Prof. Waleed Sweileh, Dean of Scientific Research and Director of the Global Academic Rankings Department, noted that this global milestone reaffirms An-Najah’s distinguished position as a leading center of academic and research excellence in Palestine and the Arab world. He emphasized that this notable progress adds yet another accomplishment to the university’s longstanding record of innovation and demonstrates its growing ability to compete globally and drive scientific advancement toward more innovative horizons.
