University of Regina named among world’s best in five subject areas

The University of Regina continues to earn global recognition, with five academic subject areas ranked among the world’s best in the newly released Shanghai Ranking’s Global Ranking of Academic Subjects (GRAS).

The GRAS rankings analyze more than 2,000 universities worldwide and list only the top performers in each field. This year, the U of R’s Psychology program achieved its strongest result yet, breaking into the top 100 globally. Ranked in the 76–100 group, this is an exceptional milestone for the University.

It’s gratifying to see the hard work of our faculty and our students once again recognized as one of the best psychology programs in Canada and in the world. — Dr. Gordon Asmundson, department head of the University’s Department of Psychology

Dr. Gordon Asmundson, department head of the University’s Department of Psychology, says the psychology program is small but mighty, and consistently punches above its weight.

“Our department ranked first in Canada and second in the world for research quality and impact in the Higher Times 2025 World University Rankings, and we boast a greater-than-average share of world-renowned leaders in both the science and practice of psychology,” says Asmundson, a psychology professor and a registered doctoral psychologist. “It’s gratifying to see the hard work of our faculty and our students once again recognized as one of the best psychology programs in Canada and in the world.”

Four additional subject areas earned places on the global list:

• Water Resources held steady in the 151–200 group, reflecting sustained excellence in water research.
• Human Biological Sciences appeared in the rankings for the first time, entering in the 301–400 group.
• Earth Sciences improved from last year, rising to the 301–400 group.
• Environmental Science & Engineering maintained its position in the 401–500 group. 

Decades of Dedicated Research

"We are proud to be recognized for our work in Water Resources,” says Dr. Kerri Finlay, U of R Canada Research Chair in Water in a Changing Environment, biology professor, and director of the Institute of Environmental Change and Society (IECS). “This achievement reflects decades of dedicated research by our faculty and students advancing knowledge in water quality, sustainable water management, and the resilience of water systems. It is an honour to see our long-standing commitment to addressing global water challenges acknowledged on the international stage.

Dr. Chris Yost, University Vice-President (Research) says these rankings reflect real, measurable progress across the U of R’s research enterprise.

“Seeing our Psychology move into the top 100 worldwide, Earth Sciences rise a full ranking band, and adding Human Biological Sciences to the global list for the first time are significant achievements. Having five subject areas recognized among the world’s best shows the strength and growth of research at the University of Regina, and the increasing impact our scholars are having nationally and internationally,” says Yost.

Discover more about the University of Regina’s research enterprise.

GRAS evaluates universities using nine objective indicators across five areas: world-class faculty, research output, research quality, research impact, and international collaboration. Each year, it assesses roughly 20,000 subject units across about 2,000 universities in 100 countries.

Banner photo: University of Regina students collecting water samples. Photo credit: University Communications and Marketing.