DUNDEE University has come top in the UK in a new league table of the best younger institutions.

The university, which was founded in 1967, took 16th place overall in the Times Higher Education's table of the best 200 institutions globally under 50 years old.

Another Scottish institutions gaining a place in the top 100 was Stirling University, which came 46th, while Glasgow Caledonian University came in the top 150 and the University of the West of Scotland (UWS) was placed in the top 200.

Switzerland's Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne took first place in the list for the third year in a row.

The Herald: The project is based at the University of Dundee

Dundee University

Professor Sir Pete Downes, principal of Dundee University said: "Over the past five decades, new universities have changed the higher education dynamic around the world, developing innovative and progressive methods of challenging more established institutions.

"To be ranked 16th globally among such universities, and top in the UK, is a great testament to the impact that our research and teaching has around the world, while the experience we offer students has been consistently rated among the best to be found anywhere."

The rankings were also welcomed by Professor Gerry McCormac, principal of Stirling University, who said: “Building on the university’s global reputation is one of our key strategic goals as we look to the future.

"As we celebrate 50 years of innovation and excellence this accolade reinforces the quality of our research and the impact it has on society, our excellence in teaching, the skills and competencies of our graduates, and our hard-earned global reputation."

Professor Pamela Gillies, principal of Glasgow Caledonian, said: "The fact we have been included for the first time highlights the great strides that we have taken forward as an institution, particularly in our research and international activity.
"Our commitment to our social mission is about more than league tables, but this ranking underlines that... we can truly deliver academic excellence, as well as wider social benefit."

Professor Craig Mahoney, principal of UWS, added: "This is a wonderful achievement for UWS and truly reflects the hard work and effort of colleagues across the university campuses and the tremendous input from our partners."

The universities were measured on their teaching, research, citations, international outlook and industry income.

Shirley-Anne Somerville, Minister for Higher Education, said: "I am delighted that four of Scotland's excellent universities now feature in the top 200 of the Young University rankings for 2017.

"This achievement by Dundee, Stirling, Glasgow Caledonian and the University of the West of Scotland emphasises the strength of Scotland's higher education sector."