University Rankings in Sport Science: A True Reflection of Excellence?

Background: University rankings often serve as benchmarks for excellence in academic evaluation. For example, ShanghaiRanking data from 2016 to 2023 for the Global Ranking of Sport Science Schools and Departments reveal consistent dominance by Australia (23.1%), Canada (18.0%), and the United States...

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Publicado en:International Journal of Sports Physiology & Performance Vol. 20; no. 4; pp. 600 - 605
Autores principales: Matic Girard, Ivana, Girard, Olivier
Formato: pictorial Journal Article
Publicado: Human Kinetics Publishers, Inc. Apr2025
Acceso en línea:Ver este registro en EBSCOhost
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      dt: Apr2025
      vid: 20
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      pub: Human Kinetics Publishers, Inc.
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      formats:
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        atl: University Rankings in Sport Science: A True Reflection of Excellence?
      aug:
        au:
          Matic Girard, Ivana
          Girard, Olivier
        affil: School of Human Sciences, Exercise and Sport Science, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
      sug:
        subj:
          Sports Medicine
          Colleges and Universities
          Benchmarking
          Academic Performance
          Research, Medical
          Writing for Publication
          Citation Analysis
          Serial Publications
          International Relations
          Education, Clinical
          Employment
          Social Participation
          Community-Institutional Relations
      ab: Background: University rankings often serve as benchmarks for excellence in academic evaluation. For example, ShanghaiRanking data from 2016 to 2023 for the Global Ranking of Sport Science Schools and Departments reveal consistent dominance by Australia (23.1%), Canada (18.0%), and the United States (12.0%), collectively counting over half of the top 50 universities worldwide. Nevertheless, there is uncertainty about how the methodology behind these rankings shapes a reality as much as it reflects one. Purpose: Our intention is to discuss the complexity of university rankings, using ShanghaiRanking as an example, to highlight how these rankings reflect academic excellence within the field of sport science. Current Evidence: When ranking universities in sport science, several aspects of academic excellence could be considered in addition to research metrics currently considered in ShanghaiRanking (publication, citation, citations per publication, top 25% journal publications, and internationally collaborated publications). These aspects may include (1) teaching quality, (2) practical training, (3) industry links and employability, (4) support services, (5) facilities and equipment, (6) international network, (7) community engagement, (8) sustainability and ethical practices, and (9) interdisciplinary approach. Altogether, they could provide a more comprehensive view of the quality and effectiveness of a sport-science program. Conclusions: The ranking of sport-science institutions poses a complex challenge due to diverse factors influencing academic excellence. Engaging in a broader dialogue and refining internationally relevant evaluation methodologies are crucial. These steps enable comparability between countries and provide a holistic understanding of the multidimensional nature of academic excellence in sport science.
      pubtype: Academic Journal
      doctype:
        pictorial
        Journal Article
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    language: English
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