The highest level of citations of scientific publications in Poland, one of the strongest international research networks, and a leading performance in research impact – these are the factors behind the debut of Wroclaw Medical University in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026.
The university has been ranked for the first time in the field of Medicine, placing 351–400 globally and 2nd among medical universities in Poland.
The strongest pillar of Wroclaw Medical University’s position is its research impact, measured by citations. The university achieved the highest citations score in Poland, meaning that its researchers’ publications are among the most frequently used and cited in the global medical literature.
Another key strength is the internationalisation of research. The International Research Network (IRN) indicator, which measures the scale and diversity of global collaboration, also reached the highest level in the country. The university also recorded a strong performance in the H-index, confirming the long-term impact and quality of its scientific output.
“Our debut in the QS ranking marks an important milestone. We are particularly pleased that our position has been built on the most objective indicators – the real impact of research and its presence in the global circulation of knowledge,” said Rector of Wroclaw Medical University, Prof. Piotr Ponikowski.
“Achieving the highest results in Poland in terms of citations and international collaboration shows that our research is not only of high quality, but also globally relevant. This is the foundation on which we aim to further build our scientific excellence,” he added.
The QS ranking is one of the three most widely recognised global university rankings. Unlike many others, it is based not only on bibliometric data, but also on international surveys of academic reputation and employer perception.
The results for Wroclaw Medical University clearly demonstrate that the university already has a strong global research foundation, and that further advancement in rankings will largely depend on increasing international visibility and reputation.