World University Rankings by Subject 2021: Physical Sciences

The physical sciences subject table uses the same rigorous performance indicators as the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2021, but the methodology has been recalibrated to suit the individual fields.

It highlights the universities that are leading across the following disciplines: mathematics and statistics, physics and astronomy, chemistry, geology, environmental sciences, and earth and marine sciences.   

View the World University Rankings 2021 by subject: physical sciences methodology

A Californian trio top the ranking this year: the California Institute of Technology leads the list for the first time since 2016; the University of California, Berkeley is second after rising seven places; and Stanford University holds on to third. Princeton University, which topped the table last year, is now fourth.

View the full results of the overall World University Rankings 2021