The CHE Researchranking (CHE-Forschungsranking) aims to make performance in academic university-based research transparent throughout Germany. Universities that are strong in particular areas of research are classified under disciplinary subject headings. We strive to compile an overview that gives the research profile of the respective university.

Academic research quality is determined based on the following factors: level of third-party funding spent onindividual subjects, number of doctorates, publications and citations, and patent registrations or inventions. Interviews with professors provide additional information that is given on the reputation of universities with respect to the subjects analysed. However, this information is not used to determine the top groups.

The CHE Researchranking (CHE Forschungsranking) currently covers 16 subjects from natural sciences, humanities and social sciences. It does not define ranking positions but determines the top groups for individual indicators.