395 universities including 95 Russian universities were examined this year. Only 20 Russian universities are ranked in the top 100. Meanwhile, 53 Russian universities have positions in the list of top 200. Lobachevsky State University of Nizhni Novgorod is among the best 15 Russian universities according to QS World University Rankings: BRICS.

The rating of BRICS universities 'QS World University Rankings: BRICS' is created by the international information group Interfax in partnership with the British consulting company Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) to compare top 200 universities of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.

The 2014 rating sees positive dynamics of Russian universities with many key indicators improved.

It is only the second year that Lobachevsky State University of Nizhni Novgorod takes part in QS World University Rankings: BRICS. In 2013 it was ranked 74, two positions lower than now.

In the 2014 QS World University Rankings: BRICS, Lobachevsky State University of Nizhni Novgorod scored the following points for its perfomance: 100 points in the indicator 'Propotion of Staff with a PhD Degree', 68.5 points in 'Faculty / Students Ratio', 48.1 points in 'Academic Reputation', 29.4 points in 'International Students'.

These results show that Lobachevsky State University of Nizhni Novgorod is gradually gaining world reputation as a leading Russian National Research University with extensive applied research and rigorous standards of academic staff. UNN needs, of course, more recognition as its research potential is still underestimated.

Perhaps, it is due to the tradition of the last century when Lobachevsky State University of Nizhni Novgorod had a special mission to conduct cutting edge research for the Government in the closed city and its role remained unseen and unknown for foreigners, whose children opted for study abroad.

As UNN Competitiveness Enhancement Program yields more and more results with more grants for academics and students, international joint projects under way and innovation and research initiatives implemented, its academic reputation worldwide is set to improve.

“The first set of results, which published just the top 100 BRICS universities, suggested that these five emerging economies are indeed performing at a comparable level in higher education, while also revealing significant differences in the strengths and weaknesses of each nation’s system. For example, Indian universities emerged as the clear leaders in recruiting highly qualified academic staff, whereas Russian institutions scored much better for overall academic staffing levels relative to student numbers”, QS World University Rankings experts concluded.