UA Water Resources Program Top in US

The University of Arizona has been ranked No. 1 in the U.S. and No. 2 globally in the area of water resources in the 2020 Academic Ranking of World Universities, which was released June 28.

"I am thrilled to see the groundbreaking sustainability and climate resilience research conducted by University of Arizona scientists is honored once again with this ranking," said University of Arizona President Robert C. Robbins. "This marks three years in a row where our leadership in water resources has been recognized. Our impact in this vitally important area will shape our world for generations to come."

The UA earned the No. 1 overall spot in water resources in 2019 and 2018, and the university's total score improved by 6.5 points over last year's mark. The UA has never finished lower than No. 3 overall since Shanghai started ranking water resources in 2017.

"With water management among the most pressing issues in Arizona and throughout the region, the University of Arizona has leveraged its natural surroundings with top-notch faculty across a variety of colleges and departments to generate influence in water studies that goes well beyond the Southwest to benefit arid and semi-arid regions around the world," said Elizabeth "Besty" Cantwell, senior vice president for research and innovation.