USS Moves Up to Sixth Place Nationally in the Nature Research Leaders 2025 Ranking
Universidad San Sebastián is now ranked among the top six Chilean institutions with the greatest impact in scientific publications, according to the Nature Research Leaders 2025 ranking. The USS publications considered in this evaluation address topics such as particle physics, chemistry, new materials, neuroscience, and public health, among others.
The Nature Index tracks scientific articles published in 145 leading international journals recognized for their rigorous editorial standards in the natural sciences and health fields. These journals are selected by an independent committee of active researchers. In this context, most of USS’s institutional contribution comes from physics and chemistry, which account for 72% and 24% of total publications, respectively. The studies include theoretical developments in particle physics and supergravity, the design of molecular materials with controlled symmetry, the exploration of structures such as superatoms or inorganic fullerenes, and the analysis of topological phenomena in matter.
“USS is a university where research plays an increasingly important role, closely linked to teaching. In this regard, the Strategic Development Plan—led by the Office of the Vice-Rector for Research and Doctoral Programs—has consolidated high-level knowledge generation. This is recognized in the Nature ranking. Notably, much of our research is carried out on regional campuses, which adds value, as we are developing global solutions from local territories,” stated USS Rector Hugo Lavados.
Strategic Planning and Regional Leadership
“This privileged position is the result of strategic planning and concrete actions that support our academic staff in fully developing their capabilities, with the goal of generating knowledge that enriches our students’ education and helps address complex societal challenges,” added Dr. Tomás Pérez-Acle, Vice-Rector for Research and Doctoral Programs at USS.
The result—corresponding to the 2024 calendar year—is part of an institutional strategy that prioritizes the development of scientific capabilities and the strengthening of doctoral programs across all campuses. The 30 publications included in this edition also span disciplines such as cell biology, neuroscience, and public health, addressing topics like genetic variability in human neurons, molecular mechanisms of brain metabolism, and social inequalities in aging and dementia.
Beyond the quantitative achievements, this recognition underscores USS’s commitment to strengthening its role in both the national and international scientific communities. “Our goal goes beyond rising in the rankings,” concluded Dr. Pérez-Acle. “We aim to actively contribute to the debates and challenges that are shaping science and society today”.