University of Akron Tops North American Polymer Rankings

The University of Akron has been named the leading institution in North America for polymer science and plastics engineering. This recognition comes from EduRank, a global ranking system that measures research impact through citations and publication output. The university’s position as first in the region and second worldwide highlights its long‑standing expertise.

How EduRank Ranks Universities

• Data Sources: Over 1,000 universities worldwide
• Citations Analyzed: More than 4.8 million citations from 175,000 academic papers
• Methodology: Raw scores are adjusted for publication dates; the final ranking focuses solely on research performance, excluding enrollment numbers.

A Legacy of Polymer Innovation

• 1939: Launch of the United Synthetic Rubber Program during World War II, replacing scarce natural rubber.
• Decades of Research: The program laid the foundation for continuous polymer innovation.

Sustained Commitment

Akron’s achievement reflects a sustained commitment to polymer research. Its programs continue to attract top scholars and industry collaborators, ensuring that the university remains at the forefront of material science innovation.