Focus Shift: How BRICS+ is Changing the Science Map
Over the past five years, BRICS+ countries have demonstrated almost a twofold increase in the total volume of scientific publications compared to the European Union, indicating a fundamental change in the global scientific landscape. In this issue, we analyze not only quantitative indicators but also qualitative metrics: the share of papers in first-quartile (Q1) journals, the Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI), and the level of international collaboration. Special attention is paid to the top 5 fastest-growing scientific areas of the Global South, where artificial intelligence has become the absolute leader in research scale.
Publication Dynamics: BRICS+ and the European Union
International Collaboration and Q1 Share (2025)
Top 5 Fastest-Growing Scientific Areas in BRICS+ (2021-2025)
| Topic | Publications | Growth Rate | FWCI |
|---|
RUDN Positions in Global University Rankings
An analysis of institutional rankings in recent years shows multidirectional dynamics. The decline in positions in QS WUR and THE WUR is primarily due to increased global competition and a drop in citation metrics. However, these challenges are offset by a historic achievement in the THE Impact Rankings 2025, where RUDN entered the top 50 global universities for the quality of education (SDG 4).
QS WUR 2027
THE WUR 2026
THE Impact 2025
Factors of Change in THE WUR (2025 vs 2026)
Strengths in THE Impact Rankings 2025 (Top 5 SDGs)
| Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) | Global Rank |
|---|---|
| ■ SDG 4: Quality Education | 40 |
| ■ SDG 5: Gender Equality | 101–200 |
| ■ SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth | 101–200 |
| ■ SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities | 101–200 |
| ■ SDG 2: Zero Hunger | 201–300 |
Architecture of Internal Cooperation at RUDN
This network graph visualizes real interdisciplinary cooperation within RUDN. Analyzing these connections reveals hidden intersections between faculties and identifies which internal collaborations bring the highest scientific productivity to the university (high FWCI and the share of elite publications (Q1)).
Cuba
Cuba is not just a promising region for cooperation, but a recognized world leader in the field of biotechnology, virology, and pharmacology. Developing joint projects with Cuban researchers provides RUDN institutes with direct access to cutting-edge, world-class developments. Below is the country's publication profile, a matrix of its scientific strengths, and the top leading research centers open to international projects.
Distribution by Subject Area
Research Profile by Subject Area
- ✓ Hepatology (MASLD)
- ✓ Neurology (epilepsy)
- ✓ Infectious diseases
- ✓ Cancer immunotherapy
- ✓ Integration into consortia
- ✓ Photovoltaics
- ✓ Biogas production
- ✓ Energy efficiency
- ✓ Energy harvesting (sensors)
- ✓ Dynamic cluster
- ✓ Marine biology
- ✓ Impact of hurricanes
- ✓ Water resource management
- ✓ Biodiversity
Leading Researchers by Subject Area
Most Cited Publications of 2025 (Top 3)
Intellectual Property (IP)
IP registration is a key indicator of the transition from fundamental research to applied applications. Patents and software registration certificates not only protect the university's priority but also build a technological foundation for import substitution and the commercialization of RUDN developments.
| Patent No. | IP Type | IP Title | Authors / Department | Year |
|---|