The University of California, Davis, held onto its top spot in veterinary science in the latest QS World University Rankings released today. As the No. 1 university in veterinary science, UC Davis is renowned for applying a “One Health” approach to addressing critical health concerns on a local and global scale.

“The people and programs of the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine are dedicated to providing innovative and compassionate clinical care, making groundbreaking discoveries and teaching the next generation of leaders in veterinary medicine,” said  Michael Lairmore, the school's dean since 2011. “This recognition is also a reflection of the dedication of our philanthropic partners who provide generous gifts that help fund novel research, improved facilities and student scholarships.”

UC Davis also among top universities in agriculture

For the fourth consecutive year, UC Davis came out among the top-ranked universities in agriculture and forestry, taking second place in the ranking this year. Also in the QS rankings, UC Davis was featured among the world’s elite institutions in 32 of the 42 subjects featured. Those subjects include environmental sciences, 13th; biological sciences, 31st; and earth and marine sciences, 34th. 

“The QS rankings reaffirm our international standing, and that our faculty and researchers are respected the world over for their work throughout the globe,” Chancellor Linda P.B. Katehi said.

QS rankings are based on reputational surveys and research citations. This year, QS evaluated 4,226 universities, qualifying 2,691 and ranking 945 institutions.

Robust veterinary research and clinical programs

The veterinary school, also ranked No. 1 by U.S. News and World Report, is home to a robust research program, which last year totaled more than $56 million. The school annually provides clinical services to more than 50,000 animal patients in 34 specialties. UC Davis serves as a strong leader in veterinary medical education, providing nearly 550 Doctor of Veterinary Medicine students annually with a curriculum built on sound educational theory designed and delivered by prominent faculty members.

Making a difference around the world

The school is involved in improving the lives of people and animals, and the environment in more than 30 countries worldwide through efforts such as:

• PREDICT, a $175 million multi-institutional program, led by the school’s One Health Institute and funded by USAID to rapidly detect and respond to emerging viruses such as Ebola.
• California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory System, which protects public and animal health in partnership with the state’s Department of Food and Agriculture
• Comparative Cancer Center, where veterinary researchers collaborate with School of Medicine physicians and researchers to use therapies developed from animal models as treatments for human cancer.
• The 100K Genome Project, which aims to speed the diagnosis of foodborne illnesses by creating a databank of pathogen genome sequences.
• Collaboration among veterinary dental surgeons and biomedical engineers to regrow jawbone in dogs and provide valuable knowledge for human treatment.
• Advanced Imaging Facility (with cutting-edge confocal microscopes), providing researchers with a whole new view of biological specimens to answer questions about health and disease.

The rankings are prepared by Quacquarelli Symonds (QS), a British firm that previously was the data provider for the annual Times Higher Education rankings. QS is widely considered to be one of the most influential international university rankings providers.