London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine

The London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) is the top university for public health in the UK for the 10th year in a row, according to the 2026 ShanghaiRanking’s Global Ranking of Academic Subjects. 

It has held the number one position in the UK since 2017, when the ranking was first published in its current format.

LSHTM has also been ranked 2nd in the world for public health in 2026, moving up a place from 3rd last year.

Around 2,000 universities are listed in the rankings. The results are based on nine indicators including world-class research output, quality, impact, faculty, and international collaboration, recognising LSHTM’s prestigious research and study programmes. 

Professor Liam Smeeth, the Director of LSHTM, said: “To be ranked the number one university in the UK for public health for 10 years in a row is a brilliant achievement. It’s testament to the dedication, compassion and rigour shown by our staff and wider community, and I’m extremely proud of them.

“The last decade has seen huge challenges for public health and for universities. Our community has come together to improve health by providing crucial evidence to inform policy and practice. This has directly affected people’s lives whether tackling the COVID-19 pandemic, a rising tide of dangerous health misinformation, or the increasing effects of climate change, and all against a backdrop of geopolitical and financial pressures.

"We will continue to focus our efforts on the research and education needed to improve people’s health both in the UK and worldwide.”