The agenda for the experts included presentations on international university rankings and the subject of research evaluation and data infrastructures. Discussions focused on topics such as the use of AI-supported bibliometric services, methods of data collection for sustainability rankings, and the practical use of instruments such as rankings in the university context.

Since international rankings have become an integral part of the university landscape, the University of Bremen's management is convinced that it is important to take a critical look at them. “A meaningful comparison must be based on diverse and transparent criteria and must not be guided by commercial interests,” emphasizes Professor Michal Kucera, Vice President for Research and Transfer at the University of Bremen. With this in mind, the University of Bremen joined the INORMS initiative “More than our Rank” in July 2025. 

"Our university is happy to participate in international comparisons, but we would like to emphasize that rankings alone cannot reflect the quality and diversity of universities as a whole; they sometimes can create false incentives and may be undermined by a lack of transparency and increasing commercialization. It is clear that the responsible use of rankings requires close cooperation between universities." He was therefore delighted that the seventh network event of the HRK's International University Rankings service project took place in Bremen.