UW rises to sixth in global rankings for environmental and occupational health

July 1, 2024 | Lisa Van Cise

A lab worker dressed in blue PPE and a PAPR – which is an air purifying respirator that includes a full-face helmet and tube attached to air filters on a belt- puts a bottle into a chemical hood while working in a lab environment.

Our faculty, students and staff conduct research and provide a range of services that protect workers, improve health and strengthen communities. Photo: Veronica Brace

Department of Environmental & Occupational Health Sciences: Sixth worldwide, third in US

#3 in the US and
#6 in the world

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Now rated sixth among programs in environmental and occupational health sciences across the world, the UW Department of Environmental & Occupational Health Sciences (DEOHS) jumped one position from the last cycle in US News and World Report’s rankings of best global universities. DEOHS remains third among universities in the US, edged out only by Harvard and Johns Hopkins.

To compete for the top global and national rankings, criteria include the number of publications produced, papers cited and research performance.

“This latest ranking in US News and World Report is a testament to the tireless dedication of our DEOHS faculty and students. Their groundbreaking research collaborations, evidence-based solutions, and commitment to building healthy communities and safe workplaces have positioned us as a global leader in public, environmental, and occupational health,” said DEOHS Professor and Chair Michael Yost.

Environmental Public Health at the UW

A tractor operator drives through a green field — DEOHS research includes how environmental exposures and workplace factors affect people's health. Photo: Sarah Fish

DEOHS, housed in the UW School of Public Health, builds healthy communities and safe workplaces. Our department’s research addresses some of today’s most urgent health challenges—from investigating the health impacts of climate change and air pollution to preventing on-the-job injuries and illnesses, especially in the most vulnerable populations.

University of Washington top 10 rankings

US News and World report ranked the UW as tied for seventh overall among global universities, and among the top 10 in nine subject areas. You can read more on the UW blog.