Just like final 12 months, there are two widespread threads in our methodology. First, in line with our objective of rigor, defensibility and reproducibility, we used externally verified, quantitative knowledge (e.g., Net of Science) each time such knowledge was accessible and normalized this knowledge the place applicable so as to add as a lot nuance into our rankings as doable. After we required qualitative knowledge, we despatched out open, public, shareable surveys by all accessible channels and did our greatest to not restrict participation in any means, constructive or in any other case.