On September 23, 2026, the Westminster School of Business (WBS) hosted a research colloquium featuring Mukhlisa Khamidova, PhD Candidate. She presented her study titled, "Institutional Competitiveness and Global Rankings: Governance Challenges for Uzbek Universities."

The research examines the growing role of global university rankings as governance tools that influence the strategic behaviour, resource allocation, and reputational competition of higher education institutions worldwide. The study focuses on major international ranking systems, including the Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU), Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings, and QS World University Rankings, and considers how these rankings have become important indicators of institutional and national competitiveness in higher education.

Particular attention is given to the Uzbek higher education context, where global rankings can influence university strategies, institutional priorities, and perceptions of international competitiveness. The research explores the governance challenges associated with improving ranking performance and examines the implications of ranking systems for universities in emerging and transition economies.

Following the presentation, Mukhlisa received valuable recommendations and feedback from academic staff members to further strengthen her research.