QS.com
Conferences calendar
QS Higher Ed Summit: Europe 2026
24 - 25 June 2026
Budapest
,
Hungary

Rankings Masterclass

Join us on 26 June 2026 for a dedicated Rankings Masterclass after the QS Higher Ed Summit: Europe 2026.

How well do you really understand QS rankings?

During this dedicated Rankings Masterclass on 26 June 2026 at Novotel Budapest City & Budapest Congress Center, you’ll go beyond the basics to unpack ranking methodologies, explore global trends, and examine their impact on policy, reputation and student choice.

You’ll build a deeper understanding of rankings, sharpen your ability to interpret data, and gain fresh perspectives to help shape your institution’s future.
Register now
Gain practical insight
Learn how rankings can be used as a tool for storytelling, strategy, and improvement.
Interactive sessions
Take part in workshops devised to give you experience you can take back to your institution.
Learn from your peers
Hear from universities directly through real-world case studies and a panel with institutional leaders.

What to expect

Hear from QS experts on turning rankings data into strategy, alongside peer-led case studies and a panel on strategic decision-making. Take part in hands-on workshops and connect with fellow professionals throughout the day.

The programme begins at 9:00am and concludes with a networking reception at 4:15pm.

Agenda

Session Length Time Presenter(s) Session overview
Registration (breakfast from 8:30–10:30) 3 hours 8:00–11:00
Refresher: Understanding the QS World University Rankings 1 hour 20 minutes 9:00–10:20 Wesley da Silva Siqueria, and Kirill Ivanov from Elsevier This optional kick-off session provides a refresher on the QS World University Rankings methodology, indicators, and data framework.
Networking break 10 minutes 10:20–10:30
A Strategic Lens on Institutional Performance: Making Meaning of QS Data 45 minutes 10:30–11:15 Ben Sowter QS data is most valuable when it is used as a strategic development tool, not only as a communications output.
Diagnosis First: Reading your Institution’s Performance Profile 30 minutes 11:15–11:45 Juan Carlos Mejia-Cuartas In this hands-on workshop, participants take the lessons learned in the previous session to explore an anonymised QS performance profile.
Lessons from the Sector 10 minutes 11:45–11:55 Lorna Gozzard, Royal College of Art In this case study you’ll hear from Lorna Gozzard, Director of Engagement, Brand & Marketing at the Royal College of Art.
Networking break 15 minutes 11:55–12:10
Lessons from the Sector 10 minutes 12:10–12:20 TBC TBC
What Reputation Work Really Takes: A Candid Conversation 40 minutes 12:20–13:00 Jacques de Champchesnel moderating; panel members TBC In this candid conversation with institutional leaders with experience of the reputation cycle, you’ll hear about the solutions that genuinely moved the needle.
Lunch 1 hour 13:00–14:00
Under the Hood: The Mechanics of Reputation in Motion 45 minutes 14:00–14:45 Jonathan Sabarre and Habib Fardoun A data-led examination of how Academic and Employer Reputation indicators behave over time.
Networking break 10 minutes 14:45–14:55
Workshop: Leave With a Draft, Not an Idea 40 minutes 14:55–15:35 Jonathan Sabarre and Habib Fardoun This workshop is structured working time, not a lecture. Participants will draft a credible reputation programme for their own institution.
Roundup of the day 15 minutes 15:35–15:50 Juan Carlos Mejia-Cuartas A summary of the day’s learning and key takeaways.
Q&A 35 minutes 15:50–16:25 Wesley da Silva
Networking reception Around 1.5 hours 16:25–18:00

Sessions and timings are subject to change.

Our speakers

Álvaro Arcis Vicente
Rankings Coordinator, Universidad Europea
Team
Expertise
Lorna Gozzard
Director of Engagement, Brand & Marketing, Royal College of Art
Team
Expertise
Kirill Ivanov
Customer Success Manager, Elsevier
Team
Expertise
London
Jonathan Sabarre
QS Principal Consultant
Team
Expertise
Juan Carlos Mejía-Cuartas
QS Customer Experience Manager
Team
Expertise
Wesley Siqueira
QS Product and Research Advisor
Team
Expertise
Albacete
Dr Habib Fardoun
QS Principal Consultant
Team
Expertise
London
Jacques de Champchesnel
QS Head of Consulting and Insights
Team
Expertise
Ben Sowter
QS Senior Vice President
Team
Expertise
Review your institution’s position with a QS expert
As a special offer for Masterclass attendees, a limited number of personalised, one-on-one fact file review sessions will be available during the QS Higher Ed Summit: Europe 2026 (held at the same location).

In these 30-minute sessions, you’ll receive an overview of your institution’s performance, identify strengths, and uncover opportunities for strategic action - helping you get more from your rankings data ahead of the masterclass.

‍Please note: sessions are only available to those attending both the QS Higher Ed Summit: Europe 2026 and the QS Rankings Masterclass.
Explore the Summit
Secure your spot
Join us in Budapest to gain the insights and connections to turn rankings into strategy.
Register now