Spin cyclotrons at most universities were on idle yesterday, with just six Aus institutions making the Times Higher global reputation ranking

Those making the cut are, Uni Melbourne (44), Uni Sydney (61-70 band), ANU (71-80), Monash U, Uni Queensland, UNSW (all 91-100).

The ranking is based on the surveyed opinions of “experienced, published scholars” on teaching and research in their disciplines.

But while the national uni hypometer barely moved yesterday the University of Melbourne did mention it was its ninth local first-place.

And at UniSydney DVC R Duncan Ivison was delighted with his institution moving up a band; ““In the past few years, we’ve undertaken some of the biggest reforms in a century to both our curriculum and our research approach; and it’s starting to pay off, …  this result also demonstrates the extraordinary contribution our staff and students are making to society more generally.”

Good-oh, but surely a ranking based on a survey of academics’ opinions measures perceptions of universities, rather than actual attributes and outcomes. This could be why the oldest and richest unis with big brand names always rate on opinion based products. Then again, the universities that are strong on opinion surveys are lead on data driven research league tables.