An aerial view of Ocean University of China's Laoshan campus in Qingdao. [Photo/VCG]

Ocean University of China in Qingdao, Shandong province, has ranked first in the world for marine science in the 2026 Global Ranking of Academic Subjects released by ShanghaiRanking.

It is the first time the university has claimed the global top spot in the discipline since marine science was added to the rankings in 2018. The university has steadily climbed the list in recent years, rising from eighth place in 2022 to the global top three in 2023 and second place in 2025.

Marine science has long been a leading discipline at the university. It has been included in China's national Double First-Class initiative for two consecutive rounds.

In recent years, the university has expanded its research capabilities in ocean observation, climate studies and marine ecosystems. It has developed major research platforms and built an integrated regional ocean observation network linking sea, land, air and space-based monitoring.

The university has also stepped up international scientific cooperation, including leading the CSK-2 international research program and working with marine research institutions and academic organizations worldwide to issue the Qingdao Consensus on the Future Ocean.

In the latest ShanghaiRanking list, 27 disciplines at Ocean University of China were included, with 10 placing among the world's top 100. Rankings for 21 disciplines improved from 2025.