The Observatory will review the conduct of "academic ranking" and expressions of "academic excellence" for the benefit of higher education, its stake-holders and the general public. This objective will be achieved by way of:

improving the standards, theory and practice in line with recommendations formulated in the Berlin Principles on Ranking of Higher Education Institutions initiating research and training related to ranking excellence; analyzing the impact of ranking on access, recruitment trends and practices; analyzing the role of ranking on institutional behavior; enhancing public awareness and understanding of academic work.