The concept of university rankings is rapidly becoming one of the most important tools used by both students and academic professionals across the world. Currently, there are 33 countries which possess some form of rankings system, and the field continues to grow both domestically and internationally. Universities use them to define their performance, professional reputation and status, whilst students use them to choose their future place of study and research. What originated as a consumer product aimed at undergraduate domestic students has now become both a manifestation and a driver of global competition and a battle for excellence in itself.As the higher education sector is recognised as one of the key drivers of economic growth, the productivity, quality and the status of research produced by institutions can be used as a vital indicator. Recognising the need for greater clarity, the European Commission has launched its own initiatives (U-Multirank and U-Map) that are independent from public authorities and universities. Its aim is the design and testing of a new multidimensional university ranking system, one with a more global outreach. It is hoped that a comprehensive ranking system will assist policymakers in developing longer term strategies as part of the broader Higher Education modernisation agenda.This timely international symposium will analyse the latest developments in and future outlook for the U-Multirank initiative and also tackle in a global context some of the key themes and outcomes from the 4th Annual Symposium on University Rankings held in April. Participants will assess the challenges that lie ahead in creating and maintaining comprehensive and user-friendly systems for ranking universities. The symposium offers an invaluable opportunity to discuss the dynamics between international rankings and national initiatives developed in various countries, collaborate and communicate strategies and share best practices.