From the farmlands of France to the rust-colored post-industrial cities of Michigan, this year's top institutions are finding good science in some rather unusual places.
Lauren Urban

See all the ranking results from this year's survey. Review the strengths and weaknesses of the Top 40 US Institutions in sortable online tables. Breakdown the Top 15 US and Top 10 International Academic Institutions by the numbers and learn more about this year's respondents.

Located amidst the impressive biodiversity of Australia, this year's No. 1-ranked international institution focuses on understanding and preserving that diversity.

Being an undergraduate-only college doesn't make research at Calvin College, this year's No. 8 school, any less valuable, its researchers say.

One of 20 centers dedicated to serving the agricultural needs of society, INRA in Versailles, ranked No. 7 among international institutions, is touted for its proximity to the farmers that may benefit from its research.

While other industries in Michigan may not be faring as well, the state's research sector is booming, with four of its institutions ranking in the top 40 of this year's survey.