Recognition for our positive impact on society
We are delighted to share the news that the University was ranked 19th in the world for its positive impact on society, according to a new report by the Times Higher Education (THE).
The THE Impact Rankings, which demonstrate the difference a university is making in the world by working towards the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), places the UofG first in Scotland and third in the UK.
The rankings aim to highlight work by universities in their communities and shine a light on institutional activities and efforts not covered in other rankings. There are 17 SDGs which were adopted by the UN in 2015 to provide a framework to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all.
As well as being ranked 19th out of 1,406 institutions overall, UofG was placed
- 2nd globally for Sustainable Cities & Communities
- equal 8th for Life on Land, and
- 21st for Responsible Consumption & Production.
The result is a fantastic reflection of our world-changing impact, and the commitment we, as an institution, have to the delivery of the SDGs.
Commenting on UofG’s ranking, Phil Baty, THE’s Chief Knowledge Officer said: “The University of Glasgow is one of those universities that stepped forward – and it is remarkable that Glasgow has made its debut in this ranking straight into the world top 20, and also as Scotland’s number-one ranked university and as a leader in the UK. Glasgow, like all universities pushing forward the world’s agenda for a sustainable future, deserves our congratulations, and our thanks.”
UofG and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
This article was first published June 2022.
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As a world-leading, research-intensive University, the University of Glasgow is committed to contributing towards the SDGs, to help tackle the most pressing global challenges facing humanity and the natural world.
The University signed the UN SDG Accord in 2017, part of its vision to help shape the social, cultural and economic prosperity of its city, its country and civilisation itself.
We were the first University in the UK to declare it would divest from fossil fuels within a decade, and the first in Scotland to declare a climate emergency.
Our Sustainability Strategy, Glasgow Green, commits the University to achieving carbon neutrality by 2030.