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University of Hull celebrates success in THE Impact Rankings 2021

The University of Hull’s commitment to sustainability goals set out by the United Nations has been praised in a global ranking.

The THE (Times Higher Education) Impact Rankings 2021 assess the impact of universities on society, based on 17 key criteria which form the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.

Included in the international university ranking, released on April 21, is the University of Hull’s commitment to reducing inequality, improving health and wellbeing and tackling plastics pollution in the world’s oceans.

The University of Hull was ranked in six of the 17 criteria, and placed in the 201st-300th bracket out of 1,115 institutions.

#MyPlasticPledge volunteers
University of Hull's Plastic Pledge

Professor Philip Gilmartin, Chair of the University of Hull’s Sustainability Board, said: “Sustainability is at the heart of our University’s strategy, as we constantly strive to tackle some of the world’s biggest societal challenges through pioneering research, knowledge exchange and teaching.

“From tackling social injustice and health inequality to combating the effects of climate change, the University is committed to creating a fairer, brighter, carbon neutral future.

“I am incredibly proud of the University’s performance in this prestigious ranking, in our first ever year of submission. We know however that the work is not over, and we will continue to push new boundaries and strive for excellence in everything that we do.”

The University was ranked in six categories, under the THE ranking:

  • Good Health & Wellbeing – 201st-300th out of 871
  • Quality Education – 101st-200th out of 966
  • Reduced Inequalities – 101st-200th out of 669
  • Life Below Water – 72nd out of 379
  • Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions – 65th out of 653
  • Partnerships for the Goals – 101st-200th out of 1,154

Overall, the University of Hull was ranked in the 201st to 300th bracket, out of 1,115 institutions.

The work of key institutions within the University – including the Wilberforce Institute for the study of Slavery and Emancipation, the Energy & Environment Institute and the Hull International Fisheries Institute – were all highlighted in the ranking.

students library
Brynmor Jones Library

Numerous partnerships, research and enterprise projects and public contributions formed part of the University’s success in the ranking.These included:

  • The Brynmor Jones Library providing a valuable public service to the community it serves.
  • The University’s partnership with The Deep in Hull – providing educational and research opportunities in the fields of climate change and our ocean habitats.
  • Professor Nicole Pamme, alongside a team including experts at Mount Kenya University, winning a prestigious Newton Prize for her work to improve diagnosis of maternal infection in Kenya.
  • The University’s partnership with Marketing Humber in The Waterline campaign – designed to bring together businesses and organisations to accelerate the Humber’s transition to a net-zero economy.
  • The Wilberforce Institute partnering with Humberside Police to launch Operation Wilberforce – helping and protecting the victims of modern-day slavery and exploitation in the region.
  • The University’s own Plastics Pledge – encouraging students and staff to make changes and reduce their own plastic consumption.
  • A major study, led by the University of Hull, into the impact of the 2007 floods in Hull on people in the city. This was commissioned by the Living with Water partnership.
  • The University partnering with the National Youth Theatre to put together Melt – a stage show which hopes to shine a light on the devastating impact climate change is having on our planet.

The University of Hull has also laid out a bold vision to become a carbon neutral campus by 2027.

Partnering with Siemens, the University has now developed an energy masterplan, creating a roadmap to carbon neutrality.

Included in the strategy is an increase in the generation of renewable energy on the University’s campus – through solar panels and heat pump technology – alongside making energy efficiency improvements to existing infrastructure.

For more information on the University’s performance in the 2021 THE Impact Ranking, visit THE Impact Rankings.

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