We’re incredibly proud to report that we’ve recently been ranked as being among the best in the world for the impact we have in bringing about a more sustainable and just future.
In the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings, based on the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), we’ve had outstanding results in two fundamental areas, showing remarkable progress as an institution. These rankings shine a light on the difference we make in the world, looking at activities not covered by other rankings, so are a powerful tool to highlight our global standing in these areas.
For SDG 17: Partnership for the Goals, we’re ranked 12th in the world (out of 2,031 institutions) and 2nd in the UK (out of 69 institutions), which is the highest rank we’ve ever achieved in this SDG. This SDG measures our progress against all other SDGs, so is one of the most important measures in this ranking.
And for SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions, we are ranked 11th in the world (out of 1,037 institutions) and 3rd in the UK (out of 53 institutions). This is our highest ever ranked position in any of the SDGs (across the last four publications we’ve been part of).
These goals are an urgent call for action for countries to work in partnership, to address global challenges, to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all, and it is an incredible accomplishment to have made such significant progress.
More about the goals
SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
This area focuses on the foundations that are needed to deliver the rest of the SDGs, so is a really significant area to have done so well in.
Peace and Justice are vital to ensure equality between people and countries – and we need strong institutions, including Universities, to be able to deliver this.
Areas covered range from individual justice – eradicating modern slavery and people trafficking – to making sure that our countries have the evidence and information they need to react and respond to crises. The research and work that we undertake in these areas, as well as international and government advice, have all be considered as part of this ranking.
For example, our Wilberforce Institute aims to advance knowledge of slavery and emancipation, informing policy, business practice and public debate at local, national and international levels. The Institute briefs MPs and provides specialist advice to government, helping leaders and communities to deliver change for the future. Our Centre for Legislative Studies also works closely with Parliamentarians and other practitioners to address the purpose and impact of legislatures.
SDG 17: Partnership for the Goals:
If we are going to create a sustainable future, we need to work together, collaborating as institutions, governments, companies, Non-Government Organisations, and people.
This goal looks at how we support the SDGs through collaboration with other countries, the promotion of best practices and the publication of data and evidence, to achieve the SDGs together.
One great example of this is the annual Waterline Summit, hosted by our Aura Innovation Centre, which is the largest decarbonisation event in the North of England, focusing on how to tackle the world’s greatest problem: climate change.
Hull York Medical School’s Wolfson Palliative Care Research Centre also cuts across disciplinary boundaries, working in collaboration to drive innovative research and maximise their impact – to boldly advance improvements in diagnosis, treatments and care for patients.