A LEADING Higher Education publication has recognised the University of Huddersfield’s world-leading achievements in reducing inequality, promoting a peaceful and inclusive society, addressing sustainability issues, and providing decent work and economic growth.
More than 1,500 institutions from across the world submitted data to Times Higher Education (THE) to participate in the THE Impact Rankings 2022.
The rankings, which are open to any university that teaches at either undergraduate or postgraduate level, are the first to measure global universities’ progress towards the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
These goals have set out a vision for a world free from poverty, hunger and disease and all UN Member States have agreed to work towards achieving them by the year 2030.
In compiling the rankings, THE appraised several factors such as reducing inequalities, decent work and economic growth, and promoting a peaceful and inclusive society.
On the issue of reducing inequalities, the University of Huddersfield has performed strongly in this category (SDG 10), with a rise in the rankings from 31 last year to equal 6th this year. SDG 10 tracks application and admission rates of under-represented groups. These can include newly settled refugee students, ethnic minorities, low-income students, those whose families have not had the opportunity of higher education, women, LGBT students, and disabled students. Huddersfield has increased its number of students from developing countries and its research on relevant topics, which has contributed to this achievement.
Huddersfield has also seen an improvement in the category SDG17 – Partnership for the Goals. This metric rewards institutions with dedicated courses that address sustainability and have dedicated educational outreach activities for the wider community.
In addition, Huddersfield has a new ranking in the category SDG16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions, where it has ranked equal 50th in the world. The main aim of this goal is to promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development.
Huddersfield has also performed well in the SDG8 category which assesses decent work and economic growth. Ranked in the top 50 in the world, Huddersfield has promoted inclusive and sustainable economic growth, employment and decent work for all.
At the University of Huddersfield, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Tim Thornton commented:
“I am delighted with the outcomes of this year’s THE Impact Rankings and the world-leading results reflect the hard work and dedication of our staff and students in making a difference to our wider society.
“We have always implemented an inclusive and welcoming environment here at the University of Huddersfield and our diverse student and staff population reflects this.
“We will continue to build on these positive results and work towards the UN Sustainable Development Goals.”