It was announced yesterday that Manchester’s societal impact is best in Europe according to new rankings by the Times Higher Education (THE). The impact rankings placed Manchester top in Europe and 3rd in the world overall, competing against more than 500 institutions.
The rankings measure the ‘societal impact’ of the University’s research using the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) as a framework. The 17 SDGs came into an effect in 2016 and are a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure all people enjoy equality, peace, and prosperity. They include challenges such as climate change, sustainable consumption, peace and justice, and economic inequality among other priorities.
Dr Julian Skyrme, Director of Social Responsibility at the University said, “The SDGs are our world’s call to action on the most important challenges facing our people and planet.”
“Being recognised as Europe’s highest ranking University in this new index…is a brilliant reflection of the work of our researchers, teachers, students, professional services and cultural institution staff, enhancing our global reputation as a leader on social responsibility and impact.”
The rankings reflect that Manchester is a place where students have opportunities to grow, step up and lead, and make a difference on the issues that matter. Both through their studies and through initiatives such as Stellify, and the University’s Research Beacons of which solving Global inequalities is one.
See how students at Manchester have made and difference and impacted society.