We are delighted to share with you the good news that our University has been ranked number one in the world in the Times Higher Education’s Impact Rankings, released today.
More than 1,200 universities from 98 countries were measured on their social and environmental impact towards the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It’s the first time that a UK university has secured the top spot, and we are the only institution from the UK in the top ten this year.
The contribution of Manchester students to this world-leading ranking is something we’re extremely proud of. In the many projects described in our SDGs report, you can see the humanity and pioneering spirit of our university community and the benefits we bring to society and the environment. Examples of how you, our students have directly contributed to this brilliant achievement include:
- Student volunteering projects addressing inequalities such as our free legal advice centre, support for food banks, addressing period poverty and offering free dental care in the community
- Our Students’ Union Advice Centre that provides support on wellbeing and on issues of finance, sexual, gender and race equality
- Student projects in support of environmental sustainability and climate action, including volunteering and your engagement with the University’s Sustainability Challenge and Stellify initiatives
- Student participation in our pioneering UCIL module on the SDGs: ‘Creating a Sustainable World’
We have also released a film giving amazing examples of staff and student contributions to our performance against the 17 SDGs. This includes our world leading research to create a greener, fairer and healthier world, our commitment to zero carbon, being a living wage employer, the impact of our graduates on the NHS, student volunteering projects and the pioneering work of our cultural institutions.
You have all had a part to play in this achievement, so we should all be very proud – and celebrate it!
Carol Chepkech Tiriongo
Activities and Development Officer
University of Manchester Students’ Union
Professor Nalin Thakkar
Vice-President for Social Responsibility
The University of Manchester