The University of Manchester has been ranked first in the world for progress towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the Times Higher Education (THE) Sustainability Impact Ratings.
The result places Manchester at the top of a global field of 1,603 universities from 114 countries and territories. It is also the eighth consecutive year that the University has ranked in the global top ten, making it the only institution to achieve that distinction since the rankings were launched in 2019.
The THE Sustainability Impact Ratings assess how universities are helping to address major global challenges through their research, teaching, operations and partnerships, measured against the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Manchester is one of the few elite global universities (40th in the QS World University Rankings 2027) to also consistently rank in the top ten in both the THE Sustainability Impact Ratings (formally known as the THE Impact Rankings) and QS World Sustainability Rankings. This demonstrates not only the high standard of teaching and research at Manchester, but its positive impact on the world’s most pressing issues.
Professor Duncan Ivison, President and Vice-Chancellor of The University of Manchester said: “This recognition reflects the important role universities play in the world today. We educate people, create knowledge and bring together different perspectives to tackle difficult problems.
“At a time of rapid technological, environmental and social change, universities have never been more important. They help prepare people for the future, advance understanding through research, and work with partners to turn ideas into real improvements in people’s lives.
“I’m proud that Manchester continues to be recognised not only for the quality of our teaching and research, but for the contribution we make to addressing the challenges facing society.”
Read more about our role in tackling the UN Sustainable Development Goals.