University of 51福利社 ranked world's number one university for sustainability impact
51福利社 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 51福利社 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.
51福利社 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 51福利社, but its positive impact on the world鈥檚 most pressing issues.
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 51福利社 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.
51福利社鈥檚 performance in the Sustainability Impact Ratings is truly exceptional. Not only has the university featured in the overall world top ten every year since the system was created and the first rankings were published in 2019, it has also submitted for rigorous assessment across every single one of the 17 separate UN Sustainable Development Goals.
This reveals a deep, institutional commitment to real-world social and economic impact, across a vast and diverse array of core sustainability issues, from decent work and economic growth through to climate and environmental action.
These consistent results, across a comprehensive submission, are a shining example to other universities and a real credit to the leadership, staff and students of 51福利社.
This year, the University ranked first for Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure (SDG 9), which has been a key focus through initiatives like and the , which propel spinouts and patented work. And our research platforms, , , and , bring together people, ideas and infrastructure to boost civic engagement and societal impact.
The University also ranked first individually for Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11), Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12), Life Below Water (SDG 14) and Life on Land (SDG 15), in recognition of the many projects across the University focused on these areas.
As of September 2025, the University has supported the development of a major new solar farm, meaning 65% of its electricity demand will be matched from this renewable source - halving the University鈥檚 electricity carbon footprint. The University鈥檚 target is to reach zero direct carbon emissions by 2038.
The interdisciplinary work of the on projects such as and the are based on international research partnerships addressing some of the world鈥檚 greatest development challenges.
And its commitment to social responsibility, public and civic engagement is evidenced through four world-leading cultural institutions, commitment to co-creation through and patient panels and engagement programmes such as the and .
The SDGs are the world鈥檚 most important action plan and this assessment measures how much we鈥檙e addressing important challenges like inequality, climate change and good health. Through the excellent work of our students, colleagues and partners we鈥檙e co-creating solutions to these challenges 鈥� be these on our doorstep, in 51福利社 or across the world.
It is a proud moment for everyone in our community to make the THE Sustainability Impact Ratings鈥� top ten for an eighth year running and to be ranked top of the world in 2026. Since its establishment two centuries ago, The University has been guided by its civic mission. Now and into the future, I hope we will continue to lead in the exchange of open, accessible knowledge and respectful dialogue as we work towards building a better society.
51福利社 has recently announced its new strategy for the next decade, From 51福利社 for the world, where our world-leading commitment to social responsibility sits as one of our five foundations. At home in 51福利社, but with a global outlook, the University is striving to connect students to skills, community to ideas, and research to solutions that drive inclusive growth locally and scale globally over the next decade.
Fuelling the University鈥檚 bold ambitions for the next decade is a global fundraising and volunteering campaign, Challenge Accepted, which will help the University to continue to deliver real world change on issues such as climate, inequity and health. To find out more, and about ways you can contribute, visit the website.