April 22, 2020

UOW among world’s top performers in 2020 global impact rankings

Ranked 31st worldwide for delivering United Nations Sustainable Goals

The University of Wollongong (UOW) has been ranked 31st in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2020.

The rankings are the only global performance metrics that assess universities’ success in delivering the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Carefully calibrated indicators are used to provide comprehensive and balanced comparisons across three broad areas: research, outreach, and stewardship.

This year, approximately 800 universities worldwide had their performance evaluated in the rankings.

The SDGs were signed by 193 supporting member countries of the United Nations in 2015 as a universal call to action to protect the planet, end poverty and deliver peace and prosperity for all people by 2030.

Despite facing a more competitive field this year compared to 2019, UOW retained its elite position among the top 35 performing universities worldwide.

UOW’s ranking against SDG 8: Decent work and economic growth, jumped to 10th, a marked improvement from last year’s rank of 65; while performance against SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure improved from a ranking in the 101-200 band to 22nd.

The University’s rank for SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities improved one place to 5th in the world from 6th place in last year’s results.

These three SDGs and the mandatory SDG 17: Partnerships for the goals, for which UOW ranked 31st, were considered to qualify UOW to be ranked 31st globally.

UOW is dedicated to achieving clear UN SDG targets outlined in its strategic plan by 2030 and has incorporated them into the institution’s research strategy.

“I am thrilled that UOW has chosen to embed the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals as the backbone of our strategy to tackle the world’s most pressing and complex challenges.

“Our vision is to create knowledge for a better world - and to work with our communities to deliver research with impact; research that drives positive change,” Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation), Professor Jennifer L. Martin, AC, said.

To help achieve these goals, UOW is investing in equipping future leaders and innovators with the knowledge to initiate change, and executing research in collaboration with industry and the community to provide holistic and environmentally sustainable solutions.

UOW Vice-Chancellor, Paul Wellings CBE, said the rankings provide further evidence that universities can be world leaders in achieving sustainability and contributing to the greater good of society.

“UOW is making significant progress in pursuing its objectives in support of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, which address complex social, economic and environmental problems within our communities.

“This progress would not be possible without the commitment and dedication of talented researchers across the Institution and I congratulate them on achieving this result,” Professor Wellings said.

 

UN SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS: TIMES HIGHER EDUCATION IMPACT RANKINGS RESULTS

UOW ranked in the top 50 against almost all SDGs. The full list of UOW’s THE Impact Rankings result against each SDG is below:

SDG 1: No poverty, 14th

SDG 2: Zero Hunger, 101-200

SDG 3: Good Health and Wellbeing, 101-200

SDG 4: Quality education, 28th

SDG 5: Gender equality, 28th

SDG 6: Clean water and sanitation, 16th

SDG 7: Affordable and clean energy, 25th

SDG 8: Decent work and economic growth, 10th

SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, 22nd

SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities, 5th

SDG 11: Sustainable cities and communities, 22nd

SDG 12: Responsible consumption and production 22nd

SDG 13: Climate Action, 101-200

SDG 14: Life below water, 22nd

SDG 15: Life on land, 32nd

SDG 16: Peace, justice and strong institutions, 50th

SDG 17: Partnerships for the goals, 31st