April 28, 2022

Strong performance in THE Impact Rankings

Ranking reflects UOW's strong commitment to achieving a sustainable future

The University of Wollongong (UOW) has been ranked equal 70^th in the world in the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings 2022, announced today (28 April 2022).

The rankings measure how the global higher education sector is working towards the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Worldwide, more than 1400 universities participated in this year’s Impact Rankings, a 25.9 per cent increase on last year.

The 17 SDGs include alleviating poverty, protecting the environment, providing affordable and clean energy, fostering innovation, building sustainable cities and communities, and tackling climate change.

The role of universities in sustainable development extends beyond teaching and research to operations, governance, policy and practice, and through partnerships and engagement with our communities. UOW became a signatory to the University Commitment to the SDGs in 2019.

This year, UOW placed in the top 100 in eleven out of 17 SDGs a reflection of the University’s strong commitment to addressing global issues through its teaching, research, outreach and strategic partnerships.

The University works with industry, research partners, governments, communities and other universities to provide sustainable solutions to society’s critical economic, environmental, social and health challenges.

UOW ranked 15th in the world in two SDGs – SDG 1: No poverty and SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth. The University ranked in the top 50 in 5 other SDGs – SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation (40^th globally), SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities (38^th), SDG 14: Life Below Water (41^st ), SDG 15 Life on Land (32^nd) and SDG 16 Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions (31^st).

In the mandatory SDG 17: Partnership for the Goals, UOW ranked equal 63rd globally.

UOW Vice-Chancellor Professor Patricia M. Davidson welcomed the result and said the THE Impact Rankings were an indication of UOW’s commitment to creating a sustainable future for its communities and the world.

“I am delighted to see the University ranked 70^th in the world in THE Impact Rankings,” Professor Davidson said.

“UOW remains focused on achieving its commitment to become a sustainable organisation by 2030, and these rankings are a testament that the University is moving in the right direction.”

UOW Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation) Professor Jennifer Martin said: “The University has been working closely with stakeholders and partners across the globe to solve complex issues such as poverty, providing clean water and sanitation, and quality education through research initiatives.”

The University has been working toward the SDGs through its research partnerships and programs such as Global Goals, Local Level, a cross-sector approach to achieve the SDGs by 2030. The program is a local network of researchers and practitioners across education, government, commerce, NGOs, community and youth working together and driving a fundamental shift in the way organisations think and implement SDGs across the sector.

ABOUT THE Sustainable Development Goals

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015 are an urgent call for action by all countries – developed and developing – in a global partnership. They recognize that ending poverty and other deprivations must go hand-in-hand with strategies that improve health and education, reduce inequality, and spur economic growth – all while tackling climate change and its impacts such as forced migration, and working to preserve our oceans and forests.