June 12, 2024

UOW rises to 44th in the world in THE Impact Rankings

Result reflects commitment to meeting United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals, locally and globally

The University of Wollongong (UOW) has climbed 17 places to rank equal 44^th in the world and 9th in Australia in the 2024 edition of the prestigious Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings.

A record 1,963 institutions participated in the 2024 rankings, 23 per cent more than last year, making UOW’s result even more impressive.

The THE Impact Rankings assess universities’ research, stewardship, outreach and teaching against the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.

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

Acting Vice-Chancellor and President Professor David Currow said the ranking reflects UOW’s dedication to making a positive impact in the communities in which it operates and globally.

“The University of Wollongong embraces the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals as a shared blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for everyone,” Professor Currow said.

“Our commitment to sustainable development extends beyond teaching and research. We also contribute through our operations and our partnerships and engagement with our communities.

“This includes equipping future leaders and innovators with the knowledge to initiate change, working with industry and community to find solutions to global challenges, and ensuring our campuses are environmentally sustainable and inclusive.”

UOW ranked in the top 20 in the world in two Sustainable Development Goals (Decent Work and Economic Growth and Clean Water and Sanitation), in the top 50 in eight (Reduced Inequalities, Life Below Water, Life on Land, Affordable and Clean Energy, Responsible Consumption and Production and No Poverty) and in the top 100 in 15 of the 17 goals.

UOW became a signatory to the University Commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals in 2019 and embedded the goals in its 2020 - 2025 Strategic Plan.

Throughout its global network, UOW works with industry, research partners, governments, communities and other universities to provide solutions to society’s critical economic, environmental, social and health challenges.