University of Exeter secures Top 50 position in latest THE Impact Ranking

Exeter secures global top 50 position in THE Impact Rankings 2022

The University of Exeter has secured a place in an influential ranking’s global top 50 for the first time – in recognition of its steadfast commitment to sustainability, improving health and tackling inequality.

The University has been ranked 42nd in the world - a rise of 21 place - in the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings, released today (April 27th 2022).

The rankings, established in 2019, measure universities’ overall impact through their work towards meeting the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).

The overall ranking is produced based on individual data for SDG 17: Partnership for the Goals, plus their best three results on the remaining SDGs.

Exeter achieved an overall score of 92.9 out of 100 - up from 88.7 – to secure its position in 42nd worldwide, from 1406 institutions.

The University’s highest score was achieved in SDG17: Partnership for the Goals – which looks at the way universities support the SDGs through collaboration with other countries, the promotion of best practices and the publication of data and evidence – with a score of 96.2.

The highest ranking achievement was in SDG6: Clean Water and sanitation– which looks at research into water, water usage and commitment to ensuring good water management in the wider communities - which was ranked 8th in the world.

Exeter was also ranked:

• 13th for SDG10 Reduced Inequalities
• Joint 17th for SDG1 No Poverty
• Joint 20th for SDG15 Life on Land
• 22nd for SDG17 Partnership for the Goals
• 24th for SDG13 Climate Action
• 33rd for SDG2 Zero Hunger
• 39th for SDG7 – Affordable and Clean Energy
• 40th for SDG12 Responsible Consumption and Production

Professor Lisa Roberts, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Exeter said: “I am delighted that the University’s commitment to sustainability, health and equality has been recognised through this top 50 global position in the THE Impact Rankings.

“It is a testament to the wide range of world-leading research conducted by our academic community, and our strong interdisciplinary and external partnership approach to tackling today’s most pressing matters.

“Our commitment to sustainability, health and tackling inequality has been highlighted by our high-profile Green Futures Campaign, which shows how the University is driving change in partnership with governments, businesses and communities.

“By working together, we are making great strides in providing solutions to some of the biggest global challenges to help create a sustainable, healthy and social just future for all”.

The ranking is the latest success secured by the University of Exeter.

In January, it was ranked as the 46th most international university in the world, based on data from the Times Higher Education World University Rankings, reflecting the increasing recognition of Exeter as a truly global institution.

It is also ranked 143rd in the world in the latest Times Higher Education World University Rankings, and also broke into the top 150 in the QS World University Rankings for the first time, securing 149th position.

The Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU) saw the University retain its place amongst the top 200 ranked global institutions, while Exeter also ranked 31st internationally in the CWTS Leiden Rankings, which offers key insights into the scientific performance of the major universities worldwide.

Exeter has the UK’s top five most influential climate scientists – all in the top 21 in the world – and is home to more of the world’s top 100 climate scientists than anywhere else in the world (according to Reuters).

All aspects of Exeter's research and work in sustainability, health and social justice are included in the University's new Strategy 2030.

Date: 27 April 2022