The University of Limerick (UL) has jumped to 61st in the world in a new impact ranking of over 1,900 universities worldwide.
UL was also ranked second in Ireland and is the only Irish institution to improve its position year on year in the new Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings, which have just been announced.
The rankings are a global performance benchmark which measure the positive societal impact the university is having in contributing to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs).
UL is ranked 61 out of the 1,963 universities surveyed, a jump of 25 places compared to last year when it was ranked 86 out of 1,591 universities.
This is the sixth year of the THE Impact Rankings which examine a university’s performance across teaching, research, equality, internal culture, and the impact it has in the wider society.
UL is ranked in the top 50 in the world in three of the individual SDGs:
SDG10: Reduced Inequalities ranked 21. This highlights the university’s research on social inequalities, its policies on discrimination and commitment to recruiting staff and students from under-represented groups.
SDG11: Sustainable Cities and Communities ranked 23. This to examine the role of a university in sustaining and preserving the heritage of communities.
SDG8: Decent Work and Economic Growth ranked 49. This goal evaluates an institution’s economic research, employment practices and the share of students taking work placements, and good employment practices.
A further five goals see UL in the top 100 universities for impact. SDG1: No Poverty; SDG5: Gender Equality; SDG7: Affordable and Clean Energy; SDG12: Responsible Consumption and Production and SDG16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions.
In addition, UL is ranked first in Ireland for SDG5: Gender Equality; SDG8: Decent Work and Economic Growth; SDG10: Reduced Inequalities and SDG11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.
Welcoming the new rankings UL Provost and Deputy President Professor Shane Kilcommins said: “Rising to 61st place globally and second in Ireland in the Times Higher Impact Rankings is a powerful affirmation of University of Limerick’s unwavering dedication to making a positive societal impact.
“We are continuing our rise through the rankings, and this comes on foot of another recent positive move for UL. Our identity as a research-led institution is deeply intertwined with our commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals and this remarkable 25-place jump reflects the collective efforts of our entire community from innovative teaching and pioneering research to our steadfast dedication to equality and fostering inclusivity.
“UL is growing and continuing to learn and take that growth for a positive good. Our progress is not just measured in rankings but in the tangible benefits we deliver to wider society, demonstrating that at UL, we are truly committed on making a difference.”
Professor Norelee Kennedy, UL Vice President Research added: “This is another example of how UL staff are working for a better society for all. The rankings are a positive reflection of how UL takes its responsibility to sustainable development regionally, nationally and internationally.
“These results reflect our ambition of providing an environment where we value creativity, curiosity and excellence and are committed to social good. Our research strategy Wisdom for Action is aligned to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, allowing our research to have maximum impact on our society. These results show that this alignment strategy is paying off.”
The improvement in UL’s place in the Impact Rankings, comes just a week after the university rose to 421 in the QS World University Rankings reflecting the commitment of staff to research and teaching excellence.