Dundee University has been ranked among the top institutions in the world for its impact on society as a whole.
The Times Higher Education University Impact Rankings recognise that the role of universities extends beyond research and teaching to a third mission revolving around engagement, knowledge transfer and innovation for societal good.
The rankings measure the global higher education sector’s success in delivering the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Dundee has been ranked 20th in the world in the inaugural survey. It was placed third for SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production – while high scores were also recorded for Good Health and Wellbeing (16th) and Gender Equality (joint 31st).
Professor Andrew Atherton, principal and vice-chancellor of the University, said it was delighted with the result, “which recognises Dundee’s commitment to transforming society”.
He said: “This result is testament to the hard work and dedication of staff and students over many years, and our collective belief that universities must be engaged institutions working in partnership to make the world a better place.
“We are a university that undertakes world-changing research, works in partnership with our students to offer an outstanding student experience, and makes a difference by transforming lives.
“The Impact Rankings reflect the wider civic mission of universities, and this has been a central focus of the University of Dundee locally in our home city and globally through research and partnerships.
“We are both happy and proud that this new ranking of the impact of universities places Dundee in the top 20 in the world in terms of the difference we make.”
Ellie Bothwell, global rankings editor at Times Higher Education, paid tribute to the efforts of institutions on the list.
She said: “The University Impact Rankings recognise the fantastic work that universities do for the good of society to tackle some of our most pressing global issues – work that often goes unrecognised and undocumented.
“The results in this inaugural edition shake up our very notion of what excellence looks like – universities in New Zealand, Canada and the UK sit alongside those in Iran, Malaysia and Saudi Arabia in these pioneering and truly global new rankings.”
The full rankings can be seen at timeshighereducation.com/rankings/impact/2019
