The University of Iceland among the best worldwide in social impact
The University of Iceland is ranked between places 101-200 according to the Times Higher University Impact Rankings assessing universities against the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. This is according to a new list from Times Higher Education published yesterday for the first time; University Impact Rankings.
The University of Iceland has been ranked among the 300 best universities worldwide for a period of many years according to another list from Times Higher Education called World University Rankings. That list mostly covers research, teaching, and impact on the global scientific community. The role of universities, however, is not limited to teaching and research; ever increasing demands are made on universities that they strengthen the societies in which they operate by utilization and communication of knowledge and innovation benefitting society at large.
In the new appraisal the Times Higher Education uses certain criteria to evaluate the social and economic impact of universities and their contribution to eleven of the 17 United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. The UN goals are in place for the period of 2015-2030 and are the blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all. They address the global challenges we face, including those related to poverty, inequality, climate, environmental degradation, prosperity, and peace and justice.
As mentioned above the University of Iceland is ranked between 101-200 on the new THE list. Ranking on the list is subject to the universities' performance in the three UN goals where show the most strength. These are for the University of Iceland ‘decent work and economic growth’ for all (37th place on the THE list), ‘good health and well-being’ (52nd place), and ‘gender equality’ (72nd place). The Times Higher Education also published an evaluation of the universities performance vis a vis individual UN goals. In addition to the good results discussed above, the University ranked in place 51 concerning responsible consumption and production; 95 for industry, innovation and infrastructure; 101-220 concerning reduced inequality, sustainable cities and communities, climate action and peace justice and more peaceful and just institutions.
"This is very good news for the University of Iceland. The world face greater challenges today than ever before and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals are an important compass to evaluate the situation and lead the way save humanity. The University of Iceland has increasingly considered the UN Goals as criteria in its operations and will continue to do so. This conclusion by Times Higher Education, that the University of Iceland ranks in the top 100-200 higher education institutions out of thousands worldwide when it comes to social and economic responsibility - is an important confirmation and encouragement to stay the course that we have set," says Jón Atli, and adds: "It is, however, clear that we do not do this alone. The Icelandic government realizes the importance of education, research, and innovation as the currency of the future. The goal is to do even better, and we trust that the authorities will do everything they can to improve the funding of the universities, especially now when the economy has hit hard times."
An overview of the University Impact Rankings can be found on the Times Higher Education website.
