The University of Iceland still among the best worldwide in social impact

The University of Iceland is ranked between places 201-300 according to the Times Higher Education University Impact Rankings, assessing universities in social and economic impact against the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGS).

The UN goals are 17 in total and in place for the period of 2015-2030 as 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.
 University Impact Rankings uses criteria to evaluate the social and economic impact of universities all over their world and their contribution to all of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The Impact Rankings were published for the first time last year, but then the criteria were limited to eleven out of the 17 goals.

The Times Higher Education ranking covers 857 university institutions this year in 89 states, and 766 are also included in their overall assessment. The University of Iceland is ranked in 201-300 out of these universities. Ranking on the list is subject to the universities' performance in the three UN goals where they are strongest, as well as performance on goal 17, partnership for the goals. These are for the University of Iceland goals concerning affordable and clean energy (place 40 on Times Higher Education), climate action (place 48) and life below water (place 76).

The University of Iceland has ranked high on lists like Times Higher Education and ShangaiRanking for the best universities in the world, but these lists mostly cover research, teaching and scientific impact on a global scale. The University Impact Ranking list of Times Higher education focuses on other important factors, and ever increasing demands are made on universities that they strengthen the societies in which they operate by utilization and communication of knowledge and innovation benefiting society at large. The University of Iceland places great emphasis on serving the Icelandic community, which is reflected in the active societal participation of University staff and students during the COVID-19 epidemic.

"This is both an important and excellent outcome for the University of Iceland, which is pleasing. It is important the university operations are based on making the world a better place. The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals cover all the basic factors that need to change in order to improve living conditions here on Earth and thus all of our lives.  At the University of Iceland, we have placed great emphasis on the UN Global Goals, including a series of events where specialists at the University of Iceland give talks about individual goals. We are currently beginning preparations for a new University strategic planning for the next 5 years. The UN Global Goals will play an important part. The results of Times Higher Education shows that we are on the right track," says Jón Atli Benediktsson, rector of the University of Iceland.

An overview of the University Impact Rankings can be found on the Times Higher Education website. 

There you can also find interactive map of ranked universities worldwide .