Reading boosts score in THE Global Impact Rankings 2022

The University of Reading has improved its score in the Times Higher Education (THE) Global Impact Rankings 2022, achieving top 50 rankings in 7 of the 17 categories.

Reading ranked in the top 10 (7=) globally for its work on responsible production and consumption, 20 for tackling poverty, and 23 for action to eradicate hunger, among other strong scores for its support for the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Reading held its overall ranking of 101-200 out of 1,406 institutions worldwide who participated – the largest number yet, up from 1,115 last year – with a score of 87.9. This was an improvement on its score in 2021.

The annual THE Global Impact Rankings were first published in 2019 and score higher education institutions on their work towards the UN’s 17 SDGs, or global goals. Each goal focuses on tackling a different global issue, including inequality, climate change, conflict and injustice.

Professor Robert Van de Noort, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Reading, said: “The University’s mission is to support excellence and sustainability and to be community-focused and engaged. The latest Impact Rankings show how well we are making strides and putting the UN’s global goals at the heart of our work.

“I am pleased to see the improvements we have made in the rankings, but we are ambitious to do more, as we have set out in our University strategy. We will strengthen our international partnerships, support our colleagues and their important work, and report on our progress.

“Helping to address societal and environmental challenges is good for the planet, and good for our local community. As highlighted through these rankings, we work to support our neighbours, as well as people across the world.”

Although institutions are only required to submit evidence against SDG17 and three others to produce their overall score and ranking, Reading again submitted for all SDGs, reaffirming its commitment towards, and ambition to improve in, all aspects of sustainability and global action.

Examples of Reading’s work highlighted in its submissions included:

• engaging locally to support disadvantaged people and change policies;
• serving healthy and sustainable food on campus;
• collaborating with the Royal Berkshire Hospital to improve healthcare;
• providing lifelong learning through free online courses;
• and assisting with international natural disaster planning.

Reading’s top-50 scores in the Impact Rankings:

SDG1: No Poverty – 20 out of 769
SDG2: Zero Hunger – 23 out of 553
SDG8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – 30= out of 849
SDG10: Reducing Inequality – 31= out of 796
SDG12: Responsible Production and Consumption – 7= out of 604
SDG13: Climate Action – 33 out of 674
SDG15: Life on Land – 48 out of 521

Significant score improvements were seen for Reading’s action on poverty, clean water and sanitation, affordable and clean energy, life on land, and partnerships to achieve the UN’s SDGs.