UCLan placed in top 20 percent of Times Higher Education World Impact Rankings
The University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) has been ranked in the top 20 percent in the world for the positive impact it has on society and the environment, according to a league table published today by Times Higher Education (THE).
The THE Impact Rankings, which rate the differences universities are making in the world against the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), ranked UCLan in the 201-300 category out of 1,591 institutions.
The THE Impact Rankings are the first and only global performance tables that assess universities in these areas. They provide an opportunity for higher education institutions to highlight the positive work they are doing for society in terms of sustainability, health and well-being, gender equality, economic growth and justice.
UCLan was ranked in the top quartile for six of the seven SDGs it submitted against, including good health and well-being, quality education, affordable and clean energy, responsible consumption and production, and partnerships for the goals.
In particular, it is ranked 85th out of 901 for its impact relating to reduced inequalities, reflected in UCLan’s commitment to widening participation and working with under-represented groups in higher education. In areas related to peace, justice and strong institutions, the University is placed 81 out of 910 institutions, scoring highly in relation to the proportion of graduates in law and civil enforcement thanks to degree courses in forensics and links with local Constabularies to offer several routes into policing.
UCLan Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research and Enterprise Professor StJohn Crean said: “This is the first time we have submitted to the THE Impact Rankings so we’re delighted to rank so highly and will aim to build on this next year.
“These rankings look at all aspects of the University’s operations, including teaching, research, estates and student welfare. We are committed to being an anchor institution and contributing towards economic and social growth on a regional, national and international scale. Whether this is inspiring the next generation through science at our award-winning Lancashire Science Festival, supporting SME’s and start-up businesses, helping to boost the North West’s health economy by training health and dental professionals or leading on life-changing research projects.”
The results follow success in the 2021 Research Excellence Framework (REF) where all 19 areas submitted were officially recognised as demonstrating elements of world-leading and internationally excellent research, and in the Knowledge Exchange Framework (KEF), which recognises commitment to local regeneration, enterprise and research partnerships.