University improves international impact ranking

The University of Auckland has risen in the 2022 Times Higher Education (THE) University Impact Rankings – moving to sixth globally from ninth equal in 2021.

The rankings measure how universities worldwide are performing against the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The SDGs came into force in 2016 and set a 15-year agenda for all countries to end poverty, fight inequalities and build peaceful, just and sustainable societies.

Retaining a position in the top ten reaffirms the University of Auckland’s strong commitment to sustainability and making a positive social impact through its partnerships, research, teaching, operations, community engagement and knowledge transfer.

This year, the University of Auckland placed in the world’s top ten percent in all 17 SDGs of the 1,406 participating universities with three SDGs in the top one percent and a further ten in the top five percent. Top ten scores were achieved in SDG2 Zero Hunger (4th); SDG3 Good Health and Well-being (10th); SDG5 Gender Equality (10th); and SDG15 Life on Land (4th).

The University's results

The 2022 Impact Rankings is the fourth edition and the overall ranking includes 1,406 universities from 106 countries/regions. The University of Auckland submitted evidence on all 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

More comprehensive results are available on the THE website.

Sustainable Development Goal Our ranking
Overall ranking for impact 6th
SDG 1: No poverty
24th
SDG 2: Zero hunger
4th
SDG 3: Good health and wellbeing
10th
SDG 4: Quality education
68th =
SDG 5: Gender equality
10th
SDG 6: Clean water and sanitation
43rd
SDG 7: Affordable and clean energy
25th
SDG 8: Decent work and economic growth
25th =
SDG 9: Industry, innovation and infrastructure
24th =
SDG 10: Reduced inequalities
11th
SDG 11: Sustainable cities and communities
13th =
SDG 12: Responsible consumption and production
31st
SDG 13: Climate action
43rd =
SDG 14: Life below water
12th
SDG 15: Life on land
4th
SDG 16: Peace, justice and strong institutions 21st =
SDG 17: Partnerships for the goals 44th =

Case studies

The University of Auckland released a series of videos showcasing a range of contributions our people are making towards the SDGs.

Major local and global partnerships

Contributors

A sincere thanks to all of those who contributed to our submission with stories, expertise, support and encouragement. 

Impact Ranking Submission Reference Group

Gillian Lewis (Chair), Russell Baillie, María Baldoni, Brett Chapman-Richards, Amy Malcolm, Pamela Moss, Jingwen Mu, Stephen Murrell

SDG Report Group

Nilo Atefi, María Baldoni, Brett Chapman-Richards, Ayden Fuller, Kevin Kang, Ashley Marshall, Denise Montgomery, Pamela Moss, Jingwen Mu, Weiwei Wang

Future contributions

As the Impact Rankings submission will be an annual exercise, we welcome staff contributions to its preparation.

For more information about how staff can contribute and the data mining work we are undertaking to better represent our research contributions to the SDGs, please contact the Planning and Information Office.