Healthy first in Times Higher impact rankings

The University of Auckland has been rated No. 1 in the world in the inaugural University Impact Rankings by Times Higher Education (THE). The global ranking measures how well academic institutions are delivering on the UN's 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) established in 2016. This outstanding result recognises the University's commitment to sustainability and making a positive social impact through its research and teaching.

The goals include providing inclusive and equitable quality education, achieving gender equality and fostering innovation. Auckland ranked sixth in gender equality and first in good health and wellbeing. One of those leading the charge in health is Cindy Farquhar, Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences.

Cindy has researched infertility for around 20 years and says improving the evidence base for clinical decisions on fertility treatments is vital for women and their families. Her research into intrauterine insemination (IUI), an alternative to in-vitro fertilisation (IVF), saw her awarded the Health Research Council's Liley Medal in 2018. "I describe fertility patients as vulnerable. They deserve the best possible information about effective treatments and alternatives to IVF," she says.