Times Higher Education Impact Rankings

Times Higher Education Impact Rankings is a global university ranking that assesses institutions' performance in achieving the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), such as Poverty Reduction, Quality Education, and Climate Action, in collaboration with University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, and Massachusetts Institute of Technology. The rankings are published annually by Times Higher Education (THE), a leading provider of Higher Education news and insights, in partnership with Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and World Bank. The rankings aim to recognize universities' efforts in addressing global challenges, such as Hunger, Disease, and Inequality, as outlined in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development by Ban Ki-moon and António Guterres. The rankings have been endorsed by UNESCO, World Health Organization, and International Labour Organization.

Introduction

The Times Higher Education Impact Rankings were first launched in 2019, with the goal of encouraging universities to prioritize Sustainable Development and Social Responsibility, as emphasized by Kofi Annan and Angela Merkel. The rankings are based on a comprehensive framework that assesses universities' performance in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which were adopted by United Nations General Assembly in 2015, with the support of European Union, African Union, and Association of Southeast Asian Nations. The rankings provide a unique perspective on university performance, going beyond traditional metrics such as Academic Reputation and Research Output, which are used by QS World University Rankings and Academic Ranking of World Universities. The rankings have been recognized by University of California, Berkeley, University of Michigan, and University of Tokyo as a valuable tool for promoting Sustainability and Social Impact.

Methodology

The Times Higher Education Impact Rankings methodology is based on a comprehensive framework that assesses universities' performance in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), using data from United Nations Development Programme, World Bank, and International Monetary Fund. The framework consists of three main categories: Research, Stewardship, and Outreach, which are aligned with the SDG targets, such as SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 4 (Quality Education), and SDG 13 (Climate Action). The rankings use a combination of quantitative and qualitative indicators, including Bibliometric Data from Scopus and Web of Science, Survey Data from University Administrators and Faculty Members, and Case Studies of Best Practices in Sustainability and Social Responsibility, as recognized by Ashoka University, University of Geneva, and University of Copenhagen. The methodology has been developed in consultation with Experts from University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, and Massachusetts Institute of Technology, as well as Stakeholders from UNESCO, World Health Organization, and International Labour Organization.

Ranking Categories

The Times Higher Education Impact Rankings consist of 17 ranking categories, each aligned with one or more of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), such as SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), and SDG 5 (Gender Equality). The categories include Poverty Reduction, Quality Education, Gender Equality, and Climate Action, which are critical to achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, as emphasized by Ban Ki-moon and António Guterres. Each category is assessed using a combination of indicators, including Research Output, Community Engagement, and Partnerships with Organizations such as Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, World Bank, and European Union. The rankings also include a overall ranking, which provides a comprehensive assessment of universities' performance in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, as recognized by University of California, Berkeley, University of Michigan, and University of Tokyo.

Impact Rankings by Year

The Times Higher Education Impact Rankings have been published annually since 2019, with the first edition featuring over 500 universities from around the world, including University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, and Massachusetts Institute of Technology. The rankings have grown in size and scope each year, with the 2022 edition featuring over 1,500 universities from more than 100 countries, including United States, China, Japan, and Germany. The rankings have been recognized by UNESCO, World Health Organization, and International Labour Organization as a valuable tool for promoting Sustainability and Social Impact in Higher Education. The rankings have also been endorsed by University Leaders such as University of California, Berkeley's Carol Christ and University of Michigan's Mark Schlissel, as well as Global Leaders such as António Guterres and Angela Merkel.

Criticisms and Controversies

The Times Higher Education Impact Rankings have faced criticisms and controversies since their launch, with some Universities and Experts questioning the methodology and indicators used, as well as the Weighting of different categories, which has been debated by University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, and Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Some have argued that the rankings prioritize Research Output over Community Engagement and Partnerships, which are critical to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, as emphasized by Kofi Annan and Ban Ki-moon. Others have raised concerns about the Data Quality and Transparency of the rankings, which have been addressed by Times Higher Education and University Leaders such as University of California, Berkeley's Carol Christ and University of Michigan's Mark Schlissel. Despite these criticisms, the rankings remain a widely recognized and respected assessment of universities' performance in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, as recognized by UNESCO, World Health Organization, and International Labour Organization.

Institutional Participation

The Times Higher Education Impact Rankings have seen increasing participation from universities around the world, with over 1,500 institutions participating in the 2022 edition, including University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, and Massachusetts Institute of Technology. The rankings have been recognized by University Leaders such as University of California, Berkeley's Carol Christ and University of Michigan's Mark Schlissel as a valuable tool for promoting Sustainability and Social Impact in Higher Education. Many universities have used the rankings as a framework for developing their Sustainability Strategies and Social Responsibility Initiatives, as recognized by Ashoka University, University of Geneva, and University of Copenhagen. The rankings have also been used by Policymakers and Funders to inform decisions about Higher Education investment and Research Funding, as emphasized by European Union, World Bank, and Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Category:University rankings