The rankings measure institutions’ work towards the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), established in 2015 as an urgent, global call to action towards a more sustainable future for the world’s population. The Impact Rankings are the first worldwide attempt to measure HE institutions’ progress against the SDGs.
Out of more than 1,100 institutions worldwide that entered the rankings, ARU’s overall rank was 201-300. ARU’s submission focused on seven of the 17 SDGs, ranking 36th out of the 871 institutions (2nd out of 46 in the UK) that focused on good health and wellbeing (SDG 3), and in the top 200 institutions on reduced inequalities (SDG 10).
As the largest provider of health, social care and education courses in the region, ARU’s submission was buoyed by the strong contribution it makes through its graduates to the healthcare workforce in the East of England.
Also included in the submission was the sharing of assets such as sports facilities and the ARU Eye Clinic with the local community, the vital work being done by the Cambridge Institute for Music Therapy Research, and mental health support such as counselling for students and staff.
The ranking for reduced inequalities was based upon student and staff demographics and the measures ARU has in place to promote equality and tackle discrimination.
Professor Roderick Watkins, Vice Chancellor of ARU, said: “I am delighted that ARU has been ranked among the top institutions in the world for our progress towards the UN SDGs.
“We are strongly focused on transforming lives through innovative and inclusive education, and our research priorities align well with the SDGs in areas such as health and wellbeing and creating safe, inclusive communities, so we are particularly pleased at our rankings in those areas.”