THE UNIVERSITY of Reading was recognised as a global leader in the most recent edition of a prestigious annual ranking.
Of the 1,625 institutions which took part in the Times Higher Education (THE) Global Impact Rankings 2023, Reading placed equal 61st, an improvement of its 101-200 last year.
Action and research on environmental sustainability helped it become the 15th highest ranked among UK institutions, from the 57 that submitted themselves for inclusion.
Professor Robert Van de Noort, vice-chancellor of the University of Reading, said: “As a university, we are addressing global challenges at every level, from work on our own campuses to supporting international efforts to make our world more peaceful, protected, and prosperous.
“I am grateful to our whole university community, whose hard work and collaboration with others is helping to bring about improvement to the lives of people here in Reading and around the world.
“I am particularly proud that this latest ranking recognises our particular efforts around environmental sustainability, a core part of the University of Reading mission. Our research, education and action on climate change, using resources responsibly and supporting the natural world have been ranked among the best globally.
“We want to be one of the greenest universities in the world, and this achievement shows how the world is increasingly agreeing with us.”
The THE rankings highlight the contribution of worldwide universities in supporting the United Nations strategic development goals.
Reading was the second-highest performing university in the world, and the best in the UK and Europe, for its contribution to supporting responsible production and consumption.
Strong placings of eighth, 10th, 22nd and 41st were achieved in the life on land, climate action, zero hunger and, decent work and economic growth categories respectively.