When it comes to helping protect animals, restore forests and promote the sustainable use of ecosystems, the University of the Sunshine Coast is proving to be among the best in the world.
UniSC is ranked seventh globally for its research, education and action towards the sustainability goal of Life on Land in the latest Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings, released today.
UniSC is also in the world’s top 25 universities for four other key United Nations Sustainable Development Goals – Climate Action, Life Below Water, Zero Hunger and Clean Water and Sanitation.
The rankings assess the contributions of the world’s universities through research, education, and community engagement to the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), set by the United Nations.
“These results reflect our strategic vision to create a better tomorrow, with sustainability at the core of our research, education, engagement and actions, in alignment with the UN’s goals for a sustainable world,” Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Helen Bartlett said.
“One of UniSC’s most impressive achievements is our rapid rise up the ranks of universities working to combat the impacts of climate change, to be placed 16th globally, and first in Queensland, from a ranking band of 101-200 the previous year.
“Good Health and Wellbeing is another field where we’ve shown phenomenal improvement, moving from a 201-300 band to equal 54th out of more than almost 1,800 participating worldwide institutions.
“But without a doubt the hero this year is being ranked seventh in the world for Life on Land, which showcases our proactive efforts to protect and enhance the variety of plant and animal species, particularly those under threat.
“From research to save endangered quolls in far North Queensland and sun bears in South-East Asia, to restoring abandoned sugarcane farms on the Sunshine Coast and finding ways to reforest the planet, we are contributing to a balanced and thriving natural world.”
UniSC’s focus on reducing waste and using renewable and natural energy and resources also placed it among the top 100 universities in the world for Responsible Consumption and Production.
UniSC is the leading university in Queensland for SDG2 Zero Hunger and SDG13 Climate Action.
“These rankings show UniSC is successfully tackling pressing global challenges and changing lives as we work towards building a healthier planet and improving people’s health and wellbeing,” Professor Bartlett said.
“We have the unique global privilege of having our campuses positioned across three UNESCO Biosphere Reserves, and work closely with our students and communities to educate, inform and champion sustainability.”
Top Global Rankings:
- Life on Land: 7th globally; awarded 100 percent for land sensitive waste disposal
- Climate Action: 16th globally, 1st Queensland
- Life Below Water: 20th globally; 100 percent scores for supporting aquatic ecosystems through action, and through education
- Zero Hunger: Equal 23rd globally; 1st Queensland; 100 percent score for reducing student hunger
- Clean Water and Sanitation: Equal 25th globally; 100 percent for water reuse initiatives
- Good Health and Wellbeing: Equal 54th globally; 100 percent for health impact
- Responsible Consumption and Production: 92nd globally; 100 percent scores for operational measures and sustainability reporting
Media enquiries: Please contact the Media Team [email protected]