University of Northampton makes Higher Education world top 25 for tackling inequality

The University of Northampton has been named one of the world’s top 25 Higher Education institutions (HEIs) for tackling inequality.

It was recognised for its work in the 2022 Times Higher Education Impact Rankings, which were published on Wednesday 27 April.

The rankings are the only global performance tables that assess universities against the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The SDGs are a collection of 17 interlinked global goals designed to be a blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all. The SDGs were set in 2015 by the United Nations General Assembly and are intended to be achieved by the year 2030.

UON was placed joint 24th out of 796 HEIs in the world – up three places from last year – and joint 11th in the UK, for its performance in working towards goal 10, Reduced Inequalities. This goal measures universities’ research on social inequalities, their policies on discrimination and their commitment to recruiting staff and students from under-represented groups.

Read more on how UON is working towards this goal.

The University also tasted success in SDG 15 – Life On Land – where it was ranked 49th in the world.

The University’s ranking confirms that the ecological needs of its Waterside campus and associated sites are at the forefront of the institution’s land management practices; while its sustainable methods of management aim to increase and sustain biodiversity and create suitable habitats for an array of flora, fauna and wildlife.

Read more on how UON is working towards this goal.

For SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption & Production – the University was placed 65th globally.

The University’s ranking confirms its commitment to promoting and delivering more responsible consumption and production patterns through its operations and supply chains, through sustainable management practices and efficient use of natural resources.

Read more on how UON is working towards this goal.

The University was placed in the top 100 in the world for SDG 5 – Gender Equality – where it was ranked 94th. This goal measures universities’ research on the study of gender equality, their policies on gender equality, and their commitment to recruiting and promoting women.

Read more on how UON is working towards this goal.

Professor of Social Innovation, Richard Hazenberg, said: “We at the University of Northampton are delighted with our performance in the 2022 Times Higher Impact Rankings, maintaining our Top 200 position globally, despite the number of entrant universities increasing from just over 1,100 to more than 1,400 institutions.

“In particular, it is very heartening to see that with regards to SDG10 Reducing Inequality, we have now climbed to 24th globally, which is testament to the widening participation work that the University engages in, as well as the strategic focus we have as a university on delivering impact to the most disadvantaged communities.

“Our work in supporting the environment and wildlife has also seen our rank climb from 70th to 49th in the world for SDG15 Life on Land, demonstrating the University’s commitment to social and environmental issues and showing that sustainability is at the core of what we do.”

Northampton’s overall score in the rankings saw it finish joint 21st in the list of UK institutions, and maintain its place in the top 200 globally.

You can read more about the rankings on the Times Higher Education website.