University of Northampton makes Higher Education world top 30 for tackling inequality

The University of Northampton has been named one of the world’s top 30 Higher Education institutions (HEIs) for tackling inequality.

It was recognised for its work in the 2021 Times Higher Education Impact Rankings, which were published on Wednesday 21 April.

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

The Sustainable Development Goals 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 27th out of 699 HEIs in the world, and 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.

Find out how UON is working towards this goal.

Vice Chancellor, Professor Nick Petford, said: “The University of Northampton’s mission is to Transform Lives and Inspire Change. A key part of our commitment to social impact is to help reduce inequalities in society, so I am delighted we have been recognised formally for our outstanding work on this, in addition to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals more broadly.”

The University also tasted success in SDG 5 – Gender Equality – where it was ranked 78th in the world. This goal measures universities’ research on the study of gender equality, their policies on gender equality, and their commitment to recruiting and promoting women.

Discover how UON is working towards this goal.

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

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