University of Manchester retains top ranking in the UK and Europe for Social and Environmental Impact

The University of Manchester has again been named the number one institution in the UK and Europe, and second globally, for its contributions to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) in the 2024 Times Higher Education (THE) University Impact Rankings.

The university achieved first place globally for SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and SDG 15 (Life on Land). Notable initiatives include the Platinum Watermark for Public Engagement, innovative research on air pollution, and the Manchester Institute for Biotechnology's work on soil microbial diversity. Manchester is the only university worldwide to rank in the top ten for social and environmental impact every year since the rankings began.

This year’s ranking assessed a record 2,152 universities from 125 countries, a 26% increase from last year. Among these, 72 UK universities participated, up from 61 previously. The THE Impact Rankings, now in their sixth year, uniquely measure universities’ contributions to the UN SDGs.

Professor Dame Nancy Rothwell, President and Vice-Chancellor, celebrated the achievement, particularly during the University’s bicentenary year. "Being recognised for our commitment to Social Responsibility is especially important as we celebrate 200 years of our incredible people and community."

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