For the second year in a row, the University of Minnesota (U of M) participated in the Times Higher Ed Impact Rankings (THE Impact Rankings), which in 2023 ranked submissions for 1,591 institutions from 112 countries/regions.

Overall, the U of M ranked eighth in the U.S. for the overall ranking and in the 101-200 range worldwide (up from the 201-300 range in 2022). Notably, the U of M ranked among the top ten in the US for each of the four areas it submitted data for in 2023. In particular, the U of M scored high marks for work related to combating hunger ranking No. 14 in the world and No. 3 in the U.S., and for its work related to good health and well-being where it ranked No. 2 in the U.S. and tied for No. 44 in the world.

“The University of Minnesota stands proud of our continued ascent in the Times Higher Ed Impact Rankings," said President Joan Gabel. "These outcomes are a direct result of our work through MPact 2025 to not only establish and elevate our ranking, but also to amplify our broader goal to build a fully sustainable future for Minnesota and beyond.”

The THE Impact Rankings compare educational institutes worldwide for their commitment and efforts to conduct research, outreach, stewardship and teaching in areas of building a more sustainable, equitable and healthy future. The rankings reflect these institutions’ work in addressing 17 specific goals aimed at achieving a better world by 2030, known as the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Adopted by all United Nations (UN) member states in 2015, these goals provide a shared blueprint for measuring progress and impact in advancing peace and prosperity for people and the planet, now and into the future. 

Significantly, the U of M was among the first institutions worldwide to submit to the THE Impact Rankings as a statewide system, a point that distinguishes its results from its peers. The final submission included examples gathered from every U of M campus and highlighted several system wide initiatives and priorities. 

“Making sure no one goes hungry, people enjoy good health and we are urgently addressing the causes and effects of climate change – these and other issues are important to Minnesotans,” said Shane Stennes, the University’s chief sustainability officer. “The Impact Rankings highlight how the University plays an indispensable role leading and advancing work across the State to tackle these challenges. Looking ahead, the University is undertaking new initiatives, like climate action planning at each of our campuses, to deepen our impact and build on the efforts described in the Rankings.”

A full overview of how the University ranked and the methodology used can be found on the THE Impact Ranking website and further details of the University’s work related to the SDG’s  are available on the U of M SDG Initiative website. 

The THE Impact Ranking submission is one piece of a larger University effort related to the Sustainable Development Goals. The U of M Sustainable Development Goals Initiative, which is supported by the University’s Global Programs and Strategy Alliance in partnership with several administrative units including the Office of Sustainability, is a systemwide effort to mobilize University resources to advance innovative and impactful work that will address the greatest challenges of our generation in Minnesota, the nation and the world as laid out under the globally-recognized impact framework of the SDGs. 

Photo credit: University of Minnesota