Unipd is among the top 100 universities in the world: this important recognition is due to the University’s commitment to the United Nations 17 Goals for Sustainable Development.
Remarks from Rector Rosario Rizzuto “For the first time, the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings has rewarded our overall improvement in all areas by placing us among the top 100 universities in the world. A result that pushes us not to settle but to drive us further and improve. I cannot deny the satisfaction in seeing the University of Padua’s value recognized internationally. The ranking considered 1,115 universities worldwide by evaluating them against the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Ranking 14th place in Quality of Education stands out since we achieved it during an ongoing pandemic. This placement is due to the contribution of our University student training and lifelong learning initiatives, our pedagogical research, and our commitment to inclusive education. This success comes from the human capital, of which I spoke in-depth during the inauguration of the academic year. I am sincerely grateful to all the women and men who hold the name and the prestigious of our multidisciplinary university with passion and pride.”
The international ranking agency Times Higher Education (THE) published its third edition of the University Impact Ranking today, Wednesday 21 April 2021. This particular edition aimed to highlight how institutions of Higher Education and Research are addressing its sustainable development objectives indicated by the United Nations 2030 Agenda. The ranking intends to provide a representation of how universities affect the community beyond its primary tasks of teaching and conducting research by evaluating a more general contribution to society’s well-being and knowledge transfer, commonly referred to as its ‘Third Mission.’ Times Higher Education evaluates the context of an institution sustainable development goals defined by the UN (Sustainable Development Goals – SDGs).
The Impact Ranking classification system has rapidly established itself globally as is shown by its strong growth, the number of participants rose from 768 to 1,115 institutions since its last published edition, which includes the world’s most important universities.
Within this competitive context, the University of Padua has met its goal and is now classified as among the top 100 universities in the world, in 99th position. The basis of this classification comes from the results obtained under SDG17 – Partnership for the Goals results, which evaluates the implementation methods and collaborations of an institution in pursuit of the SDG UN framework. The indispensable prerequisite of SDG17, as well as institutions top three results obtained with reference to the other SDGs is required to be placed within the top 100 universities of the world ranking.
By analysing the rankings under each of the individual objectives, the University reached its highest achievement under SDG4 – Quality Education, ranking in 14th place worldwide. This ranking considers how the institution guarantees an inclusive and equitable quality of education and the promotion of lifelong learning opportunities for all. The University’s second highest achievement falls under SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth, ranking in 27th place. The index of SDG 8 evaluates management policies for personnel, student participation in internship and training activities, as well as participation in the development of the local territory. The third highest result falls under SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities, where the University ranks 47th. The index of SDG 11 evaluates environmental sustainability practices and an institutions commitment to enhancing its historical, artistic and cultural heritage.
The University of Padua confirms itself among the top 100 universities in the world for its commitment to Gender Equality (SDG 5) by reaching 89th place. Regarding the objectives related to Industry, Innovation and Infrastructures (SDG 9) the University ranked 75th place, and under Good Health and Well-being (SDG 3) ranking at 84th place.
Prof Giulio Vidotto, Coordinator of the Ranking Commission states, “Given the level of participation from the world’s most important universities, THE Impact Ranking has confirmed the importance of academia and public opinion towards an institutions ability to foster sustainable growth that respects the quality of life and that of future generations.
This vision stimulates our University to offer an ever-greater contribution that defines developmental models that combine economic and social well-being while fully respecting the environment that surrounds us. The results obtained by these objectives is a reward thanks to the continuous effort from all the components of the University to offer inclusive and quality teaching in a context of safeguarding working conditions while promoting gender equality and working proactively for sustainable development of the territory, and the safeguarding of our historical heritage.”
