Dear colleagues,
The second edition of the QS World University Rankings: Sustainability was published this morning, highlighting the ways in which universities are addressing the world’s greatest Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) issues.
I am very pleased to report that the University has achieved an excellent result, despite the number of ranked institutions doubling globally this year. The University of Aberdeen has ranked overall:
- =37th in the world (out of 1,403 institutions) – a rise of 27 places from last year
- 20th in Europe (out of 493 institutions) – a rise of seven places from last year
- 15th in the UK (out of 93 institutions) – a rise of two places from last year
- 3rd in Scotland (out of 13 institutions) – no change from last year
The methodology has been adjusted this year with ‘Governance’ added as a third category to the existing ‘Social Impact’ and ‘Environmental Impact’ categories, and the weightings of the categories changed. The University’s result in the three categories is:
- Environmental impact (68% of the ranking): the University has ranked =47th in the world (down 13 places from last year)
- Social impact (22%): =51st in the world (up 131 places from last year)
- Governance (10%): 49th in the world (new category)
Aberdeen has been ranked 4th in the UK and 2nd in Scotland (behind Edinburgh) for Environmental Education (within the Environmental Impact category), and has ranked 2nd in Scotland for Environmental Research (also within the Environmental Impact category) and for Governance.
You can find a detailed analysis of the rankings here, including a more detailed overview of the performance lenses within each of the three categories.
Our work in the area of sustainability is being noticed elsewhere too. Last week the University won the 2023 UK & Ireland Green Gown Research with Impact award - for the second year in a row.
The Green Gown Awards celebrate the most innovative and impactful work in the area of sustainability in the post-16 education sector. The University’s 2023 Research with Impact award is in recognition of the Rowett Institute’s work on regenerating Scotland’s hemp industry for health, climate and a green economy.
I would like to thank all staff across our Schools and Directorates for their contributions to the sustainability agenda and this fantastic result.
Best wishes
Karl
Karl Leydecker
Senior Vice-Principal