DCU ranked sixth in the world for its impact in reducing inequality

Dublin City University has been ranked the 6th best university in the world for its commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goal of Reduced Inequalities.

These results are part of the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2023, released today, which capture universities’ impact on society and are based on institutions’ success in delivering the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs).

Dublin City University has been ranked the best university in Ireland and 6th best university in the world for its commitment to the UN SDG 10, Reduced Inequalities. The University was also ranked 8th best in the world and first in Ireland for UN SDG 5, Gender Equality.

Speaking about the rankings, President of DCU Professor Daire Keogh said: 

“The University’s strong showing in these rankings is a real affirmation of DCU’s impact and of our progress in delivering on our mission is ‘to transform lives and societies’. DCU’s world-leading position in various categories is also a testament to the work and commitment of staff and students, over many years, to addressing inequalities, valuing diversity and focusing on the University’s impact on our wider world.”

The top-10 ranking in both categories recognises the diversity of the DCU student body, and acknowledges DCU's pioneering work in equality, diversity and inclusion, core values within DCU’s ‘People First’ ethos. 

DCU's scores recognise the progress made by the institution to date in addressing barriers to educational access, and gender inequality in senior academic positions - particularly through its Women in Leadership suite of initiatives, and the impact of its research in the area of gender equality. In 2021, the University established a new Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Committee to provide clear, consistent leadership and accountability across the University. 

DCU was the first Irish university designated a “University of Sanctuary” in 2016 in recognition of its commitment to welcome people seeking asylum and refugees into the university community and to foster a culture of inclusion for all. DCU provides academic scholarships annually to applicants who are currently living in Direct Provision in Ireland, either as International Protection applicants or refugees.

DCU was recognised as the world's first Autism-Friendly University in 2018 after implementing a series of initiatives to meet the identified needs of autistic staff and students. This included the development of an autism toolkit for students, autism friendly open days and the installation of three sensory pods on campus.

The rankings examined research, outreach, stewardship and teaching in a total of 1,591 institutions worldwide. DCU achieved an overall ranking of 71. The University was 27th globally and first nationally for UN SGD 1, No Poverty, joint 39th globally for UN SDG 12, Responsible Consumption & Production, and joint 72nd globally in UN SDG 16, Peace, Justice & Strong Institutions.