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DCU ranked in the top 100 universities globally for social and economic impact

DCU ranked in the top 100 universities globally for social and economic impact

Dublin City University has been ranked in the top 100 universities in the world for its exemplary positive impact on the social and economic fabric of society, based on the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

DCU was ranked at no 98 in the world in the first ever Times Higher Education (THE) University Impact Rankings published today (Wednesday, April 3rd).

The university’s strong performance in the areas of climate action, sustainability, health and wellbeing were singled out as strong factors in DCU achieving this global recognition.

This is the first time that the Times Higher Education has carried out a University Impact rankings report and it is a strong endorsement of DCU’s significant national and international contribution through translational research, engagement, academic expertise and thought leadership in a range of social, economic and civic areas.

As stated by Times Higher Education

‘DCU’s inclusion in these rankings is in itself a great achievement and it marks DCU out as a global pioneer – demonstrating the institution’s commitment not just to supporting the Sustainable Development Goals through its teaching, research and knowledge transfer, but also to embodying the goals in DCU’s internal practices, policies and procedures...’.

DCU ranked in eleven of the overall seventeen United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and performed most highly in three:

SDG 13: Climate Action - DCU is ranked at no. 28 globally

Achievements in this area include the contribution of Dr Diarmuid Tormey, School of Law & Government, as a member of the expert Advisory Group on the Citizens’ Assembly on Climate Change and as key contributor to establishing DCU’s MSc in Climate Change, Policy, Media and Society.

The university is also an accredited green campus by the Federation of Environmental Education.DCU is also ranked no. 12 globally for Sustainable Campuses.

SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production - DCU is ranked at no. 42 globally

Significant developments include DCU becoming the first Irish university to go “plastic-free” in 2018, and consistently high ranking in the global GreenMetric Rankings as a university committed to developing environmentally friendly infrastructure.

Other developments include a cross-faculty commitment to ethical sourcing of products and services and a commitment to safe and sustainable production and recycling practices with a focus on sustainability.

SDG 17: Partnership for the Goals - DCU is ranked at no. 48 globally

Significant achievements in this area include the establishment of Ireland’s first Centre of Excellence for Diversity and Inclusion, the contribution of Dr Tanya Ni Mhuirthile to the Gender Recognition Act Review Group and subsequent legislation, and the role of the ‘DCU in the Community’ unit as part of public engagement.

In addition to the above, the university also scored strongly in achieving strong recognition for positively progressing initiatives for Quality Education; Gender Equality; Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure; Reduced Inequalities; Sustainable Cities and Communities and Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions.