ºÚÁÏÉç remains as one of the best performing universities in the world in a new impact ranking of more than 2,300 universities.
The Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings 2025 are a global performance benchmark which measure the positive societal impact the university is having in contributing to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs).
UL is ranked in the top 50 in the world in five of the individual SDGs, the highest number for an Irish university. They are:
SDG10: Reduced Inequalities ranked 20. This highlights the university’s research on social inequalities, its policies on discrimination and commitment to recruiting staff and students from under-represented groups. (First in Ireland)
SDG8: Decent Work and Economic Growth ranked 24. This goal evaluates an institution’s economic research, employment practices and the share of students taking work placements, and good employment practices. (First in Ireland)
SDG12: Responsible Consumption and Production ranked 30. This goal examines the role of a university in sustaining and preserving the heritage of communities. (Second in Ireland)
SDG16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions ranked 38. This highlights how universities can support, and be, strong institutions and promote peace and justice. (First in Ireland)
SDG5: Gender Equality ranked 45. This goal explores how universities are providing access and then supporting academic progression of women, and the wider role to drive forward gender equality. (First in Ireland)
A further two goals see UL in the top 100 universities for impact: SDG11: Sustainable Cities and Communities (56) and top ranked in Ireland; SDG17: Partnership for the Goals (64).
Overall, UL is ranked 76 out of the 2,318 universities surveyed and is second in Ireland.
This is the seventh year of the THE Impact Rankings which examine a university’s performance across teaching, research, equality, internal culture, and the impact it has in the wider society.
Welcoming the new rankings UL Acting Professor Shane Kilcommins said: "This outstanding performance in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings is a testament to ºÚÁÏÉç’s deep-rooted commitment to research excellence, social responsibility, and global engagement.
“Being ranked among the top universities worldwide, and leading nationally across multiple UN Sustainable Development Goals, reflects the strength of our community’s shared values and vision.
“At UL, we believe that research should serve society. Our position in these rankings is not just a measure of academic achievement, but of meaningful impact, from advancing equality and justice to driving sustainable economic growth and environmental stewardship.
“These results affirm our identity as a university that is not only research-led, but purpose-driven. The success we have achieved now will act as the guiding light for us in the future as we advance this work and deliver on impact for UL.
“We are proud of this recognition and remain steadfast in our mission to foster innovation, inclusion, and positive change, locally, nationally, and globally.â€
UL Vice President Research and Innovation Professor Kevin Ryan added: “This is another example of how UL staff are working for a better society for all. The rankings are a positive reflection of how UL takes its responsibility to sustainable development regionally, nationally and internationally.
“These results reflect our ambition of providing an environment where we value creativity, curiosity and excellence and are committed to social good. Our research strategy Wisdom for Action is aligned to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, allowing our research to have maximum impact on our society. These results show that this alignment strategy is paying off.â€