University of Vaasa significantly improved its results in a global ranking measuring impact
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The University of Vaasa has improved results significantly in the Impact Rankings published by Times Higher Education (THE) on 12 June 2024. The rankings measure global universities’ success in delivering the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which address a range of global challenges from ending poverty and reducing inequality to tackling climate change and spurring economic growth.
The UN's 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development contains 17 SDGs and the University of Vaasa was assessed regarding six SDGs. In the assessment per SDG, the University entered the top 300 in three categories which all align with the University’s mission of sustainable business, energy, and society: Decent work and economic growth (SDG 8), Climate action (SDG 13) and Peace, justice and strong institutions (SDG 16). This is a great improvement compared to one top 300 result in the previous year. In other SDGs, the university maintained its position.
As a highlight, in SDG 16 (Peace, justice and strong institutions) the university leaped two result brackets, from 401-600 to 201-300 and the score improved from 50.4 to 71. The largest improvement was made in the areas of ‘research’ and ‘working with government’. This major leap shows the results of taking a more proactive approach to making the impact of research and co-operation visible. This year, the university was also ranked in one new SDG: Responsible consumption and production (SDG 12), and performed well at it by ranking among the top 401-600.
– Our target is to deliver high-quality research and education with positive societal impact on the economy, energy transition and governance. As stated in our new strategy, the University of Vaasa is committed to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), focusing on those that align with our expertise and have the greatest potential for positive societal influence. The results of the Impact Rankings demonstrate that our work to make a difference is paying off. They reflect the great commitment of our university community. I’d like to thank each and every one for their contribution, says Martin Meyer, vice-rector of international affairs.
| 2023 score | 2024 score | 2023 result bracket | 2024 result bracket | Number of universities participating | |
| Overall | 55.3 | 62.6 | 801-1000 | 801-1000 | 1963 |
| SDG 7 | 42.1 | 51.1 | 401-600 | 401-600 | 987 |
| SDG 8 | 58.5 | 66.9 | 301-400 | 201-300 | 1149 |
| SDG 12 | N/A | 57.2 | N/A | 401-600 | 825 |
| SDG 13 | 48.6 | 56.7 | 201-300 | 201-300 | 924 |
| SDG 16 | 50.4 | 71.0 | 401-600 | 201-300 | 1086 |
| SDG 17 | 48.7 | 65.1 | 801-1000 | 601-800 | 2031 |
The THE Impact Rankings included a total of 2 152 universities. The University of Vaasa is ranked overall among the top 801-1000, and the score improved from 55.3 to 62.6. The university maintained its position in the ranking even though almost 400 new universities entered the ranking this year.
Read the full Impact Rankings 2024 list published by THE here.
Further information: Vice-rector of International Affairs Martin Meyer, tel. +358 29 449 8629
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