The University of Turku participated in the 2025 Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings, which evaluates universities worldwide based on how well they advance the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The rankings are directly linked to how institutions report on these goals.
The University of Turku has participated in THE Impact Ranking six times in total. In the latest rankings, the submitted data covered the year 2023. Interest in THE Impact Rankings has increased steadily over the years. This year, the ranking included a total of 2,526 universities from 130 countries. Western Sydney University in Australia claimed the top position.
In this year's overall results, the University of Turku was ranked in the position 401–600, thus remaining at the same level as the previous year. The position reflects the University's strong international standing in sustainability efforts, as well as its consistent ranking in the top quartile of participating universities worldwide.
In terms of individual development goals, the University performed particularly well in relation to SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure). This success was particularly driven by the commercialisation of research through patents and spin-off companies. However, a lower level of corporate funding meant that the overall SDG 9 ranking was in the position 201–300.
The University also performed well in SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), ranking in the position 301–400. In this category, the ranking results were partly impacted by issues related to sustainable transport, which, according to the ranking criteria, are not among the University’s strongest areas.
In SDG 13 (Climate Action), the University of Turku clearly outperformed its overall result by ranking in the position 101–200. This is in line with the University’s determined work towards carbon neutrality.
SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions) recognises the high quality of research conducted in support of peace and a stable society. For this goal, the University of Turku ranked in the position 301–400.
In terms of SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), the University of Turku was ranked in the position 401–600. While the University has strong partnerships and education related to sustainability, the result shows that the comprehensive SDG reporting system is still in the early stages of implementation.
The University of Turku carries out long-term work to promote sustainability, taking into account its various dimensions. Rankings such as THE Impact Rankings provide a valuable additional tool for monitoring and evaluating sustainability efforts.
