Sustainable research, lasting impact
University of Konstanz at the top of THE Impact Ranking nationwide and among the top ten percent worldwide.
Research is a decisive factor in implementing the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations. But what does this mean in reality? How do universities' research, practical projects and sustainable structures contribute to realizing the sustainability goals?
Since 2019, the THE Impact Ranking by Times Higher Education has measured the impact of universities worldwide in the area of sustainability. In the current edition of the ranking, the University of Konstanz is first in Germany, together with the Freie Universität Berlin. Eight German universities took part in the ranking.
In the international comparison, the University of Konstanz is in the top group of the best five to ten percent (ranking group 101-200) of the 2,152 participating universities from 125 countries. In previous years, too, the University of Konstanz ranked among the top universities in Germany. In the overall international ranking, the University of Konstanz moved up around 100 places in 2024.
Particularly strong in combating inequality and promoting peace
The ranking sees the University of Konstanz as particularly strong in the fields of reducing inequality and promoting peace, justice and democratic institutions – the research topics of its Cluster of Excellence "The Politics of Inequality" and its Centre for Cultural Inquiry. In these categories the University of Konstanz is among the top 100 worldwide, just as in the category "Life on land", which is a research area of its Cluster of Excellence "Collective Behaviour".
"These outstanding results are the joint work of many university members who have made sustainable development a focus topic across the university – from research and teaching to social commitment and to the university's own structures. I am extremely pleased that the THE Impact Ranking recognizes this team effort, and I thank all university members for their commitment to a sustainable university and a sustainable society", says Katharina Holzinger, rector of the University of Konstanz.
The University of Konstanz participated in eight categories of the ranking. According to the scoring methodology, four of these categories were included in the overall result: the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) "Gender equality" (SDG 5), "Reduced inequalities" (SDG 10), "Peace, justice and strong institutions" (SDG 16) and "Partnerships for the goals" (SDG 17).
About the THE Impact Ranking
The THE Impact Ranking has been conducted annually since 2019. It identifies universities that excel across multiple of the United Nations' 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In addition to strength in research, universities’ social commitment and implementation of sustainable institutional structures play a role in the ranking. "The overall result recognizes universities that not only stand out in individual areas but that demonstrate comprehensive excellence in contributing to global sustainable development", states the THE Impact Ranking on its website.
The universities can decide for themselves in which of the 17 categories they take part in the annual ranking. In addition to "Partnerships for the goals" (SDG 17), the ranking considers the three highest scores from the other goals for each university.
Key facts:
- Results of THE Impact Ranking 2024 at: https://www.timeshighereducation.com/impactrankings
- The University of Konstanz participated in eight categories of the ranking:
- SDG 4: Quality education
- SDG 5: Gender equality
- SDG 10: Reduced inequalities
- SDG 13: Climate action
- SDG 14: Life below water
- SDG 15: Life on land
- SDG 16: Peace, justice and strong institutions
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the goals
- According to the ranking criteria, four categories were included in the overall result: SDGs 5, 10, 16 and 17