The University of Manchester’s position as a global leader in sustainability has once again been recognised, with the institution ranked first in the world for progress towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings, making it the only university in the world to rank in the top ten every years since 2019, when the THE Impact Rankings began.
The achievement reflects the University’s commitment to delivering positive social, economic and environmental impact through world-leading research, education, partnerships and civic engagement. It also highlights the important role innovation plays in translating research excellence into real-world solutions that benefit society.
Among the University’s strongest areas of performance was Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure (SDG 9), a category that recognises universities for fostering innovation, supporting industry collaboration, creating economic impact and helping research reach wider society through commercialisation activities, including patents, licensing and spinout companies, which received a 100% score in the overall ranking.
The University of Manchester Innovation Factory plays a key role in this, helping academics and researchers transform discoveries into products, services and spinout businesses capable of addressing some of the world’s most pressing challenges.
Dr Catherine Headley, Chief Executive Officer of The University of Manchester Innovation Factory, said:
“The University of Manchester’s position as the world’s leading university for progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals is a tremendous achievement and reflects the collective efforts of colleagues across the institution to deliver positive impact through research, education and collaboration.
“Importantly, it also highlights the role innovation plays in ensuring that research reaches beyond academia. Through intellectual property development, commercialisation and the creation of spinout companies, innovation provides a pathway for discoveries to become products, services and businesses that can address real-world challenges.
“The University has built a world-class innovation ecosystem that enables researchers to translate ideas into impact, helping create economic, environmental and societal benefits at local, national and global levels.”
Innovation has become an increasingly important part of how universities contribute to society, ensuring that new discoveries can be adopted by industry, public services and communities. Through patenting, licensing and company creation, research can move beyond publication and generate tangible benefits for people, organisations and economies.
The University of Manchester Innovation Factory works with researchers across the university to identify, protect and develop promising intellectual property.
Luke Hakes, University of Manchester Innovation Factory Chair, said:
“It is great to see the University recognised for the breadth of its impact, and for the role innovation plays in turning research into tangible results. What stands out to me is that this is impact with real substance behind it. Manchester’s research is being licensed, spun out and increasingly backed by investors, and impact and invest-ability are pulling in the same direction rather than competing.
“We are proud to support innovators whose ideas can grow into companies that attract investment while improving lives, strengthening industries and contributing to a more sustainable future.”
The latest THE Impact Rankings recognition reinforces The University of Manchester’s position as a global leader in delivering research and innovation that creates lasting benefits for society and supports progress towards a more sustainable future. Read more about the Impact Rankings here.
