Stirling ranked among global top 200 institutions for UN sustainability targets

The University of Stirling has been ranked among the top 200 institutions in the world for its contribution to meeting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

A record 2,389 universities submitted evidence to the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings 2025 – which assesses performance against the SDGs.

The SDGs were adopted in 2015 by all United Nations Member States as an urgent call to action to improve health and education, reduce inequality, and spur economic growth while tackling climate change and working to preserve our oceans and forests.

In a comprehensive review by THE, universities receive a score and a rank for their activities relating to each of the 17 SDGs that they submit data for, reflecting research, learning and teaching, stewardship, and civic engagement.

As well as being placed in the top 10% of universities globally, Stirling was ranked in the top 100 in the world for its contribution to SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), SDG 14 (Life Under Water), and SDG 15 (Life On Land).

The THE Impact Rankings is one of the first global exercises to analyse university progress around the SDGs.

This year, Stirling submitted data for assessment against 13 SDGs, an improvement on 11 last year and six in 2023.

Unwavering commitment

Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Stirling, Professor Sir Gerry McCormac, said: “The University of Stirling has an unwavering commitment to continue to make progress in our contribution to the delivery of the United Nations SDGs, and our strong performance in this year’s THE Impact Rankings is testament to the hard work and dedication of staff and students.

“Our fundamental ambition is to be the difference in the world, and we are proud to be named among the world’s top 200 universities that are addressing global challenges and finding sustainable solutions.”

The University was also ranked in the top 200 globally for SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 3 (Good Health and Wellbeing), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions).

Stirling in top 100 for SDG 2, SDG 10, SDG 14 and SDG 15

• SDG2 (Zero Hunger) – 33rd in the world 
  The work of the world-renowned Institute of Aquaculture to help build a sustainable seafood sector was a key contributor to the high ranking for SDG 2.
• SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) – 65th (equal) in the world
  Collaborative research into the experiences of looked after children was among the projects and programmes that contributed to Stirling’s rank in the top 100 for SDG 10.
• SDG 14 (Life Below Water) – 42nd in the world
  The University’s work to improve global water quality through Earth observation was among the initiatives to contribute to a top 50 place in the rankings for meeting SDG 14.
• SDG 15 (Life On Land) – 27th (equal) in the world
  Research into ecosystems and biodiversity which demonstrates the positive impact of nature-based solutions is among the areas for which the University was awarded a high ranking for SDG 15.

What we are doing to be more sustainable

Find out about our commitments to protecting our environment, social sustainability, reducing our carbon emissions and developing solutions for climate justice. You can also find more about our contribution to meeting the UN Sustainable Development Goals.