Three B.C. universities have ranked in the top 100 out of 767 world universities in rankings released April 22.
UBC placed first in Canada and seventh overall globally out of participating institutions in 89 countries in the overall results.
The compared universities against 17 United Nations’ sustainable development goals.
Burnaby’s Simon Fraser University (SFU) ranked number 19 overall while the University of Victoria (UVIC) placed 82nd. Prince George’s University of Northern B.C. and Kamloops’ Thompson Rivers University did not participate.
The rankings, in their second year, measure universities’ overall impact through their work in meeting the United Nations’ 17 sustainable development goals.
In addition to the overall ranking, UBC placed first in two separate areas: for conserving life under water by protecting marine habitats, and for taking action to mitigate climate change. UBC also placed third for promoting life on land through sustainable management of forests and related ecosystems.
“I’m pleased that UBC continues to stand out in the Times Higher Education impact rankings. The result speaks to the incredible work by our faculty, students and staff in responding to the world’s most pressing issues,” UBC president Santa J. Ono said.
SFU ranked first globally for its impact on sustainable cities and communities, and is among the world’s top 10 universities for its commitment to tackling climate change. SFU placed in the top five globally for its response to peace, justice and strong institutions, and in the top 10 for its commitment to researching life below water and supporting aquatic ecosystems.
“We have made it our mission to help build healthy, resilient and sustainable communities,” SFU President Andrew Petter said. “It is especially gratifying, therefore, to now be recognized as a world leader. This success is testament to the commitment of our staff, faculty and students to make sustainability a priority on our campuses and in the communities we serve.”
UVIC vice-president of research Lisa Kalynchuk said this is the first time the school has participated in the rankings and is pleased with the result not just for itself but also for B.C. with the three universities showing positive results
“As a trio, we’re making a very strong statement globally,” she said.
Kalynchuk noted UVIC ranked fourth for climate action work indicating the school’s sustainability and other work in that area is being noticed.
“We can’t rest on our laurels,” she said. “We have to move forward. It shows we’re going in the right direction.”
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