The University of Edinburgh has been ranked as one of the top universities in the world for its contribution to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), according to the latest Times Higher Education Impact Rankings.

Assessing the social, environmental, and economic impacts of universities across the globe, The Times Higher Education Impact Rankings classed the university as joint first regarding the UN’s SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure.

This particular goal concerns promoting inclusive and sustainable industrialisation, building resilient infrastructure, and fostering innovation across the globe.

The University of Edinburgh scored full marks—100 out of 100—for its contribution in this area, which included its research, research income from industry, patents citing university research, and the number of spinouts to come from the university.

The Scottish university was the only one in the UK to share joint first place in this category, which it shared alongside nine other universities worldwide.

Across the 2022/23 academic year, Edinburgh Innovations, the University of Edinburgh’s commercialisation service, supported over 123 student and staff startups and spinouts, attracting £107 million in investment.

Meanwhile, industrial and translational research projects brought in £91m in funding.

Speaking on the achievement, the interim CEO of Edinburgh Innovations, Dr Andrea Taylor, said: This news is a fantastic reflection of the flourishing culture of innovation here at the University of Edinburgh.

“Teaching and research is at the heart of what universities do. But the reason behind this activity is to create impact and make the world a better place, which we do by working with others in the public, private and third sectors, by forming companies and licensing our intellectual property.

“Supported by EI, Edinburgh’s staff and students are translating their ideas and research into solutions that improve lives in areas from climate and environment to data and AI for good and future health and care, and that’s what innovation means to us. Congratulations to everyone who has contributed to placing us first in the world!”

Overall, the university’s ranking for all the SDGs was 89th out of nearly 2,000 institutions, placing it within the top 5% across the world’s universities.

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Principal and vice-chancellor of the University of Edinburgh, Professor Peter Mathieson, said: “It is encouraging to see our work to contribute to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals recognised in this way.

“To rank joint first in the world for industry, innovation and infrastructure is a huge achievement and testament to the tenacity and creativity of our staff, students and partners.

“I am incredibly proud of our ability to harness our research power to drive innovation and directly benefit society. By working together, we are making great strides to lead change and help tackle some of the world’s greatest challenges.”