Queen’s University ranks 8th globally in 2024 Times Higher Education Impact Rankings

The university earns its fourth consecutive top 10 finish in worldwide assessment of progress on United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals

Wednesday, June 12 – Kingston ON – Today, Queen’s University placed 8th globally and second in North America out of more than 2,100 institutions in 125 countries in the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings. This marks the university's fourth consecutive year in the top 10 and reaffirms its commitment to advancing the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Queen’s is the only Canadian university to achieve this milestone since the rankings launched in 2019.

“The Queen’s community should be very proud of this year’s results, as they show that our institution’s commitment to tackling the world’s greatest challenges remains strong and is supported by real action,” says Patrick Deane, Principal and Vice-Chancellor. “This recognition highlights the dedicated efforts of our faculty, staff, and students in creating meaningful change. Our performances in the Impact Rankings have raised Queen’s profile internationally and continue to open doors for collaboration and opportunities to have even more impact.”

The THE Impact Rankings measure how well universities advance the United Nations’ SDGs. These 17 goals were established by UN member nations in 2015 to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure peace and prosperity for all by 2030.

Since its launch in 2019, the THE Impact Rankings have been growing steadily in importance around the world. Institutions from a record 125 countries made submissions to the THE Impact Rankings this year, up from 76 in 2019, and the number of participating schools has grown from 450 to over 2,100 in that period. Between 2023 and 2024 alone, the number of participants increased 26 per cent.

Queen’s submission includes evidence demonstrating leadership and progress on the SDGs that impacts local, national, and global communities. Several examples are included below.  

Global impact            

Among the hundreds of pieces of evidence reviewed by THE adjudicators were Queen’s research, teaching, and outreach initiatives that are helping to shape a better future for people and the planet, including:

• Canadian Cancer Trials Group (CCTG) headquartered at Queen’s, is a global network of experts that conducts extensive research and trials in search for new therapies and treatments for cancer.
• Principal’s Global Scholars and Fellows Program supports those affected by war, conflict, and political instability.

National impact

The submission also highlighted how our community is advancing SDG progress right here in Canada, with impacts on education access and the environment. Among them:

• Weeneebayko Health Education Program prepares Indigenous students for healthcare careers while improving patient outcomes and addressing healthcare gaps in Northeastern Ontario.
• Climate Action Plan aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2040 by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing climate research and teaching.
• Queen's University Phytotron and the Queen’s University Biological Station preserve our environments and ecosystems.

Local impact

The THE Impact Rankings also take a close look at what universities do to positively impact local communities, and reduce inequalities. These include:

• Ban Righ Centre supports women returning to education with advice, workspaces, meals, and financial aid.
• Four Directions Indigenous Student Centre offers holistic support, mentorship, and cultural programs for Indigenous students on campus.
• Career Gateway Program creates job opportunities for vulnerable community members.

“These rankings give us an incredible opportunity to realize the scale of universities’ impact around the world,” says Principal Deane. “They also tell us that, even with the significant progress we continue to make in advancing the SDGs, there is still more work we can do as a sector to address the world’s most urgent challenges and make a tangible difference.”

Learn more about Queen’s performance in the 2024 Times Higher Education Impact Rankings.