Top 10 Universities in the World for Global Impact

Universities like Western Sydney University, University of Manchester and Arizona State University are best in the world for their global impact. These universities are known for their research projects, social programs, alumni achievements and commitment to creating a better future.

Universities today make responsible citizens of tomorrow. Top global universities have direct impact on global issues like Global Warming, Good Health and Peace. This article lists the top 10 universities in the world for global impact. We will cover how these universities and their alumni are working to shape a better future for the upcoming generations. 

Top 10 Universities in the World for Global Impact

There are multiple agencies such as The THE (Times Higher Education) and QS Ranking release “Impact Ranking” every year. Here we have mentioned the list of best universities worldwide for global impact:

1. Western Sydney University
2. University of Manchester
3. University of Tasmania
4. Aalborg University
5. RMIT University
6. University of Alberta
7. UNSW Sydney
8. Queen’s University
9. Arizona State University (Tempe)
10. University of Exeter

Methodology Behind Global Impact Ranking

This ranking is based on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs). We have included only those universities that are majorly contributing to make the world a better place to live. All information about universities was collected from academic databases, university websites, news articles and global rankings agencies such as THE and QS.

The top criteria for selecting the top 10 universities in the world for global impact are-

• Research- Many reputed universities that have facilities, perform research on different topics. The result of their research is used by the government and private institutions who are working in this field.
• Nobel Prize Winners- Nobel laureates and other prestigious award winners among a university's faculty and alumni enhance its reputation. This represents the contribution of the university in discovering in the respective field.
• Alumni Achievements- Any achievement of the university's alumni in various fields, particularly in leadership roles within government, business, non-profit organizations, and international bodies increases its reputation. It also presents the ability of the university that it can produce future leaders who contribute to positive change in the world.

10 Best Universities with Global Impact

1. Western Sydney University

The Western Sydney University of Australia (WSU) is known to be #1 university among top universities with global impact. The university works on the principles of social justice, equity and sustainability. WSU developed the space cameras alongside working with the US Air Force Academy. These cameras are now installed to the ISS and keep monitoring important changes and events on earth.

2. University of Manchester

University of Manchester was founded in 2004. It was formed by the merger of Victoria University of Manchester and University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology. Researchers of this university worked in fields like cancer treatment, global inequalities and bringing about climate change. University of Manchester has a long list of notable alumni including Ernest Rutherford, Alan Turing and 25 other Nobel laureates. The university keeps taking initiatives towards the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

3. University of Tasmania

University of Tasmania is the fourth oldest university in Australia. It is the only university in the state of Tasmania that has over 50 research centres, institutes and groups that work on local, national and international research. Alumni of UTAS are playing important roles in Antarctic research and alike.

4. Aalborg University

Aalborg University was founded in the year 1974. The AAU has contributed significantly in renewable energy (particularly wind energy), sustainable development, and information and communication technologies (ICT). AAU alumni are actively contributing to innovation and development within Denmark and internationally. The current prime minister of Denmark, ​Mette Frederiksen is one of notable alumni of Aalborg University. She is the second woman to hold this office and the youngest Prime Minister in Danish history.

5. RMIT University

Another University of Australia, RMIT University holds 5th rank in the list of top 10 universities in the world for global impact. Founded in 1887 as the Working Men's College of Melbourne, RMIT University is famous for offering courses in technology, design and enterprise. RMIT contributed in reducing inequalities (SDG 10), promoting economic growth and dealing with other issues especially in the Asia-Pacific region. RMIT has consistently ranked highly in the THE Impact Rankings for its contributions to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. 

6. University of Alberta

University of Alberta is among the best universities in Canada. It is well known for its agriculture, engineering, energy, health sciences and arts courses. University of Alberta is tackling the challenges of AI, agriculture and food-related issues in the present times.

7. UNSW Australia

UNSAW Australia has a focus on science and technology. The university pays strong commitment to social impact through initiatives like the UNSW Institute for Global Development. UNSW keeps addressing global challenges such as poverty, inequality and climate change. It actively contributes to affordable and clean energy, sustainable cities and communities, which are on the list of SDGs.

8. Queen’s University

Queen's University was established in 1841 by Royal Charter from Queen Victoria. It is a leading research-intensive university in Canada. The university has contributed to SNOLAB by leading research on neutrino oscillations. The university also has partnerships with multiple institutions worldwide to deal with concerns like poverty, education and health in developing countries. Elon Musk and other big names are on the list of notable alumni of Queen's University Canada. 

9. Arizona State University (Tempe)

Tempe was founded in 1885.  Arizona State University (ASU) has grown into one of the largest public universities in USA. More than 56,000 students are enrolled in different courses at the university and 17,700+ of them are international students. ASU is a leader in sustainability research particularly in areas like renewable energy, water resources and urban ecology. It is on 9th rank of top 10 universities in the world for global impact.

10. University of Exeter

University of Exeter received its Royal Charter in 1955,. However the university’s origins trace back to the Exeter School of Science established in 1855. University of Exeter is renowned for its research on climate change, environmental science and sustainability.  

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