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HU gets top spot among Japanese universities in THE's global impact rankings

Hiroshima University holds the top spot among Japanese universities in the Times Higher Education's Impact Rankings 2021. It also ranks first in Japan for five SDG categories.

The British higher education journal Times Higher Education (THE) published its Impact Rankings 2021 — a list that assesses universities against the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) — on Wednesday, April 21.

HU ranked 1st place in Japan for the following categories:

  • SDG4 (Quality education)
  • SDG5 (Gender equality)
  • SDG6 (Clean water and sanitation)
  • SDG 8 (Decent work and economic growth)
  • SDG11 (Sustainable cities and communities)

For the overall scores, HU moved up the ranking ladder, placing 1st with Tohoku University, the University of Tsukuba, Kyoto University, Okayama University, Hokkaido University, and the University of Tokyo. Now in its third edition, the list evaluated 1240 universities worldwide and 73 universities in Japan.

As for the world ranking, HU was among the top 100 in five of the 17 UN SDGs:

  • 46th for SDG 9 (Industry, innovation, and infrastructure)
  • 64th for SDG 6 (Clean water and sanitation)
  • 72nd for SDG 2 (Zero hunger)
  • 79th for SDG 1 (No poverty)
  • 96th for SDG 12 (Responsible consumption and production)

HU efforts towards the achievement of the SDGs

In January 2021, Hiroshima University, Higashihiroshima City, and Sumitomo Corporation signed a comprehensive agreement to achieve Carbon neutrality x Smart Campus 5.0.

On SDGs-related education, HU graduate students are required to take at least one of its Sustainable Development Courses. The courses intend to help students understand the SDGs, advance science for sustainable development, and raise awareness on social issues.

In 2020, HU also opened its first joint degree programs in sustainable development with universities in Austria and Germany.

THE Impact Rankings 2021

National Ranking World Ranking University Overall Score
1(3) 101-200(97) Tohoku University 77.5-85.2(83.7)
1(4) 101-200(101-200) Hiroshima University 77.5-85.2(75.4-83.3)
1(4) 101-200(101-200) The University of Tsukuba 77.5-85.2(75.4-83.3)
1(4) 101-200(101-200) Kyoto University 77.5-85.2(75.4-83.3)
1(9) 101-200(201-300) Okayama University 77.5-85.2(68.2-75.3)
1(1) 101-200(76) Hokkaido University 77.5-85.2(85.3)
1(2) 101-200(77) The University of Tokyo 77.5-85.2(85.1)
8(14) 201-300(301-400) Keio University 71.0-77.4(61.5-68.0)
8(20) 201-300(401-600) Osaka University 71.0-77.4(46.7-61.4)
8(9) 201-300(201-300) Nagoya University 71.0-77.4(68.2-75.3)
8(4) 201-300(101-200) Ritsumeikan University 71.0-77.4(75.4-83.3)

*( ) is for 2020 
The list order is based on the article published in Between Information Site (operated by Benesse Holdings, Inc.)

HU’s Network for Education and Research on Peace and Sustainability (NERPS)

NERPS contributes to the promotion of SDGs and serves as a resource hub for SDG-related activities of Hiroshima University.

[Inquiries]

Hiroshima University, Public Relations Group

E-mail:koho*office.hiroshima-u.ac.jp(Please replace*with @)


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