University you Limerick campus. Photo: True Media
The University of Limerick (UL) was ranked 61st in the world and second in Ireland in the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings 2024.
Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings are a global performance benchmark which measure the positive societal impact the university is having in contributing to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs).
This year, University of Limerick is ranked 61 out of the 1,963 universities surveyed, a jump of 25 places compared to last year when it was ranked 86 out of 1,591 universities.
UL was also ranked second in Ireland and is the only Irish institution to improve its position year on year in the new THE Impact Rankings.
This is the sixth year of the THE Impact Rankings which examine a university’s performance across teaching, research, equality, internal culture, and the impact it has in the wider society.
UL is ranked in the top 50 in the world in three of the individual SDGs: SDG10, Reduced Inequalities ranked 21; SDG11, Sustainable Cities and Communities ranked 23; SDG8, Decent Work and Economic Growth ranked 49.
A further five goals see UL in the top 100 universities for impact. SDG1: No Poverty; SDG5: Gender Equality; SDG7: Affordable and Clean Energy; SDG12: Responsible Consumption and Production and SDG16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions.
In addition, UL is ranked first in Ireland for SDG5: Gender Equality; SDG8: Decent Work and Economic Growth; SDG10: Reduced Inequalities and SDG11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.
Welcoming the new rankings UL Provost and Deputy President Professor Shane Kilcommins said: “Rising to 61st place globally and second in Ireland in the Times Higher Impact Rankings is a powerful affirmation of University of Limerick’s unwavering dedication to making a positive societal impact.
“We are continuing our rise through the rankings, and this comes on foot of another recent positive move for UL. Our identity as a research-led institution is deeply intertwined with our commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals and this remarkable 25-place jump reflects the collective efforts of our entire community—from innovative teaching and pioneering research to our steadfast dedication to equality and fostering inclusivity.
“UL is growing and continuing to learn and take that growth for a positive good. Our progress is not just measured in rankings but in the tangible benefits we deliver to wider society, demonstrating that at UL, we are truly committed on making a difference.”