Queen's ranks 6th globally and 1st in Canada in the 2025 Times Higher Education Impact Rankings
This marks the fifth straight year that Queen's has placed in the global top 10 – a milestone unmatched by any other Canadian institution since the rankings began in 2019.
" Progress toward the UN's Sustainable Development Goals depends on collaboration across every part of the university. This recognition reflects the dedication of faculty, staff, students, and partners who are finding practical and creative ways to contribute. Their work continues to expand what is possible," says Queen's Principal and Vice-Chancellor Patrick Deane.
Now in its seventh year, the THE Impact Rankings evaluate how universities are performing against the UN's 17 SDGs, which represent a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure peace and prosperity for all.
Sustained leadership across the SDGs
The university earned global top 10 placements in five categories, highlighting research, teaching and outreach strengths in areas such as food security, urban development, water sustainability, biodiversity, and global justice:
1st in the world for SDG 2: Zero Hunger
2nd in the world for SDG 14: Life Below Water
2nd in the world for SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
4th in the world for SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
6th in the world for SDG 15: Life on Land
Collaborative impact
The Impact Rankings assess universities using a blend of qualitative and quantitative metrics, including research outputs, teaching practices, partnerships, and community-based initiatives. Queen's leadership in the rankings is supported by long-standing research priorities in sustainability, equity, health, and technological innovation – including work in green supercomputing, materials science, and clean energy.
Ongoing commitment
"Participating in the Impact Rankings has helped Queen's articulate and expand the ways we contribute to the global common good," says Principal Deane. "This rankings recognition is not just about where we place, but also about highlighting and expanding the work being done across our university community to support people and the planet, and solve some of our most pressing challenges."
Read the full article on the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings and Queen's performance.
About Queen's University
Founded in 1841, Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario, Canada is a leading research-intensive institution with more than 31,000 students and 5,000 faculty and staff. Queen's is known for its research in cancer, geoengineering, AI, data analytics, mental health, and physics (2015 Nobel Prize). Queen's fosters a diverse and inclusive community and is a destination for individuals who want to build a better future for people and the planet.
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