THE Impact Rankings: University of Freiburg places among the Top 100 in four SDGs

The University Impact Rankings by Times Higher Education examine the impact of universities in terms of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) laid out by the United Nations. The University of Freiburg took part in these rankings for the second time in a row in 2024. It is among the top 100 universities worldwide in four of the SDG rankings and has improved on several SDGs compared to the previous year

The University of Freiburg ranked #1 nationwide in SDG 16

For the overall ranking of the universities, the University of Freiburg's scores in SDG 17 and in the three SDGs with the highest number of points, SDG 9, 16 and 12, were taken into account. The University of Freiburg achieved the highest rankings in SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), for which it submitted data for the first time in 2024. With 98.8 out of a possible 100 points, it achieved its highest SDG score. This puts it in 32nd place globally out of 1018 institutions assessed. Nationally, it occupies 1st place among the German universities listed in the overall ranking and is only just behind some technical universities, which, however, did not fulfil the requirements for a score in the overall ranking. Research in the context of SDG 9, the number of patents citing the University's research, spin-offs and research income stemming from industry and trade are evaluated.

The University of Freiburg is listed as the best German university for SDG 16 (peace, justice and strong institutions), ranking 42nd out of 1037 institutions internationally. In the previous year, it achieved an international ranking of 201-300 and was ranked 5th nationally. Among other things, this SDG evaluates political advisory activities at regional, state and federal level, the number of graduates in law and internal university governance structures to ensure democratic participation, the involvement of local stakeholders and the safeguarding of academic freedom. Research performance on peace and justice issues and strong institutions is also taken into account in the SDG 16 ranking.

As in the previous year, the University of Freiburg came second in SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), sharing this year's ranking with two other universities. As in the previous year, the University of Freiburg is also ranked 101-200 globally for SDG 12 in this year's ranking. In addition to research in the context of SDG 12, the ranking is also based on strategies for avoiding waste, compliance with environmental guidelines, the proportion of recycling and the publication of a sustainability report, for example.

For SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), which accounts for 22 per cent of the overall ranking, the University of Freiburg is listed together with another German university as the second-best German university nationally. In a global comparison, it is ranked 401-600 out of 2031 institutions. In the previous year, it achieved an international ranking of 601-800 and was ranked 5th in the national comparison with two other universities. Among other things, the cooperation with governmental and non-governmental actors to contribute to the sustainability goals of the United Nations is assessed.

Among the top 100 internationally in SDG 6 and SDG 13

In addition to the four SDGs mentioned above, which are included in the overall ranking in accordance with the THE methodology, the University of Freiburg achieved further top rankings in SDGs 6 and 13. As in the previous year, it is listed as the second-best German university in SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation). In a global comparison, the University of Freiburg improved its ranking in SDG 6 from 101-200 in the previous year to a shared 81st place out of 867 universities. In addition to research in the context of SDG 6, water consumption, guidelines for the efficient use of water and projects involving civil society are also assessed.

The University of Freiburg achieved another international ranking among the top 100 universities in SDG 13 (Climate Action) with a shared 92nd place out of 924 universities. As in the previous year, it is listed as the second-best German university in the SDG 13 ranking. For example, research in the context of SDG 13, the use of renewable energies, educational measures, cooperation for more climate protection and target agreements for carbon neutrality are taken into account.

Improved overall ranking

In the overall global ranking, the University of Freiburg is ranked 301-400 out of 1963 institutions. In a national comparison, it is ranked 3rd. In the previous year, it was listed internationally in the 401-600 ranking group and came in 5th place collectively with three other universities. However, as the universities themselves can decide which SDGs they submit data on, the overall rankings are only comparable to a limited degree.

THE Impact Rankings methodology

The methodology of THE Impact Rankings is based on the individual SDGs. Universities are listed in the SDG rankings for which they provide data. For the 2024 rankings, the University of Freiburg has submitted data in eleven SDGs, namely SDG 3, 6, 7, 9, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17. To participate in the overall ranking, data must be submitted in at least four SDGs, one of which must be SDG 17. A total of eight universities across Germany are listed in the overall ranking.

The overall score is made up of 22 per cent from the performance in SDG 17 and 26 per cent from the scores in each of the three SDGs with the highest number of points. The score that appears in the overall ranking is calculated as the average of the total scores from last year's ranking and this year's ranking. Information on the indicators and metrics on which the evaluation is based can be found on the THE Impact Rankings website.

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