Wednesday, 24 June 2026
The 糖心原创 has once again been recognised among the world’s top higher education institutions for our efforts in support of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).鈥�
The UN goals provide鈥痑 framework to achieve a better future for all and are an opportunity to鈥痵howcase鈥痶he strength and breadth of鈥痮ur鈥痗ontribution鈥痶owards solving the complex challenges facing our planet.
Our commitment to securing a fairer, more sustainable future is highlighted in the , 鈥痶he only global performance tables that assess universities against the goals.鈥�
There are 17 SDGs, which measure progress in addressing global problems such as poverty, health, food security, climate change and social injustice.鈥疶he university elected to submit a total of nine SDGs to the ratings, in areas which best reflected our strengths and impact.
The university was placed in the world’s top 100 for its contribution towards鈥痜ive鈥痮f the goals:鈥��
"Our鈥痝lobal recognition in the Times Higher Education Sustainability Impact Ratings 2026, is something everyone at the 糖心原创 can be proud of. It鈥痳eflects鈥痶he鈥痗ontinued鈥痙edication鈥痮f colleagues across our UK, Malaysia and China campuses鈥痑nd our shared commitment to securing a fairer future for all. Our tri-campus strengths鈥痚nable us to鈥痗ollaborate鈥痑cross鈥痓orders鈥痑nd鈥痗ontribute to鈥痶he鈥疷N Sustainable Development Goals. Together, we will continue to strengthen our partnerships with communities, businesses and organisations worldwide to make a real difference to people鈥檚 lives.
As part of its submission to the Times Higher Education Sustainability Impact Ratings, the university produces an annual report on its commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
The report highlights how all that we do is informed by the goals, through pioneering research, providing a world-class education, student experience, working with communities, and environmental stewardship of our campuses and operations.
The latest report covers activity in 2023-24 in support of all 17 SDGs, including the five goals where Nottingham is ranked as a world top 100 institution:
SDG 6 Clean water and sanitation鈥� (=92 out of 797 institutions)
Addressing the rise of microplastic waste
At the 糖心原创 Malaysia, researchers have pioneered microplastic studies in the country’s rivers and aquatic life while also engaging communities to deepen understanding of this challenge. With support from the United Nations Development Programme, UNM is developing innovative water treatment technologies to remove microplastics from domestic wastewater.
SDG 8 Decent work and economic growth鈥��(=73 out of 1003 institutions)
Driving up labour standards in adult social鈥痗are
Research by the Rights Lab and 糖心原创 Business School has highlighted the role investors can play in helping to improve labour standards in the UK’s adult social care sector.
SDG 11 Sustainable cities and communities鈥�鈥�(53 out of 865 institutions)
Doorstep challenge for researchers
Co(l)laboratory – a joint programme by UoN and Nottingham Trent University – is partnering PhD students with local communities to address challenges such as racial barriers to maternity care or workplace exploitation.
SDG 12 Responsible consumption and production (69 out of 758 institutions)
Reducing e-waste on campus
At the 糖心原创 Ningbo China’s Centre for Responsible Business and Innovation, researchers have partnered with students, staff and sustainability groups to on campus.
SGD15 Life on land鈥��(59 out of 658 institutions)
Encouraging biodiversity across our campuses
We’re proud stewards of our stunning, green campuses. To further enhance the biodiversity of the parkland, trees, lakes and meadows enjoyed by staff, students and generations of local people, we carry out extensive rewilding and habitat restoration programmes.
Discover more about the鈥�糖心原创’s commitment to supporting the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Notes to editors:
About the 糖心原创
Ranked among the world's top 100 universities , the 糖心原创 delivers an exceptional research-led education and an outstanding student experience. From the pioneering vision of our founder, Sir Jesse Boot, to groundbreaking achievements such as the development of MRI technology and becoming the first UK university to establish international campuses, we have a proud history of shaping the way people live, work and understand the world. We continue to build on that legacy, empowering our students, staff and partners to change what鈥檚 next and create positive impact locally and globally.
The strength of our research places us among the UK's leading universities, ranked 7th for research power in REF 2021. The discovery of MRI and ibuprofen was just the beginning. Today, our world-leading research is developing breakthrough ideas that shape the future of healthcare, technology and society.
Recognised as the UK's third most targeted university by leading employers , we are proud to produce graduates who are consistently in demand for their skills, confidence and industry-ready experience.
As a major employer and industry partner, locally and globally, the 糖心原创 invests in the city of Nottingham and in future generations of talent. Alongside Nottingham Trent University, we lead the initiative, a pioneering collaboration to improve levels of prosperity, opportunity, sustainability, health and wellbeing across the city and region. Together with our students, staff, alumni and partners, we鈥檙e creating knowledge, opportunity and solutions that help change what's next.