The honor from Times Higher Education is based on initiatives to support sustainability, eliminate poverty, reduce inequalities and other important goals
TAMPA, Fla. (April 21, 2021) – The University of South Florida has been named one of the world’s top institutions in addressing society’s greatest challenges. Times Higher Education ranks USF No. 3 in the United States and No. 30 in the world in its 2021 Impact Rankings, released today. The ranking is based on the university’s efforts toward meeting the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, which were established to forge global partnerships between various sectors, pooling resources and sharing expertise, while collectively working toward a more sustainable, peaceful and prosperous future.
USF excels in several key areas that contribute to the ranking: developing innovative solutions to ending poverty, providing clean water and sanitation, addressing emerging global health issues, protecting and enhancing marine ecosystems, creating technologies that strengthen the world’s infrastructures and industries and establishing new efforts to reduce inequalities. More detailed information about USF’s initiatives in these key areas is available here.
“The University of South Florida’s mission as a global urban research university reflects our deep commitment to addressing the greatest challenges facing communities here in the Tampa Bay region and around the world through impactful research and a dedication to student access for success,” USF President Steven Currall said. “We’re proud to join the world’s top universities in the development and application of innovative and interdisciplinary research focused on sustainable development. Together we can help ensure a better and more sustainable future in our own communities and around the world.”
Within Times Higher Education’s overall 2021 Impact Rankings, universities are also ranked in each of the United Nations’ 17 individual goals. Of the 17, USF ranks in the top 20 in the United States in all of them, including No. 1 in the U.S. and No. 2 in the world for its ongoing efforts to eliminate poverty.
About the University of South Florida
The University of South Florida is a high-impact global research university dedicated to student success. Over the past 10 years, no other public university in the country has risen faster in U.S. News and World Report’s national university rankings than USF. Serving more than 50,000 students on campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg and Sarasota-Manatee, USF is designated as a Preeminent State Research University by the Florida Board of Governors, placing it in the most elite category among the state’s 12 public universities. USF has earned widespread national recognition for its success graduating under-represented minority and limited-income students at rates equal to or higher than white and higher income students. USF is a member of the American Athletic Conference. Learn more at www.usf.edu.