University

USF recognized by Times Higher Education for global impact

By Tina Meketa | USF News

USF HAS BEEN NAMED one of the world’s top institutions in addressing society’s greatest challenges. Times Higher Education (THE) ranks USF No. 3 in the United States and No. 30 in the world in its 2021 Impact Rankings. 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 has excelled in several key areas: 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.

“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 says. “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.