DCU ranked 84th in the world’s top universities for impact on society
36th Globally for SDG 10 - Reduced Inequalities:
This ranking recognised the diversity of the DCU student body, and acknowledged DCU's pioneering work in being recognised as the world's first Autism-Friendly University. The University also scored highly on its research in addressing societal inequality and its commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, as reflected in its establishment of the DCU Centre for Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion – the first of its kind – which is driving change in the workplace.
43rd Globally for SDG 5 - Gender Equality:
DCU scored strongly in this category because of clear evidence of its commitment to gender equality in its staff and student body. DCU's score recognised the progress made by the institution to date in addressing gender inequality in senior academic positions, its Women in Leadership suite of initiatives, and the impact of its research in the area of gender equality. Developments in this area include DCU’s continued encouragement of women in leadership through its 30% Club Scholarships.
In addition to the above, DCU achieved strong recognition for its activity in addressing Quality Education (SDG 1), Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8), Partnership for the Goals (SDG 17), and Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions (SDG 16).
These key areas of impact were also highlighted in DCU’s annual Impact Report ‘Making A Difference’, which was launched earlier this year. The report used the 17 UN SDGs as a framework to convey the broad range of impacts that the university is making on wider society.
Speaking about the rankings, DCU President, Professor Brian MacCraith, said:
“DCU’s strong showing in these global rankings offers clear evidence that the University’s mission ‘to transform lives and societies’ is being translated into real impact across the broad spectrum covered by the UN SDGs. This is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our staff and students and their commitment to our mission and values. I want to congratulate them all on this significant global recognition of their work. The rankings also demonstrate how the UN SDGs can provide a valuable ‘real world’ measure of the real impact that universities are making.”