PolyU breaks into global top 100 in its debut in THE Impact Rankings, shining in multiple sustainable development goals

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has attained encouraging results in the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings 2024, ranking 77th in the world. It is PolyU’s first time participating in the Rankings and the result reflects the University’s praiseworthy achievements in promoting sustainability.

THE Impact Rankings measures a university’s success in delivering on the United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It assesses performance in four broad areas: research, stewardship, outreach and teaching. This year, the Rankings include 2,152 universities, from 125 countries and regions.

PolyU performed well in “Good Health and Well-being” (SDG 3), “Quality Education” (SDG 4), “Sustainable Cities and Communities” (SDG 11)” and “Partnerships for the Goals” (SDG 17), where it topped the other Hong Kong universities in the first and placed 2nd in the City for the other three. In particular, the University’s contribution to “Quality Education” stood out among its peers from around the world, ranking 4th globally.

Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, President of PolyU, said, “We are pleased with the University’s impressive performance in its debut in THE Impact Rankings. PolyU is committed to becoming an innovative, world-class university with a strong sense of social responsibility, and to pursuing impactful research and innovation to address societal needs. Moving forward, we will continute to strive for excellence in education, scientific research and innovation, contributing to the goal of sustainable development.”

PolyU has been at the forefront of addressing societal sustainability challenges. The PolyU Policy Research Centre for Innovation and Technology provides strategic advice on promoting the development of carbon neutrality, while multiple research institutes and centres of the PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research continue to leverage their research strengths to drive innovation in fields including smart energy, sustainable urban development and mental health.

Articulating its commitment to social responsibility, PolyU has incorporated Service-Learning into its undergraduate mandatory curriculum, with the aim of educating students about social issues and enabling them to apply their classroom knowledge in service to the community. Over the years, students have participated in service learning projects across mainland China, as well as in Cambodia, Rwanda and beyond.

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