Plymouth University ranked best in the world for marine research

That is according to the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2021

The marine building at the University of Plymouth
Author: Chris BakerPublished 24th Apr 2021

The University of Plymouth has been named as one of the top 25 institutions globally in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2021.

In its first appearance in the tables, Plymouth has been ranked 23rd of more than 1,100 universities, reinforcing its reputation for world-leading and award-winning sustainability research and teaching.

It also achieved considerable worldwide success in a number of individual tables linked to specific SDGs:

• 1st globally in relation to SDG 14: Life Below Water, recognising the quality of the University’s marine research and teaching as well as its efforts to reduce the impact of campus activities on the marine environment;

• 9th worldwide in relation to SDG 17: partnerships for the goals, for its efforts to support the SDGs through collaboration with other countries, the promotion of best practices and the publication of data;

• 19th in the world in SDG 2: Zero Hunger, recognising its research on hunger, its teaching on food sustainability and its commitment to tackle food waste and address hunger among students and local communities;

• In the top 50 globally for its work linked to SDG 7: affordable and clean energy and SDG 11: sustainable cities and communities.

Professor Judith Petts CBE, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Plymouth, said:

“This is an outstanding achievement and a ringing endorsement of our excellence in all aspects of sustainability. At a time when climate change is at the forefront of people’s minds, particularly with the UK hosting the G7 summit and COP26 in 2021, this global endorsement will support our efforts to ensure our work and knowledge continue to have both impact and influence.

“This ranking celebrates decades of building on our core strengths, investing in research teams and facilities and, in particular, it reinforces our leadership in all things marine and rightfully positions us at the global forefront of this field. It acknowledges our long-standing partnerships with industry and academia, and our long-standing commitment to use our own sustainability practices to inspire change on a local, regional, and international scale.”