Top 30 in the world for our progress towards delivering the UN SDGs in the 2025 THE Impact Rankings
Recognised for our progress towards delivering Responsible Consumption and Production, Clean Water and Sanitation, Partnership for the Goals, and Life Below Water.
We have been named as one of the top 30 educational institutions – and top 2 per cent of those ranked worldwide - in the 桃子视频 Education (THE) Impact Rankings 2025. The ranking charts the performance of more than 2,300 institutions against the United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals.
The are a set of 17 goals which provide a shared blueprint for sustainable development and a sustainable future, which set out targets to end poverty, protect the planet, and achieve prosperity for all by 2030.
At the University of Exeter, we’re committed to using the power of our education and research to create a greener, healthier and fairer future for all. An integral part of this work is our commitment to the United Nations SDGs. Our strategic vision ensures they are embedded in everything we do to make an impact in the world. We seek to use the power of our education and research to create a sustainable, healthy and socially just future. These results show our progress towards our goals which are to:
- Lead meaningful action against the climate emergency and ecological crisis.
- Make key breakthroughs to transform human health and wellbeing.
- Lead progress towards creating a fair, socially just and inclusive society.
Our approach to the Sustainable Development Goals
The University of Exeter signed the in 2019, committing to report on the SDGs on an annual basis and embedding the SDGs in everything that we do from our curriculum and research, to wider activities at the University. This is illustrated by our conception and leadership of Future17, the Sustainable Development Goals Challenge Programme. In association with QS, we are bringing together students from across all six continents to work alongside global organisations in virtual groups to develop solutions to help meet the UN’s SDGs.
Alongside being ranked Top 30 in this year’s THE Impact Rankings, we have placed in the top 50 globally across 9 of the United Nations SDGs:
SDG12: Responsible Consumption and Production - Ranked 2
Aim: To ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns
SDG13: Climate Action – Ranked =17
Aim: Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts
SDG6: Clean Water and Sanitation – Ranked 33
Aim: Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all
SDG17: Partnership for the Goals – Ranked =35
Aim: Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development
SDG10: Reduced Inequalities – Ranked 39
Aim: Reducing inequalities and ensuring no one is left behind
SDG 14: Life Below Water – Ranked 40
Aim: Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development
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SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy – Ranked 41
Aim: Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all
SDG 2: Zero Hunger – Ranked 48
Aim: End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture
SDG15: Life on Land – Ranked 48
Aim: To conserve life on land, protect and restore terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and stop biodiversity loss
Explore our research
Our dynamic and innovative research fosters new discoveries, inspires creativity and brings people together to solve the challenges of today and tomorrow, making the world greener, healthier and fairer.
Greener
The climate emergency and ecological crisis is one of the most pressing challenges of our time.
At Exeter, we are home to the UK’s top five most influential climate scientists (Reuters Hot List) within a team of over 1,500 researchers and professionals working across climate change and the environment. This expertise underpins our research across a range of areas, including green futures, healthier oceans and positive tipping points.
Explore our research and join us in working towards a greener future.
Healthier
Our research is at the cutting-edge of innovation to transform human health and wellbeing.
We partner with healthcare providers, industry and the public to ensure we can quickly translate our research into accessible treatments and care. Our research covers a range of critical areas, including antimicrobial resistance, child mental health, dementia and diabetes.
Explore our research and join us in creating a healthier future.
Fairer
We're driving change towards a fairer, more socially just and inclusive society.
We're home to world-leading experts in Business, Economics, Law and Social Sciences who are dedicated to understanding and addressing societal challenges. Our research areas include the circular economy, evidence-based justice, social inequalities and sustainable food systems.
Explore our research and join us in building a fairer future.
