Top 10 Universities in the World for Global Impact

Universities like Western Sydney University, the University of Manchester, and Arizona State University, are some of the best universities in the world for global impact. These universities are famous for their research, social programs, alumni achievements, and commitment to creating a better future.

Universities are not education centres but it helps you to be a responsible citizen of tomorrow. In today's interconnected world, universities have a profound influence on global issues such as Global Warming, Good Health, and Peace. In this article, we will discuss the top 10 universities in the world with global impact.

We will cover, how these universities and their alumni are working to shape a better future for the upcoming generation. By the end of this, article, you will have enough information to choose a university for pursuing higher studies.

Top 10 Universities in the World for Global Impact

There are multiple agencies such as The THE (Times Higher Education) and QS Ranking release “Impact Ranking” every year. Here we have mentioned the list of best universities worldwide for global impact:

1. Western Sydney University
2. University of Manchester
3. University of Tasmania
4. Aalborg University
5. RMIT University
6. University of Alberta
7. UNSW Sydney
8. Queen’s University
9. Arizona State University (Tempe)
10. University of Exeter

Methodology Behind Global Impact Ranking

This ranking is based on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs). We have included only those universities that are significantly contributing to making the world a better place to live. All information about the universities was collected from academic databases, university websites, news articles, and global rankings agencies such as THE and QS.

Here are the criteria for selection of the top 10 universities in the world for global impact:

• Research: Many reputed universities that have facilities, perform research on different topics. The result of their research is used by the government and private institutions who are working in this field.
• Nobel Prize Winners: Nobel laureates and other prestigious award winners among a university's faculty and alumni enhance its reputation. This represents the contribution of the university in discovering in the respective field.
• Alumni Achievements: Any achievement of the university's alumni in various fields, particularly in leadership roles within government, business, non-profit organizations, and international bodies increases its reputation. It also presents the ability of the university that it can produce future leaders who contribute to positive change in the world.

Best Universities with Global Impact

Here are details of the top 10 universities with global impact. We have mentioned why these universities are playing key roles:

1. Western Sydney University

Western Sydney University was established in 1989. This one of the best universities in Australia holds #1 place in the list of universities with global impact. This has a strong commitment to social justice, equity, and sustainability.

Recently, WSU worked with the United States Air Force Academy to develop space-based cameras. Now it is installed in the International Space Station (ISS). These cameras will help the ISS closely monitor atmospheric events on Earth. Other than this, the university has worked on several research programs to

2. University of Manchester

The University of Manchester was founded in 2004 by the merger of the Victoria University of Manchester and UMIST (University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology). Several researchers at this university contributed significantly to areas like cancer treatment, global inequalities, and addressing climate change.

The University of Manchester boasts a long list of notable alumni, including such well-known figures as Ernest Rutherford (who split the atom) and Alan Turing (a pioneer in computer science), as well as 25 Nobel laureates. The university has taken several initiatives towards the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

3. University of Tasmania

Established in 1890, the University of Tasmania (UTAS) is Australia's fourth oldest university and the only university in the state of Tasmania. UTAS has over 50 research centres, institutes, and groups that work on local, national, and international research. The alumni of UTAS are playing important roles within Australia and in specific areas of expertise like Antarctic research.

4. Aalborg University

Aalborg University was founded in the year 1974. The AAU has contributed significantly in renewable energy (particularly wind energy), sustainable development, and information and communication technologies (ICT). AAU alumni are actively contributing to innovation and development within Denmark and internationally. The current prime minister of Denmark, ​Mette Frederiksen is one of notable alumni of Aalborg University. She is the second woman to hold this office and the youngest Prime Minister in Danish history.

5. RMIT University

Another University of Australia, RMIT University holds 5th rank in the list of top 10 universities in the world for global impact.  Founded in 1887 as the Working Men's College of Melbourne, RMIT University is now famous for offering courses related to technology, design, and enterprise with a focus on innovation and industry engagement.

The university contributed in reducing reducing inequalities (SDG 10), economic growth and other issues, especially in the Asia-Pacific region. RMIT has consistently ranked highly in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings for its contributions to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. 

6. University of Alberta

One of the best universities of Canada, the University of Alberta is well known for its strong programs in agriculture, engineering, energy, health sciences, and the arts. It was founded in the year 1908. The University of Alberta has made significant contributions to areas such as nanotechnology, health sciences, and other issues. Currently, the University of Alberta is tackling the challenges of AI, agriculture and food-related issues.

7. UNSW Australia

Established in 1949 with a focus on science and technology, the University of New South Wales is famous for its significant contributions. UNSW has a strong commitment to social impact through initiatives like the UNSW Institute for Global Development. The institute addresses global challenges such as poverty, inequality, and climate change. Also, it actively contributes to Affordable and Clean Energy, Sustainable Cities and Communities which are on the list of SDGs.

8. Queen’s University

Queen's University, established in 1841 by Royal Charter from Queen Victoria, is a leading research-intensive university in Canada. Queen's University has significantly contributed to SNOLAB by leading research on neutrino oscillations. Their research on particle astrophysics at the SNOLAB underground laboratory is world-renowned. The university has partnerships with multiple institutions worldwide to address issues like poverty, education, and health in developing countries. Big names like Elon Musk are on the list of notable alumni of Queen's University Canada. 

9. Arizona State University (Tempe)

Founded in 1885, Arizona State University (ASU) has grown into one of the largest public universities in the United States. More than 56,000 students are enrolled in different courses at the university and 17,700+ of them are international students. ASU is a leader in sustainability research, particularly in areas like renewable energy, water resources, and urban ecology. It is in the 9th rank of top 10 universities in the world for global impact, due to its contribution in areas like sustainable cities and climate action.

10. University of Exeter

The University of Exeter received its Royal Charter in 1955, though its origins trace back to the Exeter School of Science established in 1855. The University of Exeter is renowned for its research on climate change, environmental science, and sustainability. Exeter alumni have achieved success in diverse fields, including politics, business, media, and the arts. 

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