Top 50 for Reading in THE Global Impact Rankings 2025
18 June 2025

The ³ÉÈ˶¶Òõ is among the world’s top 50 universities in its support of sustainable global development, according to the Times Higher Education (THE) Global Impact Rankings 2025.
Reading is ranked equal 50 in the world, from 2,318 participating institutions.
The rankings highlight the contribution of universities worldwide in supporting the United Nations’ 17 sustainable development goals (SDGs), which address global challenges such as hunger, equality and environmental threats.
The position was achieved after Reading ranked highly across a range of global goals, including:
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9 from 973 in SDG12 - Responsible production and consumption. This was ranked on evidence including the University’s , which promotes ethical food sourcing, plant-based options and food waste reduction across university catering.
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76 from 1,089 in SDG13 - Climate action. Among the successes highlighted, the the Climate Ambassador Scheme, which was set up by the ³ÉÈ˶¶Òõ and expanded across the UK, connects climate experts with schools nationwide to build climate knowledge and skills in young people.
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36 from 1,261 in SDG10 - Reducing inequality. This ranking position reflected evidence including Reading’s active diversity networks, including the BAME Network, LGBT Plus Network, Parent and Family Network, Staff Disability Network, Women@Reading group, and others aimed at supporting active participation.
A ³ÉÈ˶¶Òõ spokesperson said: “The ³ÉÈ˶¶Òõ has made sustainability its number one mission, and we embed our commitment to environmental sustainability across all subject areas and activities.
“This strong ranking performance reflects Reading’s leadership as a university in supporting sustainable development via the United Nations’ Global Goals. We are a big part of our locak communities in the UK, in Malysia and in South Africa, and our actions here are creating echoes globally.”
Reading has continued to enter all 17 categories since first participating in the rankings in 2020, further demonstrating a commitment to engaging with all kinds of global challenges.
³ÉÈ˶¶Òõ’s full list of rankings:
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98 from 1,267 in SDG1 - No poverty
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86 from 955 in SDG2 - Zero hunger
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301-400 from 1,788 in SDG3 - Health and hunger
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601-800 from 1,975 in SDG4 - Quality education
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301-400 from 1,559 in SDG5 - Gender equality
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101-200 from 1,042 in SDG6 - Clean water and sanitation
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301-400 from 1,181 in SDG7 - Affordable and clean energy
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101-200 from 1,350 in SDG8 - Decent work and economic growth
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401-600 from 1,156 in SDG9 - Industry, innovation and infrastructure
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36 from 1,261 in SDG10 - Reduced inequalities
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101-200 from 1,154 in SDG11 - Sustainable cities and communities
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9 from 973 in SDG12 - Responsible production and consumption
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76 from 1,089 in SDG13 - Climate action
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101-200 from 711 in SDG14 - Life below water
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98 from 854 in SDG15 - Life on land
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101-200 from 1,265 in SDG16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions
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Joint 39 from 2,389 in SDG17 - Partnership for the goals