University of Nicosia recognised by Times Higher Education for its Quality Education and enduring Global Impact

UNIC ranks 42^nd globally in Quality Education in the expanded 2020 THE Impact Rankings, which recognises universities across the world for their social and economic impact

The 2020 Times Higher Education (THE) University Impact Rankings, released on 22 April 2020, ranked the University of Nicosia (UNIC) as the number 42 university in the world in the core area of Quality Education, and among the top 301-400 universities globally in terms of its overall social and economic impact.

An expanded field of universities participated in the second edition of the Impact Rankings, with more than 850 universities from 89 countries and regions, including strong representation by the USA, the UK, Japan, and the Russian Federation, submitting applications as compared to just over 500 universities in 2019.

The THE University Impact Rankings is the first ranking to measure the success of universities globally in delivering the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), viewed as increasingly important given the critical action they stimulate in varied and essential areas for humanity and the planet. “The UN’s SDGs play a pivotal role in our educational and research activities”, noted Professor Dimitris Drikakis, UNIC’s Vice President for Global Partnerships and Executive Director of Research and Innovation.

“This year’s impressive THE Impact Rankings results reflect our continued commitment to the SDGs and our growing impact worldwide”, continued Professor Drikakis.

The 2020 edition of the Impact Rankings included metrics based on all seventeen (17) Sustainable Development Goals, with UNIC focusing on the key areas of: Quality Education; Gender Equality; Reduced Inequalities; Sustainable Cities and Communities; Responsible Consumption and Production; Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions; and Revitalising Global Partnerships for the Goals.

Commenting on this year’s result, the President of the Council of the University of Nicosia, Professor Nicos Kartakoullis, said that the result was indicative of UNIC’s measured and far-reaching contribution to society.

“This latest ranking success signifies that UNIC is recognised by THE as an agent of positive change, as a leading university with a strong commitment to Social Responsibility”, he remarked.

He also emphasised the University’s achievement in the area of Sustainable Cities and Communities, where UNIC placed among the top 101-200 universities. This is in large part due to the development of UNIC City, the University’s constantly evolving, vibrant campus.

“More generally, the results are a clear reflection of the sustainable standards we promote and the attendant practices we deploy in sustainability, accessibility, and community building, thus delivering a comprehensive on-campus and online stakeholder experience”, concluded Professor Kartakoullis.

On his part, the Rector, Professor Philippos Pouyioutas, highlighted the active engagement and strong sense of responsibility of the University.

“In line with EU priorities in Higher Education, the University’s strategy and role extends beyond the creation and dissemination of knowledge, to engagement with society and the betterment of humankind. The ranking by THE, one of the most important ranking agencies in the world, reaffirms the University’s leading international position, in all three pillars underpinning a modern university; namely, research, teaching/learning, and contribution to society”, he remarked.

The Rector also underscored the University’s impressive position in the top 50 universities globally in Quality Education. “The result makes us extremely proud, to have our commitment and efforts towards excellence in education internationally recognised in this way by one of the top-ranking systems”, he continued.

Rector Pouyioutas concluded by thanking those who worked towards achieving this result, whom he described as the University’s most valuable asset:

“A big thank you to our people – our students, faculty members and administrative staff – who, during this trying period, have proved yet again their dedication to our University and its mission – switching effectively to quality online teaching/learning, while also vitally contributing to our country and society in combating the SARS-CoV2 pandemic”.