RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences has been ranked first in the world for ‘Good Health and Well-being’ in the Times Higher Education University Impact Rankings 2020 which were announced today.

The University’s leading position globally in this category reflects RCSI’s singular focus on improving human health, for the benefit of patients and communities across the globe.

The Times Higher Education University Impact Rankings recognise universities around the world for their social and economic impact based on the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs). For its contribution to the UNSDG 3, 'Good Health and Well-being', RCSI was ranked number one of more than 600 global universities assessed by Times Higher Education.

Commenting on today’s announcement, Professor Cathal Kelly, RCSI Chief Executive/Registrar said: “Our singular focus at RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences is to improve human health worldwide, through undergraduate and postgraduate training, medical research, industry partnerships and community outreach.

“As our staff and students face the challenges of working and training in support of the health service during the COVID-19 pandemic, today’s recognition of our contribution to health and well-being is particularly meaningful for the RCSI community at this critical time for global health.

“Their contributions as expert health advisors, clinicians and volunteers on the frontline, and continued dedication to their studies in health sciences in challenging circumstances, exemplifies our commitment to health and well-being. Today more than 300 of our final year medicine students will receive their final year results enabling them to work on the frontline here in Ireland and in their 32 home countries worldwide.

“The COVID-19 crisis underscores the truly international nature of medicine, where diversity is embraced and where health care professionals cross boundaries to support our communities, all over the world.

“This ranking is a fitting recognition of the ongoing work of our staff and students to improve health and well-being in the community. Locally we achieve this through educational events and collaboration with the Irish health services. We strive to improve health in the global community through our international campuses and our unique programmes such as our partnership with COSECSA, a collaboration that trains doctors and surgeons in Sub-Saharan Africa.

“Ultimately, we are proud of the efforts made by so many in our community that has a direct and immediate improvement to the health of those across the globe.”

Phil Baty, Chief Knowledge Officer at THE, commented: “We believe that universities are our greatest hope of solving some of the world’s biggest challenges, and THE’s Impact Rankings bring this to light like never before. Unlike many traditional rankings, participation is just as important as overall position, with institutions actively demonstrating how seriously they take their role in achieving a sustainable world. The results reveal how many are putting this at the heart of their missions.”

Impact Rankings highlights

Overall, RCSI performed exceptionally well in an area which reflects our mission and primary focus – Good Health and Well-being” We submitted data for six of 17 goals with an overall rank of 101-200, out of more than 800 participating universities worldwide. Our results are a positive reflection on our health and translational research, the number of healthcare professionals graduating at undergraduate and postgraduate level, and our national and international relationships and collaborations across the health services.

Our result in UNSDG8, Decent Work and Economic Growth ranked 62nd out of 479 universities, represents our positive employment practices and commitment to student experiential learning and work placements, including clinical and research electives globally.

Read our profile on the Times Higher Education World University Rankings website.

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