RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences has achieved Ireland’s highest position in the Times Higher Education (THE) University Impact Rankings 2021, coming joint second in the world for ‘Good Health and Wellbeing’ from a total of 871 institutions.

The THE University Impact Rankings recognise universities around the world for their social and economic impact based on the United Nations' 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). For its contribution to SDG 3, 'Good Health and Well-being', RCSI’s score increased from 90.8 in 2020 to 93.1.

Since its establishment in 1784, RCSI has had a singular focus on improving human health, through world-class education, training and research, for the benefit of patients and communities worldwide. As a signatory to the SDG Accord, RCSI is committed to achieving the SDGs through its education, research and university operations.

The University's leading position globally for good health and well-being reflects its singular focus on improving human health, for the benefit of patients and communities in Ireland and across the globe.

Welcoming today's announcement, Professor Cathal Kelly, RCSI Chief Executive, said: "We are deeply committed to ensuring that our actions through our research, teaching activities, community engagement and campus operations, lead the world to better health.

"This excellent performance is a credit to the RCSI community. The evidence submitted for this ranking reflects the efforts of our academic, research and professional services staff and students. We remain one of the highest impact international universities working to enhance the sustainable and equitable provision of health and wellbeing services to populations worldwide.

"Over the past year, our staff and students have shown extraordinary dedication in difficult circumstances and their response to COVID-19 exemplifies our commitment to supporting health and wellbeing. Our Faculty have dedicated themselves to bringing each of our students one year closer to graduation, ensuring that, despite the challenges of the pandemic, the frontline healthcare workers of the future are equipped with the knowledge and skills to provide excellent patient care," added Professor Kelly.

Phil Baty, Chief Knowledge Officer at THE, commented: "The results of this year's rankings demonstrate the importance of universities worldwide in working towards a sustainable world, with representatives from 24 countries and regions, and six continents in the top 100 alone. Ireland's universities are clearly playing a vital role, with truly impressive results for University of Cork, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Trinity College Dublin and University of Limerick.

"Success in any of the SDGs means being responsible at every level, from the individual institutions, all the way up to the multinational and participation is just as important as position. Ireland's universities aren't just standing up to be counted in the THE Impact Rankings 2021, but are achieving some fantastic results that show just how seriously they are taking their work towards the individual goals and how successful they are in achieving results."

Through international partnerships and a continued focus on environmental and sustainable processes, RCSI is making a real difference to human health. The university is proud to be a global leader in transnational education. With 12 active research centres, international student electives in 22 global locations and 155 collaborating higher education institutions, RCSI is committed to achieving a better and safer world for all.

The THE University Impact Forum: Health and Well-being will take place in partnership with RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences on 7 and 8 July 2021.

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