The University of Montpellier, ranked first among French universities in the 2023 *Times Higher Education Impact Rankings*
The University of Montpellier has once again climbed the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings. In thefifth edition of the rankings, it retains its top spot among French institutions and ranks among the world’s top 101–200 institutions overall, thanks to its longstanding commitment to sustainable development.
The Times Higher Education Impact Rankings are an international ranking designed to measure higher education institutions’ commitment to and performance in the area of sustainable development. Innovative in nature, it goes beyond a traditional ranking based on research or education analysis, adopting a different, more societal approach. It is based on the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted by the United Nations in 2015. A total of 1,591 universities participated in this fifth edition. Since the ranking’s inception in 2019, the University of Montpellier has participated every year, highlighting its commitment to sustainable development and social responsibility. This year, it ranks among the global top 50 for four goals aligned with the institution’s core themes: food, health, and protection.
“The University of Montpellier is immensely proud to be ranked as the top French higher education institution in the 2023 Times Higher Education Impact Rankings. “Our rise in the rankings, both nationally and internationally, year after year, is a testament to our commitment to sustainable development. I am convinced that this distinction is by no means a matter of chance, but rather a reflection of our constant determination to do more and do better every year,” said Philippe Augé, President of the University of Montpellier.
UM: A Success Story in Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals
In this ranking, UM stands out in the "Good Health and Well-being" SDG, ranking15th globally and 1st in France, having climbed more than 66 places. UM has made significant progress in the “Life Below Water” SDG, moving into the 101–200 category with a global rankingof 33rd and a new nationalfirst place, once again demonstrating UM’s excellence in ecology. Finally, the University of Montpellier ranks33rd globally in the SDGs for “decent work and economic growth,” marking a rise of 22 places, and49th in the SDG for “reducing inequalities,” placing it at the top of French institutions. All these results attest to UM’s total commitment to social responsibility.
According to Agnès Fichard-Carroll, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Student Life at the University of Montpellier and Special Advisor for Gender Equality, “this exceptional ranking recognizes the University of Montpellier’s commitment to genuinely addressing a wide range of sustainable development goals. It is a recognition of the collective effort and commitment of our teams in serving the community and, more broadly, society.”