University Impact Rankings 2024 for UN SDG 15: Life On Land

Times Higher Education has assessed and ranked 741 universities from 92 countries/regions for their contributions to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 15: life on land. The top institutions excel in combating biodiversity loss, promoting sustainable forest management and restoring degraded lands. Through impactful research, educational initiatives and hands-on conservation efforts, they work to preserve terrestrial ecosystems and enhance the sustainability of natural habitats.

These leading universities are dedicated to nurturing biodiversity and ensuring the health of terrestrial environments. By integrating sustainable practices into campus operations and academic programmes, they play a crucial role in fostering greater understanding and appreciation of our planet’s ecological diversity.

Summary of findings

• The ranking for SDG 15: life on land is led by the University of Manchester in the UK, for the second year in a row
• The UK’s University of Leeds is the highest-ranked newcomer, in 11th place. The Institut Agro in France is another highly ranked first-time entrant, at 17th place, as is King’s College London in the UK at 18th
• The UK has the most institutions in the table (43), followed by Japan with 42 and Turkey with 41