2022 THE Impact Rankings: Ateneo continues to lead PH universities in real-world impact

Ateneo de Manila University continues to lead among Philippine universities in terms of real-world impact, results of the 2022 Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings revealed.

The THE Impact Rankings measures and assesses universities based on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) based on research output, outreach, teaching, and stewardship programs. It has been released annually since 2019 by the international higher education publication Times Higher Education, and this year, a total of 1,406 universities from 106 countries and regions took part.

This year, Ateneo de Manila jumped to the 101-200 bracket, the highest among the 15 Philippine institutions included in the rankings, with an overall score of 83.7 out of 100. It is also the highest overall placement of any Philippine institution since the Impact Rankings began. Last year, Ateneo was in the 201-300 bracket.

In the individual SDGs, Ateneo had the highest scores in the following:

• SDG 6 - Clean Water and Sanitation: rank 48
• SDG 11 - Sustainable Cities and Communities: 77
• SDG 16 - Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions: 101-200
• SDG 17 - Partnership for the Goals: 101-200

Meanwhile, for the rest of the SDGs, Ateneo had the following ranks (arranged by SDG number):

• SDG 1 - No Poverty: 201-300
• SDG 2 - Zero Hunger: 101-200
• SDG 3 - Good Health and Wellbeing: 101-200
• SDG 4 - Quality Education: 801-1000
• SDG 5 - Gender Equality: 301-400
• SDG 7 - Affordable and Clean Energy: 301-400
• SDG 8 - Decent Work and Economic Growth: 601-800
• SDG 9 - Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure: 601+
• SDG 10 - Reduced Inequalities: 401-600
• SDG 12 - Responsible Consumption and Production: 201-300
• SDG 13 - Climate Action: 301-400
• SDG 14 - Life below Water: 201-300
• SDG 15 - Life on Land: 67

“Ateneo de Manila again shows that beyond excellence in teaching, learning, and formation, our community - students, faculty, staff, professionals, and many other stakeholders - is a true agent of positive, real-world change,” said Fr Roberto Yap SJ, University President. 

“As I’ve said last year, the THE Impact Rankings align well with our identity and mission as a Filipino, Catholic, and Jesuit institution. With or without the Impact Rankings, the best measure of how we affect change is still the number of communities and lives we helped change for the better,” Yap said. 

“Ateneo vows to continue its efforts in promoting and realizing the UN SDGs, fulfilling its mission to become a force for good in the world at a time it is needed the most,” he added.

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), first set in 2015, are called the "blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all" by the United Nations. The SDGs, also called the Global Goals, are 17 interlinked aims that are "urgent call for action by all countries - developed and developing - in a global partnership."

The Sustainable Development Goals are an important part of Ateneo de Manila’s Lux in Domino University Strategic Plan 2021-2030. It aims to respond to some of society's most urgent and most complex problems, all while rooted in its commitment to liberal education and holistic formation, and its uniquely Filipino, Catholic, and Jesuit identity.

The 2022 THE Impact Rankings were released on Wednesday, 26 April 2022 (Thursday, 27 April 2022 in Manila). The full rankings and methodology can be accessed at the THE website.