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The THE Impact Rankings evaluate how universities perform across the UN’s 17 SDGs, which call for global action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure peace and prosperity for all.
 

Sustained leadership across the SDGs

The university placed in the global top 10 in five SDG categories, highlighting strengths in research, teaching, and outreach across areas such as food security, urban development, water sustainability, biodiversity, and global justice.
 

1st in the world for SDG 2: Zero Hunger

From cutting-edge microbiology to student-led innovation, Queen’s is working to reduce agricultural emissions and improve food sustainability. A $6 million research initiative is developing natural alternatives to chemical fertilizers using microbes found in Canadian soil. Reflecting Queen’s hands-on approach to sustainability, students on the are building Canada’s first vertical aeroponic farm designed by a post-secondary institution. The automated system is designed to grow food efficiently in urban environments.
 

2nd in the world for SDG 14: Life Below Water

Research and education focused on aquatic systems continue to be a key strength. Queen’s hosts and supports collaboration through programs like LEADERS-CREATE, a graduate student initiative focused on water and watershed sustainability. Faculty and students explore topics ranging from freshwater ecology and fish physiology to aquatic toxicology.
 

2nd in the world for SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

Queen’s fosters global citizenship and access to education through community partnerships and inclusive programming. The Principal’s Global Scholars and Fellows program provides sanctuary and support for individuals displaced by conflict and persecution, while courses like Indigenous Law in Practice bring students into relationship with the land as a foundation for legal learning, equity, and reconciliation. 
 

4th in the world for SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

In partnership with local government, Queen’s scholars are using data and digital tools to inform better urban planning. The Kingston IN Focus platform, created by researchers in Geography and Planning, gives residents accessible, up-to-date insights into housing, employment, and environmental trends. The expansion of the Agnes Etherington Art Centre, thanks to a $75 million US gift, will further strengthen the city’s cultural landscape as the largest public university-affiliated museum in Canada.
 

6th in the world for SDG 15: Life on Land

Queen’s is home to one of the most active inland field research stations in the country. The supports immersive, hands-on learning in biodiversity, conservation, and environmental science. On campus, researchers use advanced tools like the to study plant systems and ecological interactions in carefully controlled environments.
 

Collaborative impact

The Impact Rankings assess universities using a blend of qualitative and quantitative metrics, including research outputs, teaching practices, partnerships, campus and community-based initiatives. This year’s submission included over 200 pieces of evidence from more than 50 departments, centres, and administrative units across the university.

Queen’s leadership in the rankings is supported by long-standing research priorities in sustainability, equity, health, and technological innovation, including work in green supercomputing, materials science, and clean energy.

At the 2025 THE Global Sustainable Development Congress in Istanbul, Türkiye, Queen’s researchers are contributing to global discussions on sustainability in higher education. Among them is Dr. Ryan Grant, who is leading a masterclass on green supercomputing.

While in Türkiye, Queen’s is also partnering with the Consul General of Canada in Istanbul to host networking and information sessions on Horizon Europe, the European Union’s flagship research and innovation funding program. 
 

Ongoing commitment

“Participating in the Impact Rankings has helped Queen’s articulate and expand the ways we contribute to the global common good,” says Principal Deane. “This rankings recognition is not just about where we place but about highlighting and increasing the work being done across our university community to support people and the planet and solve some of the world’s most pressing challenges.”

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