By Susanne Clement Justesen, AAU Communication and Public Affairs

Aalborg University once again excels when it comes to contributing to a more sustainable world. This is shown in both the Sustainability Report for 2022-2023 and Aalborg University's high scores on the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2023.

AAU is ranked as the overall 9th best university out of approx. 1600 universities. We are also ranked No. 2 on SDG 4 on quality education and SDG 17 on partnerships.

According to Rector Per Michael Johansen, AAU can be proud of the rankings as they show that Aalborg University's work with the SDGs is working, and especially the ranking on SDG 17 on partnerships shows that the university is ready to work mission-orientated.

Read the Sustainability Report 2022-2023

RESEARCH IN HEALTH & WELFARE AND SUSTAINABLE ENERGY TOPS THE LIST OF PUBLICATIONS

The fact that the SDGs frame the university's sustainability endeavours is also reflected by AAU contributing no less than 4228 scientific publications within SDG 3. Similarly, AAU impresses again in its work with sustainable energy, where the university contributed 3941 scientific publications over a five-year period within SDG 7. In other words, AAU's choice of missions is reflected in the UN's SDGs.

GREAT SUSTAINABILITY CONTRIBUTIONS FROM STUDENTS AND STAFF

It is also worth noting that AAU is in the process of improving in areas where the university has not previously been at the top. This includes SDG 13, where the climate plan and the participatory workshops have resulted in a better ranking. AAU is also ranked higher on SDG 5, where Girl's Day in Science, blind recruitment and the celebration of International Women's Day are important contributions when it comes to ensuring greater gender equality. Furthermore, there are improvements on SDG 10, where AAU is now No. 2 when it comes to reducing inequality between employees. At the same time, the sustainability report shows that researchers and staff from all faculties contribute to the SDGs - from research and education in sustainable construction, energy systems and climate to future green competences, democracy and sustainable tourism.

"The Sustainability Report presents many fine examples of the sustainability work carried out by students and researchers at AAU. It shows that knowledge can and must change the world, and that we as a knowledge institution have a special obligation to contribute," says Per Michael Johansen.